"As a SoCal girl at heart, I can confidently say that winter is not my preferred season. Between figuring out how to dress accordingly and adjusting my everyday tasks, I always find myself struggling to adapt to the drastically lower temps (cue the East Coast natives rolling their eyes). But I think we can agree that the seasonal shift to winter affects all our lives in some capacity—especially when it comes to finding the best products for our dry skin.
While it’s comforting to know that dry skin is a universal struggle, finding ways to overcome it can be rather difficult. Being the skincare junkie that I am, I went ahead and did some research on dry skin, and even scoured the internet for the best products to help combat these symptoms. After completing my deep dive, I found that it ultimately boils down to two things: understanding your skin type and being open to trying new skincare products.
So, consider this as the ultimate guide to help you freshen up your beauty regimen and a way for you to do a seasonal check-in for your skincare needs. Below, we’ve included our tips and tricks that have helped our skin survive the winter weather, plus a hefty list of beauty products that make it that much easier to achieve a glowy complexion. Read on to see how you can tackle dry skin this winter and while you’re at it, shop our top beauty picks below—your skin will thank you later!
Why Does Dry Skin Happen During Winter?
When the seasons change from fall to winter, the effect it has on the skin becomes apparent. The harsh weather conditions we endure can take a toll on our skin (more than we probably realize), and the aftermath is skin that’s unlike our usual complexion. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the factors below play a key role in experiencing dry skin during winter:
- Your Environment
- The AAD states that when “outdoor temperatures fall, the air holds less moisture…leading to excessively dry skin.” Meaning, when you’re out and about during this season, you can expect your skin to be a little angry as it adjusts to the weather.
- Indoor Heating
- We’re all guilty of blasting the heater when it’s cold, but this is yet another contributing factor to our skin feeling dehydrated and chapped. The AAD informs us that indoor heating strips moisture from the air, leaving your skin dry and irritated.
- Hot Water
- Ladies, we know a piping-hot shower is one of life’s little luxuries (especially during winter), but for the sake of your skin and hair, it’s probably best to avoid these. As mentioned by the AAD, hot showers or baths can strip your skin of its natural oils, and therefore, can further dry out or worsen the state of your skin.
- Inadequate Sleep
- We know it’s not always possible (especially for moms of little ones), but try to prioritize getting enough sleep. Not only does it make you your best self, but beauty sleep is an essential part of achieving and maintaining your best skin. Oftentimes, when we aren’t able to get sleep, in conjunction with the other factors above, it’s basically a recipe for your skin to freak out.
Understanding all of these factors can ultimately help pinpoint the reason for your chapped skin, and hopefully give you an idea of what steps you can take to successfully combat dry skin during winter. And while it is most inevitable for you to experience dry skin during this season, there are a plethora of things you can do to help mitigate the effects of it.
How to Combat Dry Skin in the Winter
Moving on to the important part: How do you combat dry skin? Knowing how to counteract the effects of winter weather starts by listening to your body and understanding your skin type. This means that if you have oily skin, try going for less heavy yet equally nourishing products. Similarly, if you have dry skin, opt for something a bit more thick and hydrating. In addition to listening to your skin needs, the AAD suggests the following tips in order to lessen the severity of dry skin during the winter:
- Hydrate, Hydrate, and Hydrate
- Everyone knows that the secret to achieving supple skin starts with staying hydrated. While those festive holiday drinks are tempting, remember to continue to sip on water throughout the day to properly hydrate your skin barrier.
- Limit Indoor Heating
- We’re all guilty of blasting the heater during the winter, but try to limit your usage for prolonged periods of time. And if you’re someone who is constantly cold, the AAD recommends keeping the thermostat at a reasonable temperature and even implementing a humidifier to keep the dryness at bay.
- Moisturize
- The AAD states that one of the ways you can help relieve dry skin is by “applying moisturizer immediately after washing.” By doing so, you’ll be trapping all the much-needed moisture into your skin.
- Use Gentle Beauty Products
- Ease your skin into colder weather by slowly swapping in skincare items that will help keep your face and body properly moisturized. This can be done by incorporating replenishing serums, night creams, body oil, or even overnight masks into your skincare routine.
- Seek a Dermatologist
- If you start to experience persistent dry skin, the AAD highly suggests booking an appointment with a dermatologist, who will be able to properly treat your irritated skin.
By incorporating these tips into your beauty regimen, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy throughout the winter season. And remember that when in doubt, it never hurts to lather up your skin with moisturizer (using the appropriate amount, of course).
Beauty Products for Dry Skin
Skincare Products
Just because warm weather has disappeared doesn’t mean dewy skin has to go away with it. Investing in good skincare is essentially investing in feeling your best. This is the time to be picky with what you’re putting on your body and to do further research on products that will pair well with your skin type. We also recommend layering products underneath your moisturizer (like serums, oils, etc.) in order to lock in as much moisture as possible.
