Your Survival Guide to Dry Skin in Winter

Picture this: You step inside after braving the frigid winter wind, and suddenly, your skin feels tight and itchy. Sound familiar? Winter can be brutal on your skin, but don't worry—you're not destined to hibernate with dry, irritated skin until spring arrives.

Discover the secrets of keeping your skin radiant and healthy during the coldest months of the year—thanks to expert insights from Dr. Chelsea Azarcon, a naturopathic medical doctor with Restore Naturopathic Medicine in Granite Bay, California.

Why winter is tough on skin

First, let's understand the enemy. Winter creates a perfect storm for skin dehydration, says Dr. Azarcon. It isn't just cold; it's a full-on assault on your skin. Lower humidity levels cause moisture to evaporate from your skin, while cold temperatures deplete crucial moisturizing oils. And those cozy indoor heaters and hot showers? While these go-to comfort measures feel great, they're actually making matters worse.

Your skin barrier—a protective layer of fatty compounds and dead skin cells—becomes vulnerable during winter. This barrier shields you from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollutants, and when compromised, can lead to increased sensitivity and dryness, explains Dr. Azarcon.

“Individuals with a skin barrier that is already compromised may be more prone to even drier winter skin,” says Dr. Azarcon, noting skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema and skin damage such as sunburn as examples. “But it can also occur as the result of hormone imbalances, poor sleep, inflammatory diet, changes in the gut microbiome, use of tobacco, genetics, infections, and aging.”

Hydrate from the inside out

The battle against dry skin in winter starts from within, so skin hydration offers your first line of defense. Dr. Azarcon recommends drinking around 60 ounces of fluid daily. Pro tip: Herbal tea counts! Not only will this keep you hydrated, but it will warm you up when those temps plunge.

And here's a delicious winter hack: Load up on citrus fruits. They're not just packed with water—they're also rich in vitamin C, a crucial ingredient for collagen production. Translation? Juicy oranges and grapefruits are basically edible skincare.

Moisturize like a pro

When it comes to moisturizers, Dr. Azarcon suggests thick, oil-based products that trap your skin's natural oils. Your summer lightweight lotion won't cut it in winter; however, be cautious with comedogenic products that might clog pores.

“For example, I often see patients using coconut oil at home to moisturize,” Dr. Azarcon points out. “While this seems like a thick, oil-based moisturizer, it has a high comedogenic scale and is likely to cause breakouts.”

She suggests layering hyaluronic acid (a protein sugar complex that our skin naturally produces) under your moisturizer for maximum hydration. For extra nourishment, consider adding a recovery oil (think jojoba or avocado oil) to your routine. And for problem areas like hands and feet, use specialized ointments or balms.

Clean your skin wisely

Those long, steamy showers feel like heaven on cold winter mornings. Unfortunately, those hot temperatures wreak havoc on your skin. Keep showers short, opt for lukewarm water, and avoid harsh soaps that strip away your skin's natural oils.

And, yes, you want to keep flu germs at bay. But Dr. Azarcon advises against excessive application of hand sanitizer, which can further deplete oils in skin.

Try adding oil cleansing to your routine as a supplemental cleansing method. Using a plant-based oil appropriate for your skin type provides a natural, gentle way to removed dirt and makeup while maintaining your skin's natural oil balance.

Winter skincare routine makeover

When the calendar hits December, it’s time to refresh your skincare routine. A winter update means reducing or eliminating harsh acids like salicylic and retinoic acids that can dry out your skin. And exfoliate sparingly—maybe just twice a week—to keep your skin barrier happy.

And, don't skip the sunscreen in winter. Know that UV damage doesn't take a winter vacation, so neither should your sun protection.

Extra protection tactics

Looking for a few more ways to keep your skin happy? Dr. Azarcon offers these tips for getting strategic with your winter skin defense:

• Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
• Use moisturizing face masks weekly.
• Carry a hydrating facial mist for on-the-go moisture.
• Protect your face with scarves against harsh winds.
• Don't forget your lips—they're often the first to suffer. Try a moisturizing lip balm.

Embrace these expert skincare tips, and you'll keep your skin glowing all winter long.