The Top 10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

 Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, and it can feel like there’s no escape: Cold, blustery conditions outside leave your skin red and raw, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from your skin.

Even the things that make winter wonderful, such as sitting by a roaring fire, can dry your skin, as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes. And although a hot shower can warm you up, hot water strips skin of its natural oils, according to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Happily, there are many ways to combat the causes of dry skin and keep yourself moist and supple all season long, including some easy changes to your everyday routine.

Read on for 10 simple, dermatologist-approved tips for glowing winter skin.

Top 10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

1. Invest in a Humidifier to Maximize Moisture

“In the cooler winter months, the outdoor air typically holds onto less water and is drier and colder,” says Naissan O. Wesley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California. A humidifier in your home or office will restore moisture to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Run a humidifier in your entire home or in rooms you spend the most time in, and aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. One option is to turn it on overnight while you’re sleeping. If you’re unsure of your home’s humidity levels, you can purchase a humidity meter, such as the highly rated Goabroa unit ($4.90, Amazon.com).

2. Keep Thermostat Temperatures Cool and Comfortable

If you’re looking to escape dry, chilly outdoor air, you may be tempted to crank up the heat as soon as you get home. But high central heat can make the air in your house even drier, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Try a cool yet comfortable setting to prevent your skin from drying further — the AOCD recommends 68 to 75 degrees F.

3. Lower Water Temperatures for Showering and Hand-Washing

Long, steamy showers may sound like a great idea when it’s cold and blustery, but very hot water can dry out the skin, says Marie Hayag, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics in New York City. A 5- to 10-minute warm shower (or bath) is less likely to worsen dry skin than a hot one, suggests the AAD.

A good rule of thumb: If the water causes your skin to turn red, it’s too hot, says University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

You should also avoid using excessively hot water when washing your hands. This is especially true if your hands tend to be red, scaly, and itchy (potential signs of eczema on the hands, per the National Eczema Association). Dry skin from exposure to hot water or cool winter air can trigger an eczema flare-up.

Cooler water seems to be as effective as warm water at removing germs and is less irritating to skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

4. Opt for Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers

Bar soap can worsen dryness by stripping the skin’s natural oils and disrupting the microbiome, Dr. Wesley says.

“For those with dry skin, I recommend using body wash,” Dr. Hayag says. “Look for washes that are labeled ‘for sensitive skin’ or ‘dye free’ and ‘fragrance free.’ Oftentimes they contain fewer drying ingredients and more moisturizing ones like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, oils, shea butter, and oats.”

Also, look for products labeled “fragrance-free,” advises the AAD. "Unscented" products may actually contain chemicals that neutralize scent and can cause irritation.

5. Modify Your Skin-Care Regimen for the Season

If your skin is dry and itchy, Hayag recommends you scale back on the use of skin-care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids on the face, as these can cause the issue to worsen and may even be a sign of an irritant dermatitis (a skin reaction that occurs after prolonged exposure to an irritating substance). “Once the skin is healed, you can restart the retinoid and alpha-hydroxy acids slowly,” she says.

In addition to skipping AHAs and retinoids when the skin on your face is dry, the AAD recommends steering clear of products that contain alcohol and fragrances, as this will help skin retain its natural oils.

Instead, choose oils and creams for your skin-care routine, and consider applying a moisturizer on top of your toner if the latter is causing dryness, Wesley says.

At night, use a richer moisturizer on your body, including your arms, legs, and midsection. “Look for occlusives, such as petrolatum, squalene, and shea butter,” Hayag says. “These are ingredients that seal in moisture by forming a protective seal over the skin.” Hayag also recommends seeking out a product with moisturizing humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These are great ingredients for the face, as they allow the skin to breathe and are unlikely to contribute to acne.

And don’t forget to moisturize the rest of your body, either. “For the body during the winter, I recommend using a thicker cream that comes out of a jar or tube as opposed to a pump,” Wesley says. “Lotions that come out of a pump tend to be thinner and more watery, so they can often just evaporate from the skin's surface after application and are not thick and moisturizing enough.”

As for your lips, a moisturizing balm (such as petroleum jelly or another ointment) can help heal dry, cracked lips and keep them from getting chapped, according to the AAD.