We try to embrace winter—pie, presents, peppermint bark. But when it comes with dull skin, cracked knuckles, and itchy flakes all over our body, we are in desperate need of some winter skincare tips.
We all know the basics. Keep hydrated, use moisturizer, don’t get sunburned. But we needed some insider guidance to do it correctly and make sure that we’re keeping as soft, supple, and (pleasantly) greasy as possible.
We spoke with Dr. Rina Weimann, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in the Philadelphia area who performs medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder and co-host of the Skin the Surface podcast.
Dr. Weimann broke it down, explaining what causes itchy, winter skin and her best suggestions for how to treat it. So next time you have to run out to Trader Joe’s for some peppermint bark, you’ll be glowing.
What Causes Dry Skin in the Winter?
According to Dr. Weimann, there are three major causes of dry skin that can affect anyone, no matter your age or skin type.
Hot Showers
This one is counterintuitive, because of course we love a steamy, hot shower on a frigid morning. It seems weird, but even though you’re literally in water, Dr. Weimann points out that “hot water may cause damage to the protective barrier of our skin.”
Try turning it down to somewhere closer to warm to protect your skin. Your mental health can take the backseat for once.
Seasonal Changes
This may not be something you deal with, depending on your climate. But Dr. Weimann says that exposure to cold weather and dry air not only dries out your skin, but it can trigger eczema flares.
So…move to the tropics, we guess?
Central Heating
If you have central heating in your home, especially the forced air variety, turning up the heat can contribute to dry skin. Higher heat indoors reduces the humidity, leading to moisture loss.
Just put on another cardigan, you’ll be fine. Also, a humidifier can add moisture back to the air.
5 Winter Skincare Tips
1. Take shorter showers.
Dr. Weimann recommends showering just two to three times per week, and suggests “limiting bathing to less than 10 minutes in lukewarm (not hot) water to help prevent significant water loss from the skin.” Your water bill is a happy co-conspirator.
2. Avoid harsh soaps and all bubble baths.
Use only gentle soaps that are hydrating and fragrance free. Some she recommends are Dove Beauty Sensitive Skin Bar Soap (Unscented) and Vanicream Cleansing Bar.
3. Get rid of loofahs.
Apply the soap or cleanser to your skin gently using just your hands. Say good-bye to loofahs, sponges, and washcloths. Those things lock in bacteria and don’t actually help you get clean. We know they look cute, though, so feel free to leave them as shower decor.
4. Dab or pat your skin with a towel.
When you dry off, just dab or pat gently with a towel. “Avoid scrubbing or rubbing,” Dr. Weimann says, “this may further dry the skin.”
5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Moisturize right away after bathing. Dr. Weimann says that thicker, more emollient formulas such as ointments are more effective at hydration than creams, and creams are better than lotions. Just like how candy canes are better than candy corn, but candy corn is better than nothing.
Dr. Weimann’s Favorite Body Lotions For Dry Skin
1. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Moisturizer
According to Dr. Weimann, this moisturizer is lightweight, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. She recommends this to her eczema and psoriasis patients, as they are excellent for dry, cracked skin, and also work well with prescription topical steroids.
“The ingredients are safe and provide optimum hydration with minimal irritation,” she says, mentioning that it’s also a favorite among her patients of color.
Available on Amazon
2. Petroleum Jelly
If you need a more budget-friendly option, Dr. Weimann sings the praises of plain old petroleum jelly—Vaseline. She says the humble product is a household staple for many of her patients.
She advises patients with dry winter skin to “grease their body after showers with petroleum jelly,” which leaves skin silky smooth. Yes, you might resemble a rotisserie chicken, but when was that ever a bad thing?
She also points out that the ingredients are safe and gentle for sensitive skin.
Available on Amazon
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Facial Cream
We normally advocate for time-saving steps that make things less complicated—we’ve perfected laziness. But you actually really should use a different product on your face than on your body, especially if you’re prone to acne.
One product she loves is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Facial Cream. It’s “infused with hyaluronic acid and boosts the skin’s hydration, improving the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier while not leaving behind an unwanted greasy or oily residue,” she says. But do make sure to also apply sunscreen, as sun damage still happens in the winter. Yes, really.
Available on Amazon
4. CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream
Another option for the face, which has anti-aging properties and contains SPF, is CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream.
Dr. Weimann says it’s her top anti-aging pick because, not only is it non-comedogenic, “it contains ceramides, retinol cream, hyaluronic acid, and sunscreen, which collectively help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing the skin’s natural barrier and most importantly, preventing further moisture loss—often responsible for worsening crepey textural changes.”
That reads “crepey,” but has nothing to do with the food item. We learned that the sad way.
What to Look For in a Moisturizer
Shopping for beauty products is incredibly overwhelming. But Dr. Weimann has just four favorite ingredients she recommends looking for, which we think we can probably remember. If only we can get all the lyrics to “Baby Shark” out of our headspace.
- Niacinamide: Dr. Weimann says this is “an effective moisturizing ingredient that works by increasing the production of essential skin proteins and lipids … which are frequently impaired in individuals with dry skin and eczema.”
- Ceramides: According to Dr. Weimann, “ceramides are skin lipids found in the top layer of the skin, and this is a key ingredient for protecting the skin barrier and preventing skin water loss.”
- Shea Butter: True shea butter, derived from Shea tree fruit, “has soothing, anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and antioxidant effects,” she says.
- Glycerin: This is a humectant, which according to Dr. Weimann, means it helps to draw water back into the skin and also prevents further water loss.
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