Winter Skincare Tips: Protecting Your Skin from the Cold Weather

By Pacific Derm on January 24 2025

As winter rolls in, many people experience changes in their skin due to the cold, dry air and the harsh elements of the season. Whether it’s flaky skin, redness, or irritation, the winter months can take a toll on our skin’s appearance and health.

Good news – with the right skincare habits, you can keep your skin hydrated, glowing, and protected throughout the colder months. Below, we’ll discuss the science behind winter skin changes and share expert skin care tips for winter, including advice from our dermatologists at Pacific Derm on how to combat the common challenges of the season.

How Winter Affects Your Skin

Understanding how the skin reacts to cold weather can help you take the right steps to protect it. Here are the primary ways winter weather impacts your skin:

Dry Air

The cold air outside and the heating systems inside both contribute to low humidity levels, which strips moisture from the skin. Dry air causes your skin to lose its natural moisture, resulting in dry, tight, and sometimes itchy skin. Prolonged exposure to dry air can also lead to more serious issues, such as cracked skin or exacerbating pre-existing skin conditions like eczema.

Decreased Oil Production

In the winter months, your skin’s oil production slows down. This is because colder weather and lower humidity levels reduce the skin’s ability to maintain a balanced moisture level. As a result, you may notice that your skin feels drier and more sensitive than usual. This reduction in oil production can also make your skin more prone to irritation and flakiness, further emphasizing the need for a more hydrating skincare routine.

Barrier Damage

Winter winds and harsh weather conditions can weaken the skin’s natural protective barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to irritation and damage. This can lead to conditions like redness, dryness, and an increased susceptibility to environmental pollutants. Without proper care, this damage can lead to long-term sensitivity, making it more difficult for your skin to recover during the warmer months.

UV Exposure

Many people associate sun damage with the summer months, but UV rays are present year-round—even in the winter. The reflection of sunlight on snow and ice can intensify UV exposure, making it important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects during winter too. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, leading to cumulative skin damage over time.

Winter Skincare Tips by Dermatologists: How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Glowing

Now that we understand how winter affects our skin, let’s dive into some effective winter skincare tips to keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and protected throughout the cold season.

1. Hydrate Inside and Out

One of the most important skin care tips for winter is to stay hydrated. The dry winter air can sap moisture from your skin, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water to maintain hydration from within. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.

You can also switch to a heavier moisturizer, which helps lock in moisture. Look for products like the Riversol line, which uses hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin. Ceramides are another ingredient that strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier. These ingredients help keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry or flaky.

2. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

The best skin care winter tips should instruct you to take a gentler approach to cleansing. Foaming cleansers, which are typically used to remove excess oil, can strip the skin of its natural oils—something you want to avoid in the winter months. Instead, switch to a cream-based or oil cleanser that hydrates as it cleanses. These cleansers are much more moisturizing and will help maintain your skin’s protective barrier.

3. Exfoliate Wisely

Exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells and prevent flakiness, but you must be careful not to overdo it. During the winter, your skin is already more vulnerable, so opt for gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week. Avoid harsh scrubs that can damage your skin. Instead, use mild exfoliants containing enzymes or AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) to gently slough off dead skin cells.

4. Apply Sunscreen Daily

Even in winter, sunscreen is essential. UV rays can still damage your skin even on cloudy days, and snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, intensifying the exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin every day, regardless of the weather. Choose a sunscreen with moisturizing properties, like EltaMD, to help hydrate your skin while offering protection.

5. Use a Humidifier

Indoor heating systems can dry out the air in your home, which in turn dries out your skin. Consider using a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom, while you sleep. A humidifier will add moisture back into the air, helping your skin stay hydrated.

6. Don’t Forget Lip and Hand Care

Your lips and hands are the most vulnerable during the winter months. Use a lip balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil to prevent dry, cracked lips. For your hands, choose a rich, nourishing hand cream that contains glycerin or lanolin to lock in moisture and prevent cracking. Keep these products in your purse or car to apply throughout the day.

7. Protect Your Skin Outdoors

When braving the cold, protect your skin by covering it as much as possible. Wear a scarf to shield your face from cold winds, and wear gloves to keep your hands from drying out. Choose scarves made of soft, breathable materials like cotton or silk to avoid irritation.

Professional Winter Skincare Treatments at Pacific Derm

While following at-home skin care tips for winter is essential, sometimes professional treatments can provide an extra boost during the winter months. At Pacific Derm, we offer a variety of treatments designed to address winter-specific skin concerns and restore a glowing complexion.

Laser Treatments

For those dealing with redness or texture issues, laser treatments can help improve the appearance of the skin. Lasers stimulate collagen production, which helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and reduce redness or inflammation. It’s a non-invasive option that can boost your skin’s overall health during the colder months. Some great options are the Fraxel and IPL treatments.

Common Winter Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

While it’s important to follow proper skin care tips in winter, it’s just as important to avoid certain skincare mistakes that can make matters worse. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliating too often can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to further dryness and irritation. During the winter, your skin is already under stress from the cold air and indoor heating, so over-exfoliating can exacerbate these issues. Stick to exfoliating 1-2 times per week with gentle products, such as those with mild acids or enzymes, to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin’s barrier. Avoid harsh physical scrubs, which can create micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation and sensitivity.

Skipping Sunscreen

Even in winter, UV rays can cause damage. Don’t skip sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy or snowy outside. In fact, snow can reflect up to 88% of UV rays, intensifying exposure. Winter sunburns are just as damaging as summer burns, so be sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin every day. Look for a sunscreen that also provides hydration, as it will help protect your skin from both the sun and the drying winter air.

Using Hot Water

Hot showers and washing your face with hot water may feel soothing on a cold winter day, but they can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dehydration and irritation. Hot water also causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can exacerbate redness and sensitivity, especially in those with conditions like rosacea.

Instead, opt for lukewarm water when cleansing your skin. If you find it hard to avoid hot showers, consider keeping your shower time short to minimize exposure to drying heat.

Neglecting Hydration

It’s easy to forget about hydration in the winter months, but it’s crucial. Cold air combined with indoor heating can cause moisture to evaporate from your skin, leaving it parched and dull. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Use a thicker, more emollient moisturizer that is designed to lock in moisture to prevent water loss, draw moisture into the skin, and maintain hydration. Don’t forget to hydrate your lips and hands, which are especially prone to dryness and cracking during the colder months.

Why Choose Pacific Derm for Winter Skincare Advice?

At Pacific Derm, we’re dedicated to providing expert skincare advice and treatments to help you tackle any challenges that come with the winter months. Our team of dermatologists can recommend the best products and services for your skin type, ensuring that your skin remains healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long.

If you’re experiencing winter skin woes, we invite you to book a consultation with us. Let us help you create a personalized skincare routine to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, no matter the weather.