If there is ever a time to treat our skin with a little extra TLC, it should be during the winter when frigid temperatures, icy winds and plummeting humidity are in full effect. Your skin isn't safe indoors either as the heat which feels nice and toasty on your body can really zap the moisture right out of it. Fortunately there are measures that we can take to soothe and banish dry, itchy and cracked winter skin.
A long steamy shower or bath might seem like a good idea to warm up but prolonged exposure to hot water strips the moisture from your skin. Tepid temps and limiting the time to under 10 minutes are a better bet. If you don't want to give up your baths, try adding some colloidal oatmeal and oil to soothe your skin. Also be careful not to over-wash your hands during the winter.
Change up your cleansers
Give up the harsh soaps with detergent and heavy fragrances and any products with alcohol. There are many cream, balm and oil cleansers out there these days that add a boost of hydration and are also suitable even for those with oily skin.
For the face: Ren Rosa Centifolia No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm // Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm // DHC Deep Cleansing Oil // The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil, Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk // Vichy Labratories Purete Thermale Intensive Cleansing Milk
For the body: Kiehls Creme de Corp Nurturing Body Washing Cream // CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser // L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil // Weleda Creamy Body Wash, Body Shop Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash // Aveda Beautifying Crème Cleansing Oil
Choose your moisturizers wisely
Switch up those lotions for creams preferably one that contains ceramides. The emollients in heavier moisturizers hydrate more intensely and will help form a barrier on your skin to retain moisture longer. Be sure to apply them when your skin is still slightly damp to bind the moisture to your skin.
For the face: Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentraté // Dr. Haushka Rose Day Cream // Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream // Avene Rich Compensating Cream // Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Fortifying Hydrator // S.W. Basics Cream
For the body:
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Oil Balm // CeraVe Moisturizing Cream // Body Shop Shea Body Butter // Boots No. 7 Cocooning Body Balm // Skinfix Body Repair Balm // Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream
For the hands: Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn Broad Spectrum SPF 40 // Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve // Soap & Glory Endless Glove 2-in-1 Moisture Mask & Hand Cream // Aveda Hand Relief Cream // Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector // ShiKai Borage Therapy Hand Cream
Use oils
Oils applied topically are wonderful as they create a protective layer that holds onto water better thereby helping your skin to rebalance itself quicker. There are many good commercial beauty oil options on the market these days but if you want to go natural, you can look for pure coconut oil, olive oil or avocado oil or vitamin E oil and jojoba oil.
For the face: RMS Beauty Beauty Oil, Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend // Oli Biologique Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil // Sonia Kashuk Radiant Boost Restorative Facial Oil // Body Shop Olive Beautifying Oil // Boots Botanics Facial Oil
For the body: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-purpose Dry Oil // Fresh Sugar Ultra Nourishing Body Oil // Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil // Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil // Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions Coconut Oil // OGX Hydrating Dry Body Oil
Exfoliate gently
Don't be afraid to exfoliate your skin especially if it is chapped or flaking. With extreme dry skin there is a buildup of dead cells and light exfoliation will revitalize your skin while promoting cell turnover so moisturizers can go to work. Cleansing with a gentle exfoliator followed by a milk or cream cleanser is a great way to banish patchy dry skin.
For the face: One Love Organics Brand New Day Microderma Scrub & Masque // Tatcha Polished Rice Enzyme Powder // Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant // Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub // Mario Badescu Strawberry Face Scrub
For the body: Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Body Wash // Juara Invogortaing Coffee Scrub // Kiehls Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish // Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub // Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub // S.W. Basics Body Scrub
Put a mask on it
The new crop of sleep masks are really a good thing and so easy to use. Slather one on right before bed, let it do it's thing overnight and wake up to dewy replenished skin.
To try: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask // Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water Max Sleeping Mask // Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask // Garnier Ultra Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream // Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Sleeping Facial // Kiehls Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
Drink plenty and drink often
Drinking ample amounts of water will help to replenish the moisture lost from your body/skin and also flush out unwanted toxins. Be wary of drinks with caffeine and alcohol as they can dry you from the inside out.
Hydrate with food
Consuming foods rich in healthy fats like oily fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout) nuts and avocados and vegetables with a high water content like cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, radishes and broccoli can provide a moisture boost as well as nourish your skin and body.
Take your supplements
Omega-3 fish oils supplements are not only good for your heart but they can also help to regulate the skin's production of oil and prevent wrinkles while reducing inflammation.
