Photo Credit: by gpointstudio, freepik.com
Let’s face it: winter is not doing anyone any favors for their skin. The cold, frigid, dry air outside and our heating systems are drying the air even more so inside. Our skin has nowhere else to turn, and its natural barrier to dryness is disrupted quickly. Our skin soon becomes chapped, red, and itchy. What are the mainstays of keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding the itch? Cleanse, protect, and moisturize. What to use, when to use it, and in what order is extremely important. We’ll discuss these Dermatologist recommended tips and more below.
The Winter Skincare Rules Dermatologists Swear By
The first step in preventing your skin from catching a case of “dryness” is cleansing it of all the impurities built up from the day before. The key, Dermatologists say, is picking a facial cleanser that:
• Specifically say “gentle” and “moisturizing.”
• Do not contain alcohol in the ingredients
o This can dry your skin further
For body cleansers, Dermatologists recommend looking out for:
• Those that are liquid, gel, or mousse – “the creamier the better” per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
• Products that are “fragrance-free.”
After gently patting your skin dry, apply any medications or treatments you usually use in your skincare routine. This is based on your medical history and any specific medication needs. As always, these should only be used under the direction of a licensed medical provider, preferably a Dermatologist. These regimens may include:
• Treatments for Acne (Topical) Examples:
o Benzoyl Peroxide
o Topical retinoids (for example, Tretinoin)
o Topical antibiotics (for example, Clindamycin)
o Clascoterone
o Salicylic Acid
o Azelaic Acid
• Treatments for Eczema (Topical) Examples:
o Topical steroids (for example, Clobetasol)
o Non-steroidal topicals (for example, Elidel)
The next step is moisturizing; applying a moisturizer to damp skin helps trap existing moisture and keep your skin hydrated. It is best to use a different moisturizer for your face and body, as facial moisturizers are formulated for the thinner, more sensitive skin on your face. Dermatologists recommend looking out for the following when purchasing your moisturizer:
• Any ointments or creams in a tube or tub
o These thicker formulations trap more moisture within your skin
o Avoid any bottled formulations you have to pump out
• They recommend products containing hyaluronic acid
o It traps water extremely well within your skin
• Other ingredients they recommend and that work well for dry skin:
o Glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and shea butter.
Next, dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen to any sun-exposed skin year-round. This helps protect your skin from aging, roughness,
wrinkles, dryness, and the development of precancerous lesions. Dermatologists say the most important factors to consider in your sunscreen are that it is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, has an SPF of at least 30, and is applied well and evenly. This is the dermatologist-recommended method to protect your skin from harmful UV rays year-round.
Especially during the winter months, you cannot forget your hands! The combination of frequent handwashing (to prevent colds and the flu) with cold, dry air is a recipe for chapped hands. Dermatologists recommend the following steps before tucking yourself into bed for the night:
• Soak hands in warm water
• Apply a cream or ointment (as per the above recommendations)
• Apply cotton gloves
• Turn on your humidifier
This four-step method is the routine your hands need to stay hydrated throughout the winter!
Dermatologists’ Tips for Beating the Winter Dryness
As the frigid air takes hold this winter, these additional tips can help enhance your skincare routine and keep your skin hydrated throughout the season. Dermatologists recommend:
• Avoid long, hot showers
• Avoid using excessively hot water to wash our hands
o Both act to prevent any untoward irritation and stripping away of moisture.
• Reapply hand creams (see above) after washing hands
• Use fragrance-free products to reduce skin irritation
• Consider a humidifier to increase the inside air moisture
• Apply sunscreen – all year round
These steps, combined with the methodical, dermatologist-recommended skincare routine we discussed, are sure to keep your skin from becoming chapped and dry.
Final Takeaway: Simple, Consistent, and Dermatologist Approved
A final reminder of the key takeaways we discussed: cleanse, medicate (if needed), moisturize, and apply sunscreen! Also, don’t forget your hands! Keep any products gentle, fragrance-free, and focused on maintaining your skin’s natural barrier. These are dermatologist-recommended steps that will retain moisture and prevent dryness. With the right order and the right products, winter dryness doesn’t need to win!
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