As the cold, dry winter months approach, the skin faces its own set of challenges. In 2024, dermatologists across the U.S. are emphasizing the importance of adjusting skincare routines to protect and nourish skin during the harsh winter weather. With low humidity, strong winds, and indoor heating, winter can be a particularly challenging season for the skin, often leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
The good news is that with the right products and habits, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long. Whether you’re dealing with chapped lips, flaking skin, or an itchy scalp, dermatologists have a wealth of tips to help you navigate winter skincare. Let’s dive into some of the best winter skincare tips for 2024, as recommended by top U.S. dermatologists.
1. Switch to a More Hydrating Cleanser
During the winter months, your usual cleanser may strip your skin of essential oils, leaving it dry and tight. Dermatologists recommend switching to a hydrating cleanser that gently cleanses without removing the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Look for cleansers with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which help to retain moisture and keep the skin barrier intact.
Cream-based cleansers or oil-based cleansers are excellent options for those with dry or sensitive skin. These products provide a soothing effect while cleansing, helping to prevent that tight, uncomfortable feeling that can occur after washing with harsher products.
2. Moisturize Immediately After Washing
One of the most important steps in your winter skincare routine is moisturizing, and timing is everything. Dermatologists suggest applying a thick moisturizer right after you cleanse your skin while it’s still slightly damp. This helps to lock in moisture and form a barrier against environmental stressors.
Look for rich, emollient moisturizers that contain ingredients like shea butter, petrolatum, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help attract and retain moisture, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. If you’re prone to dry skin, opt for occlusive agents like dimethicone or petrolatum, which help prevent water loss by creating a protective layer on the skin’s surface.
For particularly dry areas, such as elbows, knees, and hands, you can use an ointment-based moisturizer or petroleum jelly to provide extra protection against cracking and irritation.
3. Incorporate a Humidifier Into Your Routine
Indoor heating can make the air inside your home extremely dry, leading to moisture loss from your skin. To combat this, dermatologists recommend using a humidifier in your bedroom or living area. By adding moisture back into the air, a humidifier helps prevent your skin from drying out and becoming irritated.
When the air is too dry, your skin can quickly lose hydration, leading to chapped lips, cracked hands, and flaky patches. Humidifiers restore balance, ensuring that your skin stays moist and nourished, especially when you’re spending long hours indoors.
4. Choose the Right Winter Sunscreen
While the winter sun might not feel as strong as the summer rays, it’s just as important to protect your skin from UV damage. Dermatologists emphasize the need for sunscreen year-round, especially during the winter months when snow and ice reflect sunlight, intensifying UV exposure.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for a moisturizing sunscreen with added ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to help hydrate the skin while shielding it from the sun. Many winter sunscreens are formulated with a thicker texture, which can also act as a barrier to cold winds and environmental pollutants.
5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking water is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin all year round, but it’s especially important during the winter months when dehydration is a concern. Cold air, indoor heating, and reduced humidity can all lead to moisture loss, making it important to stay hydrated from the inside out.
Dermatologists recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin properly hydrated. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try adding herbal teas, infused water, or hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon to your daily routine to keep your body and skin nourished.
Additionally, increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, can help strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss, contributing to more resilient, hydrated skin.
6. Protect Your Skin from the Cold
When venturing outside in the winter, protecting your skin from the harsh elements is key. Dermatologists recommend wearing protective clothing, including scarves, hats, and gloves, to shield your skin from cold winds and frigid temperatures, which can dehydrate and irritate the skin.
For your face, apply a thick layer of barrier cream or heavy-duty moisturizer to create a protective shield against the cold. Look for products that are designed to lock in moisture and defend against the wind, especially around the delicate eye and lip areas, which are more prone to dryness.
7. Don’t Forget Your Lips and Hands
In winter, your lips and hands are especially vulnerable to the elements. To prevent chapped lips, dermatologists recommend using a lip balm that contains petrolatum, beeswax, or lanolin to provide a protective barrier and keep lips moisturized. Avoid lip balms with fragrances or artificial flavors, as these can sometimes cause irritation.
For your hands, which often become cracked and dry due to frequent handwashing and exposure to cold air, keep a rich hand cream or ointment in your bag and apply it throughout the day. Look for hand creams with glycerin, shea butter, or ceramides to restore moisture and repair dry skin. Wearing cotton gloves overnight after applying a thick layer of hand cream can also help lock in moisture and promote skin healing.
8. Exfoliate Gently (But Not Too Often)
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that can build up, making your skin appear dull and rough. However, dermatologists recommend being cautious with exfoliation during the winter months, as excessive scrubbing can lead to skin irritation, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin.
Instead, opt for a gentle exfoliator with lactic acid or fruit enzymes, which exfoliate without causing irritation. Exfoliate no more than once or twice a week to avoid stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Be sure to follow up with a thick moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin hydrated.
9. Treat Dry Scalp and Hair
Winter can also take a toll on your hair and scalp. Cold air, indoor heating, and harsh hair products can lead to dry, flaky scalps and dull, brittle hair. To combat this, dermatologists suggest using hydrating hair masks and scalp treatments to restore moisture.
Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are designed for dry or damaged hair and contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid. Consider using a scalp oil or leave-in conditioner to provide additional hydration and keep your scalp from becoming dry and irritated.
10. Be Gentle with Your Skin
Finally, dermatologists stress the importance of being gentle with your skin during the winter months. Harsh scrubbing, hot showers, and rough fabrics can further irritate dry, sensitive skin. Instead, use lukewarm water for showers and avoid using overly hot water, which can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Switch to a soft washcloth or gentle exfoliating mitt to clean your skin, and avoid using harsh, alcohol-based toners or astringents, which can dry out your skin. Opt for a soothing, hydrating toner instead to balance and refresh your skin.
Conclusion: Winter Skincare for a Healthy Glow
Winter skincare is all about providing your skin with the hydration and protection it needs to survive the season’s harsh conditions. By switching to more moisturizing products, using gentle cleansing routines, and taking steps to protect your skin from the cold, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant all winter long.
With these dermatologist-approved tips for 2024, you can combat the challenges that winter brings and maintain glowing, nourished skin all season. Stay consistent with your skincare routine, and your skin will thank you for it, no matter how low the temperature drops outside.
