A Guide to Winter-Proofing Your Skin

Give your skin a radiant glow this winter season with these simple tips.

By Deanna Soukhaseum

Graphic By: GT Nguyen

At this point in the snowy season, it’s extra important for us to take care of our skin to prevent dryness and irritation, keeping our skin looking as healthy as ever. Have you ever noticed dry, red, scaly skin after being out in the cold? That is a classic symptom of the winter itch. Even if you’ve never experienced the winter itch, you’ve likely experienced a less severe version of this, where your skin is drier than usual or irritated due to the cold weather. Fortunately, you can protect your skin while also enjoying the winter climate with these simple tips.

Moisturization is key. In order to have stronger and long-lasting moisturizing effects, it’s best to switch to an oil-based moisturizer since products with higher water content don’t hold in moisture as well. Lighter lotions may not be enough to protect your skin this time of year, so it’s best to look for thicker creams, oils, or balms. Hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil are some excellent options!

Switch your cleanser. Check the cleansers you currently use for ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid, as those drying ingredients can exacerbate the effect of cold air on your skin. Be careful with cleansers that contain alcohol since some forms of alcohol leave your skin more prone to irritation. Instead, use a more hydrating cleanser, but make sure not to overdo it, as too much cleansing removes the skin’s natural oils, and we need that protective barrier to prevent irritation. Like moisturizers, you’ll also want a creamier consistency, but you should also look for “gentle” or “fragrance-free” cleansers as they’re less likely to aggravate your skin. 

Take vitamin D supplements. Exposure to natural sunlight tends to decrease in the winter, lowering your natural vitamin D production. In order to prevent your vitamin D levels from dropping too much, it’s important to take vitamin D supplements for your skin health, maintaining a protective barrier against sun damage and preventing premature aging.

Make sure to sunscreen year-round. Just because there’s less sun exposure in the winter doesn’t mean you can skip out on this crucial step of your skincare routine. The sun can still damage your skin during the colder months, and sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin’s long-term health.

Skincare is essential year-round, but this is especially true during the coldest times of the year. Hopefully, these tips will keep your skin healthy and radiant.