When the temperature drops and the indoor heat turns up, your skin feels the difference. Cold, dry air outside and heated air inside both pull moisture from your skin, leaving it dry, itchy, and irritated.
While moisturizer can help, it’s not always enough to fully protect from winter’s harsh effects.
Our board-certified dermatologists at Associated Skin Care Specialists share their top tips for banishing dry, itchy skin this winter.
Regular soaps wash away dirt and grime, but may also carry some of your skin’s natural oils away. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers that help preserve your skin barrier and add moisture back in.
Choose creamy, liquid formulas over bar soaps to get more moisturizing power.
Hot showers may feel heavenly on cold days, but they leave your skin parched. Long, steamy showers wash away the oils that keep your skin hydrated.
Keep your showers short — 5 minutes, max — and use lukewarm water instead of hot. To avoid irritating your skin, use your hand or a soft cloth to lather up.
You should moisturize as often as needed during winter, but it’s most important to build this into your post-shower bathroom routine. Your skin is moist from the water, and applying lotion helps lock the moisture in.
After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, then apply a thick, moisturizing cream or ointment.
A good winter moisturizer comes in a tube or tub, not a pump. Creams and ointments are more effective at sealing in hydration than lotions.
Indoor heating systems can make your home’s air extremely dry, which further dehydrates your skin. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping keep your skin hydrated.
Run your humidifier at night when you’re sleeping, and clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
Cold, windy air can chap and dry out exposed skin. Protect your skin with gloves, scarves, and face coverings to keep the moisture in and harsh elements out.
It’s also important to apply sunscreen daily. It’s not as warm as summer, but the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can still damage your skin in the winter, especially when they’re reflected off snow.
Hydration starts from within. Drink water and herbal teas throughout the day to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance.
Good nutrition also supports skin health. Fill your plate with colorful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocados and olive oil to keep your skin strong and resistant. Eat plenty of healthy foods like these.
Not all skin care products are equal. A good moisturizer for dry, itchy skin should contain:
If your skin becomes so dry it cracks, it’s time to schedule a visit with one of our dermatologists. Breaks in the skin put you at risk of infection.
We can examine your skin and create a plan that heals and protects.
Call us today to schedule your appointment. We provide dermatology care at our offices in Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Fridley, Blaine, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
