7 Ways to Update Your Winter Skin-Care Routine

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3. Try a Combination Strategy for Combination Skin

On the other hand, skin that’s both dry and oily can be tricky to manage. To hydrate combination skin, you’ve got to be strategic. “Try using a toning pad with glycolic and salicylic acid that you can apply to just your oily T-zone areas,” says Levine. Then follow up with a lotion-based moisturizer on your cheeks and neck, suggests Fusco.

Glycolic and salicylic acids are both incredibly popular and effective chemical exfoliators. While they each work differently, they provide far-reaching benefits when used in tandem. Research shows that these two popular hydroxy acids are powerhouse agents; they exfoliate, hydrate, and even regenerate skin cells, creating overall healthier, more radiant skin.

4. Use Ceramides for Skin Conditions Like Psoriasis, Eczema, and Rosacea

People with psoriasis may experience dry, flaking skin, especially along their scalp line or in their T-zone, says Levine. If this is the case, “look for moisturizers that are soothing and calming,” she says. “Those with ceramides can provide extra hydration, while hydrocortisone can be helpful in areas of inflammation.”

Ceramides are lipids, or fat molecules, that are an essential component of the skin’s barrier function and help keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Ceramides can also help protect skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution, and seasonal changes like dry air.

For eczema-prone skin, Levine recommends a thick moisturizer, either a ceramide-based cream or an ointment like Aquaphor or Vaseline. And be sure to avoid anything with harsh chemicals or fragrances.

People with rosacea should look for products with anti-inflammatory agents. “Green tea creams are especially good for rosacea,” says Levine.

5. Swap Long, Hot Showers for Short, Lukewarm Ones

Hot showers can seem enticing during cold weather, but they’re not great for your skin, notes Bruce Brod, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania.

“Many people enjoy long, hot showers during the winter months because they’re comforting and help warm up chilly bathrooms,” Brod says. “However, hot water can actually make things worse by removing the skin’s natural oils, which are essential for maintaining hydration. This effect is especially noticeable on areas like the lower legs, which are more prone to dryness.”

6. Monitor Indoor Humidity

Similar to hot showers, indoor heating is a double-edged sword where cold-weather comfort is concerned, Brod says.

“Indoor heating systems, while keeping us warm, tend to dry out the air in our homes and workplace. This lack of humidity can strip moisture from our skin, leaving it dry and irritated, and can worsen common skin conditions like eczema, dandruff, and general skin irritation,” he says. “Try to keep your home comfortably warm without overheating, and monitor humidity levels to prevent the air from becoming too dry.”

7. Layer Up

Dressing in layers isn’t just practical, it can help you save your skin. Brod particularly recommends layering to avoid wearing coarse fabrics like wool directly against the skin because this can cause itching and irritation.

The Takeaway

  • Cooler weather means drier air, which can dry out your skin.
  • Knowing your skin type is key to adapting your skin-care routine to the colder months.
  • Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances, particularly if you have a skin condition.

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