Cold Weather Skin Protection: Practical Tips to Winter-Proof Your Skin

Now that summer is over, temperatures are dropping — even in Los Angeles, where morning temperatures are dipping as low as 50 degrees heading into December. Although we (fortunately) won't see snow, it's definitely getting colder (at least, by my LA standards), and so my skin has been feeling drier and more cracked than usual. This has had me thinking about how to keep my skin protected during these colder months.

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How Cold Weather Dries Out Your Skin

Cold weather can have a significant impact on your skin, leading to dryness and discomfort. But why? What is it about winter weather that dries you out? A major factor is the lack of humidity. Have you ever noticed yourself constantly reaching for chapstick during the winter due to dry, cracked lips? Well this is because cold air holds significantly less moisture than warm air and so during winter months, dry, cold air is literally pulling the moisture away from your skin. This leaves your skin feeling parched, cracked, and sensitive — especially in vulnerable areas like your lips and eyelids.

Not only does the outdoor air take a toll, but indoor climate control also contributes to dryness. During cold months, we tend to spend more time indoors with the heating on full blast. Unfortunately, heated indoor air often lacks humidity as well, meaning your skin faces a double-whammy of dryness — both inside and outside.

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Practical Skincare Tips to Protect Your Skin During Winter

Since wintertime presents a battle on two fronts — dry, cold air outside and dry, warm air inside – in order to protect your skin effectively, use a combination of both proactive and reactive strategies.

Proactive steps to help prevent your skin from drying out in the first place, such as moisturizing regularly, incorporating ceramides into your routine, and covering up your skin in harsh conditions. On the other hand, reactive steps, like applying lotion or chapstick when dryness occurs, are important but less effective if used alone.

Here are some key recommendations to help you stay ahead of winter dryness:

Make Sure to Moisturize

Moisturizing is crucial during winter months to maintain your skin's protective barrier. This is a proactive step you can take before entering any harsh winter conditions to make sure your skin is up to the task. It starts with choosing the right ingredients: Moisturizers that include hyaluronic acid and glycerin are great choices to help attract moisture to your skin — counteracting the effect of cold air drawing moisture away from the skin.

Applying moisturizer strategically is key. If you already make it a habit to moisturize after your morning while your skin is still damp, then that’s great! This is especially important during winter months. Moisturizing while your skin is still damp will help your skin to lock in that extra moisture. This is a good proactive habit to have year-round, but especially during winter months, applying moisturizing lotions after your skin is already dry will be less effective. Winter skincare is all about building and maintaining that protective barrier, so make sure to moisturize regularly and generously.

Add Ceramides to Your Routine

To keep your skin protected during winter, make sure to add ceramides into your routine. Ceramides are a type of lipid (fat molecule) that are naturally found in your skin and are essential for maintaining and restoring the skin's natural barrier. They help lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors, which is especially important during the winter months.

As a proactive step to further protect my skin during winter, I use a ceramide-boosting body wash like Lubriderm Advanced Therapy during my daily shower. Ceramides in this body wash will help to replenish and maintain my skin barrier, ensuring that even during cleansing, my skin is being nourished and protected from dryness. Ceramides are a must-have for keeping your skin resilient against winter dryness.

Go Easy on Cleansing and Exfoliation

To keep your skin looking healthy during winter, it's important to take a gentler approach to cleansing and exfoliating. Over-exfoliating can strip away essential oils and damage your skin's natural barrier, making it harder to retain moisture.

• Use a Gentle Cleanser: Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils
• Reduce Exfoliation Frequency: During winter, consider exfoliating only once a week or even less, depending on your skin’s condition

The goal is to maintain your skin’s barrier, keeping it resilient and preventing excessive dryness. A gentle routine will help protect your skin and keep it feeling comfortable all winter long.

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General Tips for Winter Skin Protection

Bundle Up When Going Outside

Cold air can strip your skin of moisture, even if you live in a place where cold weather is mild or rare. It’s still important to cover up, as even a mild cold season can dry out your skin. Wearing gloves, scarves, and hats helps create a physical barrier between your skin and the cold air, preventing moisture loss. Bundle up to protect your skin from moisture loss.

Get a Humidifier for Indoors

Indoor heating can dry out your skin just as much as cold outdoor air. A humidifier will add moisture to the air, counteracting the dryness caused by indoor heat and keeping your skin comfortable. This will make a significant difference by adding much-needed moisture back into your space, and will help kind your skin hydrated while indoors throughout the winter.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is just as important as what you put on your skin. During winter, when dry air can lead to dehydration, drinking enough water helps keep your skin healthy and resilient.

If plain water feels too cold or unappealing during winter, consider swapping it for a hot cup of tea. Hot tea will keep you hydrated and warm, making it an easier and more enjoyable way to stay hydrated during colder months. This simple habit can help ensure that your skin stays well-hydrated, even in harsh winter conditions.

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Take Control of Your Winter Skincare Routine

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean dry, uncomfortable skin. Use these winter skincare tips to adjust your routine and stay ahead of dryness. By understanding how winter conditions affect your skin and taking a few proactive steps — like moisturizing with the right ingredients, covering up, using a humidifier, and being mindful of how you cleanse and exfoliate — you can keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable throughout the season.

Stay mindful of your skincare routine and remember that hydration is key, both inside and out. With a little extra care, your skin can stay healthy and resilient all winter long. Winter-proof your skin this season and enjoy the colder months without the discomfort of dryness.

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