To help prevent winter skin dryness, moisturize regularly, cleanse gently, and protect your skin from the sun and cold. Ontario winters bring cold outdoor air and dry, heated indoor spaces that can leave skin feeling flaky, tight, and irritated. Just as we need to bundle up against the elements, our skin needs extra reinforcement to stay comfortable and hydrated over the winter. These simple strategies can help you adapt your skincare routine for the season.
1. Layer Up To Support Your Skin Barrier
Just as you wear a base layer to keep the frigid air at bay, layering your skincare products can help combat winter dryness.
- If your skin needs extra hydration, apply a hydrating serum beneath your moisturizer. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to attract moisture, along with ceramides and shea butter to help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
- Consider a richer cream instead of a lightweight lotion during the winter months. Apply it while your skin is still slightly damp after washing and reapply when your skin feels dry.
- If you have normal or oily skin, choose a moisturizer suited to your needs. A lightweight, noncomedogenic formulation can provide moisture without feeling too heavy.
- If indoor heating leaves the air in your home dry, a humidifier may help your skin retain moisture. Clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Protect Your Skin From Winter Sun and Wind
Foregoing your daily sunscreen application and sunglasses due to the dark winter days is a common skincare mistake. There is still plenty of opportunity for sun damage to occur in the winter months. We suggest maintaining the daily habits of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and sunglasses to reduce this preventable damage. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
If you’re also concerned about existing brown spots or uneven skin tone, explore our guide to treatments for sun damage.
Your hands and lips need extra attention, too. Wear gloves outdoors, apply hand cream after washing, and use a fragrance-free lip balm throughout the day. Choose a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher for outdoor use.
3. Use Gentle Cleansers and Keep Showers Warm
As comforting as a hot bath or shower may feel, it can leave your skin drier. Opting for warm water and limiting baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes will do your skin a favour. Here are a few more tips:
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser rather than harsh soaps or scrubs.
- Avoid rubbing your skin with a washcloth.
- Gently pat your skin dry.
- Immediately apply a cream or ointment while skin is still slightly damp.
This process helps lock in moisture and reinforce skin hydration.
4. Ease Up on Exfoliation When Skin Is Dry
Polishing away dead skin cells may seem like the solution to winter flaking, but exfoliating dry, irritated skin can make matters worse. Focus first on gentle cleansing and moisturizing to support your skin’s barrier.
If your skin feels comfortable and you choose to exfoliate, use a gentle method and adjust the frequency based on how your skin responds. Avoid harsh scrubs and reduce or pause exfoliating products if you notice redness, stinging, or increased dryness. If you use a prescribed retinoid, ask your prescriber how to adjust your routine if irritation develops.
When To Seek Help
If your skin remains dry despite these changes, or you develop persistent itching, painful cracks, or bleeding, seek medical advice. You may need treatment for eczema or another condition that requires more than a change in skincare products.
Learn More About Your Skincare Options
Adapting your skincare routine to address seasonal changes is essential to maintain healthy and beautiful skin. To learn more about how you can reduce the drying effects of the cooler temperatures, we welcome you to book a professional consultation with one of our skin experts. They will help you find a routine suited to your skin. Request a consultation using our online form or call us at (519) 746-1132 to arrange your appointment today.
