5 Winter Skincare Tips You Absolutely Need to Know, According to Dermatologists
Winter doesn’t come quietly. It barrels in with biting winds, dry air, and frigid temperatures that turn your skin into a battlefield. Your face, hands, and legs become prime targets—flaky, cracked, red, and begging for relief. It’s not just the cold either. Low humidity levels and parched indoor heating team up to suck the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it dull, irritated, and far from radiant.
Why does winter do this? According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor and director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, cold, dry air strips away natural oils, leaving behind microscopic cracks and inflammation in your skin barrier. But here’s the silver lining: Small changes in your skincare routine can work wonders. With the right products and habits, you can shield your skin from winter’s harshest blows.
Here’s how to give your skin the care it desperately needs—straight from dermatologists.
1. Keep Showers Short and Lukewarm
Hot showers are heaven-sent in freezing weather, but they’re secretly sabotaging your skin. Why? The steamy water strips your skin of its essential oils, leaving it parched and vulnerable.
“Aim for showers no longer than 5 to 10 minutes,” says Dr. Suzanne Friedler, MD, board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She advises swapping the scalding hot water for lukewarm. Think of it as stepping into a heated pool in July—pleasantly warm but far from boiling.
2. Moisturize Immediately Post-Shower
Timing is everything. Once you towel off, your skin is primed to lock in hydration—but only if you act fast.
“While your skin is still damp, apply a rich cream or ointment to seal in moisture,” Dr. Friedler recommends. Lotions? Not ideal. They’re often water-light and don’t pack the same hydrating punch as creams or ointments. Look for formulas with powerhouse ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and squalene to restore your skin’s natural barrier.
Pro-tip: Keep your moisturizer near the shower—it’ll become a non-negotiable step in your routine.
3. Dodge Irritants and Allergens
Scented products might smell luxurious, but they’re often skin saboteurs. Soaps, perfumes, and even your favorite laundry detergent can contain irritants that strip away moisture and trigger itchiness, redness, or mild eczema flares.
“Opt for gentle, fragrance-free options across the board,” advises Dr. Friedler. Swap out your abrasive bath sponges for softer cloths, and avoid scratchy fabrics like wool that can further aggravate your skin.
A quick habit to adopt? Read the ingredient labels before adding any new product to your cart. If you see alcohol, dyes, or heavy perfumes—think twice.
4. Hydrate From the Inside Out
Water isn’t just a wellness buzzword. True hydration begins from within, and in the winter months, your body needs that H₂O more than ever.
Melanie Palm is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Art of Skin MD. It’s simple science: Proper hydration keeps your body functioning optimally, from regulating temperature to cushioning joints. The bonus? Supple, healthy-looking skin.
If plain water bores you, try herbal teas or infused water for a winter-friendly twist.
5. Add a Humidifier to Your Home
Winter air outside is dry—and inside, it’s even worse. Cranked-up heating systems zap moisture from your environment, leaving your skin gasping for hydration.
Even a 30% difference in humidity can significantly improve your skin’s hydration levels, studies show. Set one up in your bedroom or main living space, and let it work its magic overnight.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Most winter skin woes can be managed with tweaks to your routine, but sometimes, professional help is necessary. If home remedies aren’t cutting it after two weeks, don’t tough it out.
“Persistent itching, cracking, or irritation could point to a deeper, underlying skin issue,” Dr. Friedler warns. Your dermatologist can prescribe topical or oral treatments, like steroids, to minimize inflammation and give your skin the relief it needs.
Winter skincare isn’t about drastic overhauls—it’s about mindful shifts that make a big difference. Keep showers short, moisturize strategically, avoid irritants, stay hydrated, and let a humidifier help your skin thrive. Simple? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
So when winter winds howl, you’ll be ready. Your skin—hydrated, healthy, and radiant—will thank you.