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The Winter Skin Saviors You Need During Colder Months

The Winter Skin Saviors You Need During Colder Months featured image
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If you’re old enough to remember those iconic Lubriderm commercials featuring a massive alligator, you probably recall the clever marketing highlighting how dry your skin can get. Winter is when we feel it the most. As temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, so does your skin from head to toe. Moisture loss, irritation and an overall dull appearance can start to show their effects. Fortunately, you can protect your skin during colder months by incorporating the right mix of ingredients into your routine. So, what’s the magic potion for avoiding scaly skin? Our experts weigh in on what to use and what to skip for smooth skin all winter long.

Featured Experts

Which Skin-Care Ingredients Should You Prioritize in Winter?

Winter can be brutal on the skin, so choosing the right ingredients is a must for maintaining moisture and preventing damage. New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD, explains, “Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are key because they draw moisture from the environment into the skin.” These lightweight hydrators are perfect for all skin types and provide a solid base for further moisture retention. 

Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, adds that emollients such as ceramides and squalane work wonders in sealing moisture into the skin’s surface. “Emollients soften and smooth skin by filling in cracks in a damaged barrier, which is especially important in winter,” he notes.

Niacinamide is also a great ingredient to start using if you’re not already, says Southlake, TX and Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. “It helps build proteins in the skin and boosts ceramide production, which is essential for locking in moisture during colder months,” she says, noting it strengthens the skin’s barrier and combats the drying effects of harsh weather and indoor heating.

For more severe dryness or eczema-prone skin, occlusives like petrolatum or dimethicone are vital. “Occlusives create a barrier that prevents water from evaporating from the skin,” says Dr. Schlessinger. This extra layer of protection is especially helpful if your skin tends to crack in the winter.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid?

While most skin-care staples can carry over into the winter months, some ingredients can worsen dryness. “Alcohol-based products and strong exfoliants like glycolic acid can be overly drying when the air lacks humidity,” Dr. Kung advises. “I tell people to put AHAs like glycolic acid aside in winter, especially if they live in cold, dry climates.” She also recommends limiting the use of retinoids during the winter or applying them over moisturizer to buffer their drying effects.

Should You Adjust Your Exfoliation Routine?

Exfoliating in winter is still necessary to keep skin smooth, but it’s important to be mindful of your skin’s sensitivity. Dr. Hopkins suggests swapping harsh exfoliants for gentler alternatives. “Exfoliation still has a place in winter routines but should be gentler. Products with AHA and BHAs help remove dead skin without causing irritation,” she advises.

To avoid over-drying, always follow exfoliation with a moisturizer. “Even if you’re exfoliating, the key is to restore hydration immediately afterward,” says Dr. Kung. This will keep your skin balanced and help you avoid the tight, dry feeling that often comes after using scrubs or exfoliating acids.

How Do Weather and Heat Affect the Skin?

The cold outside and the heat indoors combined can do a number on your skin as both contribute to moisture loss. “Indoor heating dries out the air, making the environment even more challenging for your skin,” says Jordan Samuel Pacitti, aesthetician and CEO of Jordan Samuel Skin. He emphasizes the importance of using a humidifier. “A humidifier can help your skin absorb and retain moisture more effectively,” he explains, noting that it can make a big difference in how your skin-care products work. Dr. Schlessinger agrees and adds that formulations matter as much as ingredients. This is the time, he says, for thick, rich moisturizers. “A rich, creamy base can help protect against the harsh elements.”

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SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator ($192)

Formulated with five types of hyaluronic acid, this hydrating serum offers both immediate and long-lasting moisture. “It’s a must-have for deeply hydrating winter skin,” says Dr. Schlessinger.

skinmedica-HA5-hydra-collagen-hydrator
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Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream ($28)

This cream is designed to restore and protect the skin barrier, making it ideal for winter. It features C+ Restore™, a postbiotic ingredient rich in proteins to repair the skin and a copper-zinc sulfate complex to support skin recovery. “Avène’s Thermal Spring Water is a must,” says Dr. Janine Hopkins.

Avene Cicalfate Restorative Protective Cream
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Jordan Samuel Skin The Matinee Gel Moisturizer ($29)

Oily skin? No problem. If heaviness and greasiness are a concern, try a lightweight hydrating gel moisturizer. With humectants like glycerin and soothing prickly pear seed oil, it’s perfect for oily skin or as a layering step for drier skin. “Glycerin is the gold standard for humectants,” says Pacitti. “It’s perfect for combating  dryness.”

Jordan Samuel Skin The Matinee Gel Moisturizer
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Colorescience Total Protection No Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($45)

This sunscreen boasts broad-spectrum protection without a white cast, perfect for winter sun exposure. Dr. Schlessinger highlights this as the ideal sunscreen for colder months: “It’s perfect for winter activities like skiing.”

Colorescience No Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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TiZO Soothing Skin Protectant ($42)

Combining glycerin, ceramides and dimethicone, this protectant helps relieve and protect chapped skin from winter’s harsh elements. Dr. Schlessinger calls it “a must for anyone facing dry, cold conditions.”

TIZO Soothing Skin Protectant
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SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator ($94)

This gentle exfoliant hydrates while encouraging cell turnover, making it perfect for the harsher, dryer months. “It’s ideal for those needing hydration with light exfoliation,” says Dr. Hopkins.

Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator

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