To try: Nature Made Flaxseed Oil 1000 mg Soft Gels
Add moisture back into your air
Counteract the low humidity due to cold air and overheated spaces by using a humidifier. Try using a cool mist model at night in your bedroom with the door closed to maintain a healthy level of moisture. Your skin and your nasal passages will thank you.
Skip the fragrance
Perfumes containing alcohol can mess with your skin's moisture levels. Try fragrance oils instead if you can't stand to be without your favorite scent.
Don't forget your SPF
The sun may not feel hot but it's still as harsh as ever during the winter. UV rays can reflect off the snow just as they do the sand and water during the summer so make sure you apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to your face and any exposed areas before heading outdoors. And reapply if you're out there for awhile.
To try: La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Melt in Sunscreen Milk // Suntegrity Sunscreen Face Protection SPF 30 // Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen with Olive Polyphenols Broad Spectrum SPF 40 // Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion // MyChelle Sun Shield SPF 28 Coconut // Alba Botanic Hawaiian Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 45
What do you do to stave off dry winter skin? I can't imagine winter without my humidifier.
Photo: Song Hye Kyo for Laneige
59 comments
These are all such great tips! I only drink water but I definitely need to intake more throughout the day!
Rowena, what would you specifically recommend for that bumpy dry leg skin? EW! Sorry, but I get so dry in the winter. I exfoliate and moisturize but I think I need a really good product.
These are some really good tips! From everything above I only drink water a lot but I also drink coffee... I don't use SPF creams but I've heard many times not to forget them. I am going to try the tip with the shower and the Omega-3 fish oils supplements. At least is something... Thank you very much for these tips, Rowena!
I've been bad and neglecting my supplements. Gotta add that to my grocery list.
A humidifier is a great idea. I'm going to try to look for the one you linked to. These are all very great tips!
Great tips. It's summer where I live so not entirely applicable but still good to know. I had recently read somewhere about the hot shower thing, before I was completely oblivious to it
Sxx
www.daringcoco.com
Hi Rowena! Well, those are really great and perfect tips which I share too! In winter I try to put more attention on my skincare routine to avoid dryness, just this morning I put on a mask as I feel my face needs it. But you made me think I maybe took long showers/baths, should I reduce them. Also drink more and try to choose cream with spf and the right food. Have a lovely week ahead Rowena, many kisses! xo
Lovely tips! I'll take all of these into account. Wintertime can be so harsh on your skin (and overall mood) thank you for sharing!
xo naomi
www.naomiinwonderland.com
I am really bad at taking hot showers, I Know it's so bad for the skin but I can't help it :(
Very helpful and informative post.
Stella from a A Shiny Place
Great tips! What I've learned this winter is that I really need to apply toner ASAP after cleansing or else my skin gets SUUUUUPER dry because the air sucks all the moisture out of it.
I didn't actually use a humidifier in winter until I had kids! Cray cray! But now, I do realize how important it is.
And I really wanna try that Cerave cream.
Such a great post, so helpful! :)
http://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca/
twitter.com/floralandsmiles
These are great tips doll, I really need to put some of them to good use!! My hands are becoming a little dry at the moment!! Happy Monday xxx
Great tips to stay smooth enjoy your day doll.
Great tips, Rowena. Thx for sharing.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
love all of these products! i love your recommendations.
Awesome tips, Rowena! Always wonder how these Korean stars have such flawless skin........... xoxo
Great post and tips. I agree, and eat fruits and veggies, with fish. Also, drinking plenty of water, but not too much is definitely essential. Thanks for sharing.
/Madison
Weekend Brunch
wonderful winter tips dear...but I cannot avoid hold showers and bath. It's the only spa and relaxation I can afford to myself and I don't plan to give it up. I'm aware, however, that it dries the skin and I try to moisturize my skin regularly.
http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
*hot showers and bath
So many great tips. It's hard to remember to not stay in the warm shower too long!
xx 365Hangers
I am horrible with face mask, always forget and I need to use more of it. I keep telling myself I need to use it but so far I have only used once in 2015. Ugh!
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Wonderful tips! Even I'm hooked to long hot showers but I moisturize immediately after
Keep in touch
xx
www.JuneWantsItAll.com
Perfect routine, great tips Rowena... thanks for sharing!
Keep smiling!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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This was awesome Rowena! I've heard so many good things about the brand REN. I've never tried a cleansing balm, before. I will have to. I love DHC oils. I have a humidifier and I believe in moisturizing! I'm saving this to try some of these products. Love it!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Great tips!!!
