11 Ways to Treat Dry Skin in Fall/Winter
As the days start to get shorter and temperatures change to signify the arrival of another season, you may begin to notice some not-so-great new changes to your skin and hair. For instance, your skin may feel drier and more tight than usual, making fine lines and wrinkles more visible.
Low humidity and seasonal changes have been tough on my complexion this season (especially around the eyes and lips!). That's why today's post is dedicated to my fellow humans who are also desperate for some skincare tips during the winter season!
AWhat Causes Dry Skin?
Simply put, dry skin occurs when your skin doesn't retain sufficient moisture. The water content of the epidermis tends to reflect the level of humidity around it (Harvard Health), so when temperatures and humidity drops quickly, the skin has to work harder to maintain adequate hydration. Frequent hot showers, harsh soaps, aging, central heat, or some medical conditions can also cause dry skin.
11 Tips to Treat Dry Skin in Fall/Winter
1 // Wash your face with lukewarm water. Hot water feels great, especially when its cold out, but it can strip your skin of natural oils, making it more dry. Once you cleanse, use a towel to gently pat dry, pressing it against your skin.
2 // Use a hydrating cleanser. Avoid foaming cleansers, which can be more drying. I love Berlin Skin’s Coconut + Aloe Cleanser, which contains hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil. If you prefer oil-cleaners, Biossance has a Squalane + Antioxidant Cleanser, which hydrates and makes your skin feel fresh.
3 // Don’t skip toner. An alcohol-free facial toner is an easy way to hydrate and balance the skin’s pH level. Applying it before your moisturizer also preps the skin and improves absorption. Soothing ingredients may include chamomile extracts, rosewater, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
4 // Don’t over-exfoliate. While regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and treat a dull complexion, over-exfoliating can strip your skin of nourishing oils. To learn more about exfoliating, check out my post here.
5 // Try a Hyaluronic Acid serum. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture to the skin. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, which gives skin a soft, plumper texture and even skin tone. Apply directly to damp skin, right after you cleanse and before you moisturize for a maximum hydrating effect.
6 // Moisturize. A light moisturizer is great for spring and summer, but winter months may call for something more rich, depending on how dry your skin is. I love Berlin Skin’s Sandalwood Cream, a luxurious cream made of hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, sandalwood, lavender, sage, thyme, and turmeric. Berlin Skin’s Cocoa Eye Butter also feels super moisturizing around my eyes.
7 // Carry a hydrating lip balm. Dry, chapped lips can make you look and feel older so keep it handy during the winter months.
8 // Try a hydrating night mask. Avoid clay-based masks during the dry seasons and look for something more hydrating and moisturizing. I love NUORI’s Supreme Moisture Mask, which is a highly concentrated moisturizing overnight facial mask– its a lifesaver for dehydrated skin. If you’re on a budget, LANEIGE’s Water Sleeping Mask is an overnight gel mask that help revive dull and dry skin ($25)!
9 // Turn on a humidifier. If your skin, hair, and lips are feeling dry and flakey, use an indoor humidifier. It can help prevent your skin from drying out by adding moisture in the air to help improve irritation.
10 // Limit your showers to 5-10 minutes. If you bathe more than that, you may strip away much of the skin’s oily layer and cause it to lose moisture. Similar to washing your face, avoid using hot water.
11 // Get a Hydrafacial. If you need a major hydration boost to your skin and want instant results, Hydrafacials are a must! The treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, and infusing the skin with intensive serums. It’s incredibly gentle and leaves your skin looking and feeling plump, hydrated, bright, and glowy. If you’re in San Diego, I love B Medical Spa in Bankers Hill (ask for Lianna!).
Comment below with your favorite fall/winter skin treatments!
