1. Choose the right moisturizer for the season
In winter, your skin needs extra help. Go for thicker, more nourishing moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, hyaluronic acid, urea, lanolin, and ceramides. These components help retain moisture and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
Apply moisturizer at least twice a day: after showering and before bed. And don’t forget often-neglected areas like knees, elbows, and feet.
2. Lower your shower temperature
As tempting as a hot shower may be during winter, it’s one of the main culprits behind dry skin. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness. Prefer warm, quick showers and always apply a good layer of moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
3. Drink water, even when you’re not thirsty
Cold weather makes you feel less thirsty, but your body continues to lose fluids — and your skin notices. Keep a water bottle nearby and set daily hydration goals. Unsweetened herbal teas are also great options to stay warm and hydrated at the same time.
4. Use a humidifier
With heaters running and windows closed, indoor air becomes very dry. A humidifier helps restore moisture to the air, which benefits both your skin and your respiratory health.
If you don’t have a humidifier, you can improvise by placing a bowl of water in the room or hanging a damp towel near a heat source.
5. Exfoliate gently
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and allows your moisturizer to work better. But in winter, it should be done more gently and less frequently — once a week is enough. Use mild exfoliants and avoid exfoliating if your skin is extremely dry or sensitive.
6. Protect your skin from cold wind
Cold wind can be harsh on your skin, especially on your face and hands. When going out, wear scarves, gloves, and lip balm. And don’t skip sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days — UV rays are still present and can damage your skin.
7. Use body oils
Natural oils are great allies for winter skincare. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and rosehip oil help form a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. You can apply them directly to the skin or mix them with your regular moisturizer.
8. Take care of your lips and hands
Lips are extremely sensitive and suffer a lot in the cold. Use a good lip balm several times a day, especially before going to bed. For hands, invest in specific hand creams and reapply them after washing.
Avoid licking your lips to “moisturize” them — this only makes dryness and cracking worse.
9. Wear comfortable, skin-friendly clothes
Rough or synthetic fabrics can irritate already dry skin. Choose natural fabrics like cotton, especially for clothes that are in direct contact with your skin. Also, avoid rubbing your skin aggressively with a towel — pat it dry gently instead.
10. Eat well
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats helps keep your skin glowing even on the coldest days. Include foods like avocado, flaxseeds, nuts, olive oil, fatty fish (rich in omega-3), and citrus fruits for a boost of vitamin C.