Have a good week, dear Rowena!!! g+ and like's for you!!!:)))
Besos, desde España, Marcela♥
I had no idea that hot water/long showers was bad for skin - I'll have to start taking shorter showers.
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Ohh this post is very interesting Rowena.
Great products
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog
Yes I know, my hands feel like dry wood. I usually do use body oil in the winter but forget to get some this post reminded me to do that. And yes I do use a heavier cream in winter.
Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
My skin is dry naturally and it's worse during winter. My roommate has a humidifier and I know he really likes it.
I totally agree with you about the long hot showers but I love hot showers lol.
Beautetude
Very good points, I always use facial masks, moisturizers and sunscreen, plus no use of toilet soap.
www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com
Wonderful information here So important to take care of your skin in the winter months I always have issues with my hands getting chapped so try to cream them daily A really wonderful post!! thank you!!
Rosemary
www.nycstylelittlecannoli.com
Great tips, Rowena. I do all the above except taking supplements. Is there a particular brand that you'd recommend?
Wonderful tips! I love using coconut and jojoba oil :)
Great and interesting post!
GARCONDAILY.COM / MEN'S FASHION BLOG
i am guilty of long HOT showers! i can't give them up even though my eczema-prone skin hates me for it!
Very valuable tips. It's true that the skin has different needs during winter and we need to adopt the appropriate care.
www.LUXESSED.com
It's freezing cold and snowing over here. So I'm really grateful for all your awesome tips. I always had problems with dry skin and lips during the winter. I can't resist a long hot bath though haha. I know they are bad. I love coconut oil and wish that I had discovered it earlier. Have a happy Tuesday Rowena!!
xx glamdevils.com / miradevils.blogspot.com
I love tips about self-pampering, we never do enough to take care of ourselves!
Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose - Valeria Arizzi
I try to drink lots of water because I drink lot of coffee, too. I have two humidifiers and have them on all winter (disinfecting them weekly is the tricky part!).
Mixing light unscented oil with my daily body moisturizer has worked for me as I don't like the "cold" feeling after I rub oil right after shower. ;p
i loove that you included food and other things to care for the skin. so very true! just a well rounded post!
I feel like a terrible person Rowena haha, I'm lacking in so many of the categories you've mentioned! Hydrate, nourish and supplement are all going well, but I can see I'm neglecting everything else. Thanks for the reminder! :)
aglassofice.blogspot.co.uk
x
Another awesome post! That Korean lady in the photo is from Endless Love right? :D Have a fun Wednesday!
xoxo;
STYLEFORMANKIND.COM
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So true that our skin needs extra care during the winter! The elements are harsh and our skin isn't even safe indoor with the heat and no fresh air. I think hydration and eating well are so key! We tend to forget to have much water in the winter because it's so cold, but it's super important.
Great tips, Rowena. I certainly o er wash my hands and need to be more careful with the hot shower. Can't wait for the cold winter to end.
Wow! Thanks for sharing these great tips!
www.effortlesslady.com
Hi Rowena, these are great tips! Want to out more attention on winter on my skin
Ciao
Mywishstyle
I was just sharing with someone that I need to get better at my winter regime with the dryness I'm combating. Perfect timing for this post
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
These products are wonderful, great suggestions!
Kisses,
Benedetta
http://www.daddysneatness.com
These are some great tips! I know in the winter I definitely have to apply lotion because my skin dries out so. I drink mainly water, but I should drink more. When I'm at work I'm just so busy that I don't have time to do anything!
Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights
i live for oils (vit e oil) during the winter time!!! :D
Animated Confessions
I'm outside a lot in the winter so I usually have to eventually go straight for pure shea butter. Nothing else is strong enough. That and I drink a lot of water.
Sounds like NYC is converting things as fast as Boston. I'm not sure why so many of the buildings are luxury condos. There were some tiny 300ish sq. ft. 'affordable' condos that were even above my budget. I don't even think I want to know what the luxury type costs.
Thanks for the reminder! Stay warm, hydrated and moisturized!
xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living
Oils are my savior. They are great both for skin and hair! Lovely post :)
petitepralines.blogspot.com
Great tips! My skin gets really dry in the winter. Drinking lots of water, exfoliating, and moisturizing is key to keeping my skin looking hydrated!
http://mollyandstacie.com/
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