Winter is finally here. Bring on the cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and crisp air. But while there’s a lot to love about this season, your skin might feel otherwise. Dry lips, tight cheeks, itchy patches, and a dull complexion are all signs your skin is begging for more hydration.
Have you ever looked in the mirror in January and thought, Why does my face look like this? You’re not alone — winter skin struggles are common. Cold air holds less moisture, indoor heating is even more drying, and harsh wind can strip away your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
That’s where our expert team at Sanford Dermatology comes in. With a few smart swaps and consistent care, your skin can stay soft, hydrated, and glowing all season long.
It’s not just your imagination; your skin really does lose a lot of moisture in winter. Cold outdoor air means low humidity. Add in long, hot showers, heaters blasting indoors, less water intake, and the occasional wool scarf rubbing across your cheeks, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for dehydration and irritation.
You might start noticing flakiness, redness, itchiness, or fine lines that seem more visible than before. Your skin’s protective barrier — made of ceramides, lipids, and natural oils — becomes weaker and less able to retain moisture.
Now that you know why your skincare routine shouldn’t stay the same year-round, here are some of our best tips for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy — all winter long.
Foaming or gel cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, something your skin really can’t afford to lose in the winter. Instead, choose a cream or hydrating cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without leaving your skin tight or dry. If your face feels squeaky clean (or squeaky dry) after washing, your cleanser is probably too harsh.
Moisturizer isn’t just about applying something thick and hoping for the best. It’s about locking in water before it escapes.
The ideal time to apply moisturizer is within 60 seconds of washing your face. That’s when your skin is still slightly damp and ready to absorb hydration. Look for moisturizers with ingredients that nourish the skin barrier and help it retain water long-term, such as:
If your skin is extra dry, consider adding a hydrating serum under your moisturizer or sealing everything in with a light facial oil.
Central heating keeps you warm, but it also sucks moisture right out of the air. If your skin feels tight even after moisturizing, it might not be your products — it might be your environment.
Using humidifiers in your bedroom and living space helps restore moisture in the air, which keeps your skin (and even your sinuses and lips) from drying out. Aim for keeping your indoor humidity levels around 40-50%.
Nothing beats a hot shower on a freezing morning, but your skin might disagree. Hot water strips away protective oils, and long showers make dryness worse.
Try shorter, warm showers (not steaming hot). Pat your skin dry afterward instead of rubbing with a towel, and apply body lotion right away to lock in moisture. If you’re dealing with itchy or flaky skin on your arms and legs, fragrance-free creams or ointments work better than light lotions.
Cloudy skies and cold air don’t mean harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays disappear. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, and snow can reflect even more sunlight onto your skin. Skipping sunscreen in the winter contributes to premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer risk.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher on exposed areas of skin every morning, especially if you’re skiing, hiking, driving long distances, or spending time outdoors.
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, flaky skin. With a few simple changes, you can protect your skin and keep it hydrated and glowing all season long. The bottom line? Your skin doesn’t need perfection. It just needs consistency, nourishment, and a little protection from the cold.
Looking for skincare advice tailored to your needs? Call or click online to schedule a visit at Sanford Dermatology in Sanford, Pittsboro, or Lillington, North Carolina, today.
