5 Winter Skincare Tips to Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Healthy, According to Dermatologists
When the winter months roll around, colder temperatures, dry air, and constant heating indoors can take a serious toll on your skin. These harsh conditions lead to dryness, redness, irritation, and even cracking, particularly in exposed areas like your face, hands, and feet. But the good news is that with a few simple skincare adjustments, you can keep your skin hydrated and protected all season long.
Here are five dermatologist-approved skincare tips to help you combat the dryness and discomfort of winter while keeping your skin healthy, moisturized, and glowing.
1. Shorten Your Showers and Avoid Hot Water
While it might feel comforting to take a long, hot shower during winter, this indulgence can actually strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it even drier. Dermatologists recommend limiting your showers to 5-10 minutes and using warm (not hot) water instead.
“Hot water can damage your skin’s outer protective layer, causing it to lose moisture,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “Opt for water that feels like a heated pool during summer—warm but not scalding.”
By reducing the temperature and length of your shower, you can preserve your skin’s moisture barrier and avoid unnecessary dryness.
2. Apply Moisturizer Immediately After Washing
After you step out of the shower, your skin is still damp, which makes it the perfect time to lock in moisture. Dermatologists recommend applying a rich moisturizer immediately while your skin is still slightly moist to trap that hydration.
Dr. Suzanne Friedler, a board-certified dermatologist, advises using thick creams or ointments—rather than lotions—because they contain more emollient ingredients that help seal in moisture. Look for products with ceramides, glycerin, squalene, and oils like jojoba or shea butter, which help repair and hydrate the skin’s barrier.
“If you can, choose a thicker product that will provide a protective layer,” Dr. Melanie Palm, a dermatologist at Art of Skin MD, advises. “Ingredients like ceramides and squalene are excellent at replenishing moisture.”
3. Avoid Irritants and Allergens in Your Skincare
In winter, your skin is especially sensitive, and certain products can make the situation worse. Strong fragrances, harsh soaps, and alcohol-based products can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation.
To minimize irritation, Dr. Palm recommends using fragrance-free, gentle, and hydrating products. Look for soaps, detergents, and moisturizers that are free from alcohol and artificial scents. You can also swap out your typical bath sponge for a soft washcloth to avoid abrasive scrubbing.
“Harsh products like deodorant soaps or products containing alcohol can further irritate your skin, especially during the dry winter months,” Dr. Friedler explains.
4. Stay Hydrated and Use a Humidifier
Proper hydration isn’t just about moisturizing your skin externally—it’s also essential to hydrate from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture levels and supports your overall health.
“Water not only helps your skin stay hydrated but also aids in digestion and keeps your joints lubricated,” explains Dr. Palm. So make sure to drink plenty of water to keep both your skin and body in optimal condition.
In addition, consider using a humidifier in your home. When the cold weather hits, indoor heating systems can cause the air to become incredibly dry, which in turn dries out your skin. A humidifier helps add moisture back into the air, preventing your skin from losing too much hydration.
“Low humidity levels during winter can lead to dry skin, so a humidifier can make a big difference,” Dr. Friedler says. “Adding moisture back into the air can help maintain your skin’s balance.”
5. Seek Professional Help If Needed
If your skin remains dry, irritated, or inflamed after trying these home remedies, it might be time to consult a dermatologist. While many winter skin issues can be addressed with over-the-counter products, more severe conditions like eczema or persistent skin inflammation may require professional treatment.
Dr. Friedler emphasizes that if skin irritation lasts for more than two weeks or starts to interfere with your quality of life, seeing a dermatologist is the best course of action. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if your skin is not responding to at-home care,” she advises.
In cases where the dryness is more severe, dermatologists may prescribe topical steroids or other treatments to reduce inflammation and provide more intensive care.
Bonus Winter Skincare Ingredients to Look For:
In addition to the above tips, adding the right skincare ingredients to your routine can help combat winter dryness. Some ingredients to keep an eye out for include:
- Cocoa Butter – A rich emollient that soothes and moisturizes the skin.
- Shea Butter – Known for its deep hydration and barrier-repairing properties.
- Rosehip Oil – Contains essential fatty acids that help restore skin’s elasticity.
- Jojoba Oil – Hydrates without clogging pores and helps balance skin’s natural oils.
- Sunflower Oil – A light, non-greasy oil rich in antioxidants that boosts hydration.
These ingredients are perfect for your winter skincare arsenal and can be found in a variety of moisturizers, oils, and creams.
Wrapping Up: Keep Your Skin Happy This Winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, flaky, and irritated skin. By following these dermatologist-recommended tips—keeping showers short, moisturizing immediately, avoiding irritants, staying hydrated, and seeking professional care when needed—you can keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and glowing all season long.
As Dr. Zeichner sums up, “Winter skin care is all about preventing moisture loss and strengthening the skin barrier. Small adjustments to your routine can go a long way in maintaining healthy skin during these colder months.”
