10+ Expert Winter Skin Care Tips for Preventing Cracking & Dry Skin

Cold and blustery conditions in winter can wreak havoc on your skin, making it dry and itchy. Though people are aware that their skin is dry, they often unknowingly make mistakes that make their skin worse. 

These 15 winter skin care tips will help you fight against the causes of dry winter skin and keep your skin moist and supple all season long. 

Essential winter skin care tips by dermatologists

Use a Humidifier to Maximize Moisture

The winter air pulls moisture from the skin, making it dry and itchy. Therefore, one of the best tips for winter skin care routine is to use a humidifier. Run it in the spaces you spend the most time in to keep your skin hydrated and moist. 

Drink a lot of Water

You can also moisturize yourself from the inside out by drinking plenty of water daily. This is among the most practical winter skin care tips for the face, as water does wonders for your skin during the winter months when we lose moisture more often. 

Lower the Thermostat 

Best winter skincare tips

While central heat can keep you warm during the winter, it makes the air in your house even drier and sucks hydration from your skin. To have healthy skin, set the thermostat at  68°F to 72°F. 

Limit Shower Time 

It may be tempting to take a long, hot shower in the winter, but the AAD suggests that the best duration of time should be from 5 to 10 minutes. 

For winter face skin care tips, be sure not to use excessively hot water to protect your skin from red and irritation. Find that warm comfort by cozying up in a blanket afterward instead. 

Opt for Gentle Cleansers

Choose proper soaps to improve itchy, dry skin. Wash with a moisturizing cleanser or gel instead of bar soap to soften your skin. You are also advised to use less soap overall to prevent winter skin problems.

Proper Skincare Regimen for the Season

Choosing a proper care regimen is one of the best winter tips for skin. What makes your skin happy during summers can be a curse for it during winters. That’s why you need to change your skincare products accordingly. 

Winter season skin care tips

During the winter months, choose cream-based cleansers as well as apply toners and astringents sparingly. Your skin is dry and itchy, so the AAD suggests avoiding products containing alcohol and fragrances to help the skin retain its natural oils. 

Apply a richer moisturizer to your face at night. Care for your lips as well by using a moisturizing balm to heal dry, cracked lips.

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Moisturize Frequently

Of all winter skin tips, regularly moisturizing the skin is considered the key to a balm and healthy skin, especially after washing up using a cream or ointment in the winter.

Applying hand cream after each wash can help, as can wearing waterproof gloves when washing dishes or cleaning around the house. This also applies to nail care in winter!

Apply Sunscreen 

Regarding winter skin care tips, most people think sunscreen is only applied on sunny days. 

However, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, bright winter days can produce 80% of the sun’s rays, increasing your risk of exposure. 

Therefore, in winter, it is essential to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, whether you are at home or walking through a parking lot.

Apply sunscreen even when you’re at home

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wool and rough clothing that directly touches your skin can cause dry skin to get itchy. So, you should wear light layers made from soft and breathable materials directly against your skin and then pull on warmer sweaters. 

Protect your hands by using gloves or mittens, remembering to choose a pair that won’t irritate your skin. If you prefer wool gloves, put on cotton or silk glove liners first.

Eat Right and Stay Hydrated

In addition to the best winter skin care routine, you can not ignore the role of foods or supplements. Those with omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids can help combat dry skin and leave your skin moisturized. 

Moreover, consume a lot of seasonal fruits and veggies to stay healthy during the cold weather. 

Top winter beauty tips

Change out of Wet Clothes 

Wet clothes and shoes can cause itchy and irritated skin. If they get wet, remove them as soon as possible. 

Fix the Winter Itch

Severely dry skin can result in winter itch. Thus, ensure that you add more moisture to your skin and fight dryness using products containing ceramides. 

You can also use an ointment for added moisture and protection. Remember to adapt your skincare routine during the winter—one of the best effective skin care tips for winter. 

Clean your skin once or twice a day, in the morning and before hitting the sack. After washing your face in the morning, apply a light daily moisturizer to lock in moisture. At night, use a heavy moisturizer or overnight cream. 

Exfoliate the Skin

You may think exfoliation is not necessary if your skin is dry and itchy, but the opposite is true. Exfoliating your skin during winter when you have dry, itchy skin has many benefits. 

This not only removes dry, dead skin cells but also regenerates new ones. 

 

Face care for winter season

Avoid Licking Your Lips 

Licking sore lips will exacerbate dryness and cause ‘lick eczema.’ One of the most effective winter skin care tips is to use an ointment to seal your lips, particularly before eating. 

Monitor Scaly Skin for Dermatitis

Scaling around your nose and eyebrows in the winter months can be a sign of dermatitis. To reduce recurrence, we recommend checking with your GP and applying Canesten cream to the affected areas twice a day for a week and every so often.

Conclusion 

Winter has a lot of wonderful things - it’s true. But its extreme weather is the enemy of your skin in that it robs the natural moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and itchy. That’s why it’s essential to take care of it. We hope the winter skin care tips above will help keep your skin super happy during winter. Do you have any helpful tips for winter skin care? Share it with us by leaving a comment in the comments section below.