The holy grail of moisturizers, this repair cream will save your skin from any signs of dryness, irritation, or flakiness from the winter weather. It’s an editor-favorite and a must-have in our skincare regimens.
A personal favorite, this thick and rich hydrating cream will be one you constantly reach for this winter.
An award-winning moisturizer, this instantly relieves dry and distressed skin. Plus, this is a great option if you experience eczema or excessive dryness.
Keep your under eyes hydrated and bright with this vitamin enriched eye cream, formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid.
A tried and true skincare brand, this cleanser is super gentle and will not strip away your skin’s natural oils.
Another gentle cleanser, this face wash lathers nicely and washes away any and all impurities.
Don’t skip this step in your skincare routine: Add this calming exfoliator to your regimen for smooth and soft skin.
As stated in the name, this hydrating serum is the key to achieving glass-like skin this season.
This skincare serum is an investment, but the long-term benefits surely make this product worth the hype.
If you’re looking for a serum that won’t feel heavy underneath all the skincare products you use, this one is just for you. It replenishes your skin, but is extremely lightweight.
For those who need an extra boost of hydration, this balm is great to put over patches of dry skin. A little goes a long way with this product, and it can also be used for the rest of your body.
If there’s one thing you try from Hailey Bieber’s skincare line, it’s this product. Use this as a base layer before applying oils and serums, and your skin will be looking oh-so-glowy.
It’s no secret that this lip mask is a fan-favorite. It’s thick, nourishing, and will have your lips feeling baby soft in the morning.
Body Care
While cold temperatures call for covering yourself head-to-toe in warm garments, that’s no excuse to skip the step of moisturizing your body. If anything, you should be implementing some sort of body care routine in your daily schedule in order to prevent discomfort and dryness on your skin. We highly suggest that after you get out of the shower, you generously slather on your favorite lotion or oil so that your skin soaks up all the rich ingredients.
Formulated with five ceramides, this body cream is the secret to achieving moisturized, soft, and supple skin. Plus, it aims to heal dryness and reverse multiple signs of age (a 10/10 product in our book).
On the pricer side for a body lotion, this moisture-rich cream contains high-quality ingredients to soothe rough, dry, and tight skin.
Another editor-favorite brand, this firming body lotion is fast-absorbing, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and has a fragrance-free base layer.
A super affordable but effective product, this dry skin gel is clinically proven to treat the signs and symptoms of dry skin for all skin types.
If you’re wanting to eliminate any chance of dry skin this winter, this luxe body oil (that can also be for the face and hair) locks in moisture for a visible glow.
A new and fun way to moisturize your skin, this hydrating body mist keeps dryness, flakes, and discomfort at bay for buttery-soft skin.
If you’re a bath lover, these dissolvable bath drops are formulated with a blend of softening oils to leave your skin feeling silky and luminous.
This antioxidant-rich body wash will detoxify your skin while also leaving it nourished, smooth, and soft.
Sometimes, it’s best to stick to the basics. You can’t go wrong with this Dove body wash that aims to help heal the driest of skin.
Makeup
Choosing the right makeup during the winter can make or break the appearance of your skin. We suggest reaching for products that you know will align with your skin needs, but more importantly, will enhance your natural features and inner glow. We love that some of our picks below contain SPF, are hydrating in their formulas, and creamy in their consistencies, but are lightweight on the skin.
If you’re looking for a foundation that’s hydrating in formula and won’t flake on dry spots, this skin tint is your best bet. It’s buildable and lightweight and boosts moisture levels by up to 52 percent for an everyday dewy look.
Created with a high SPF level, this moisturizing foundation is powered with Estée Lauder skincare to hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin.
Another option that contains SPF, this natural-looking foundation is a 2-in-1 buildable skin tint that delivers up to 12 hours of hydration.
Replace your old concealer with this super hydrating option that glides like a serum but has buildable coverage power.
This viral beauty item is the only blush you need to have in your makeup bag. It has a weightless cream formula that instantly plumps and hydrates your skin with a subtle pop of color.
It’s called a miracle balm for a reason. This makeup product is versatile, light-reflecting, and can be worn alone or on top of your foundation.
Does this product even need an introduction? This sheer highlighter will illuminate your skin for a dewy complexion all day long.
Searching for a face powder that won’t make your skin look dry? This translucent setting powder is ultra-refined and is designed to give the skin a naturally flawless finish.
To finish off any makeup look, use this daily lip balm that is proven to visibly plump, smooth, and reduce lip lines—all while locking in moisture.
Gianna Aldana, Commerce Editorial Assistant
As the Everymom’s Commerce Editorial Assistant, Gianna assists The Everymom editors in the production of new and existing articles, pitches and writes new content, and sources product for shopping listicles. With writing being one of her absolute passions, she enjoys sharing her expertise in all things related to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Before working at The Everymom, Gianna found her purpose in editorial content creation through internships at Bump Club and Beyond and The Pretty Palm Leaf Event Company.