A Dermatologist's Guide to Healthy Winter Skin

Itching much? Blame the weather.  

During winter in the Northeast, with cold weather and low humidity indoors and out, skin is drier and more depleted of oils.  

“Dry skin is common and contributes to unhealthy skin,” says Columbia dermatologist Alexandra Coromilas, MD. “Your skin provides the body's first line of defense against allergens, irritants, and infections. You want your skin to be as healthy as possible to help maintain your overall health.”  

Dr. Coromilas explains why we need our skin to be healthy and how to keep it that way.  

What causes dry skin?

The outermost layer of skin is a barrier that retains water. In the winter, the cold, dry air depletes skin of its natural oils, allowing water to escape this barrier. This can leave skin feeling and looking dehydrated.  

Your skin may be dry if you’re experiencing: 

• Itching
• Tightness
• Rough texture
• Peeling or cracking
• Flaking
• Redness or discoloration
• Stinging or burning

With age, skin produces fewer natural oils, is thinner due to loss of collagen, and loses water more easily. These factors, as well as certain medications and medical conditions, can make you more likely to develop dry skin. 

Why is it important to have healthy skin?

When skin is dry, it is harder for the barrier to protect you from the outside environment and may increase the risk of skin infections. 

Healthy skin looks and feels differently for everyone. Generally, healthy skin is soft, smooth, and even in texture. Healthy skin does not flake or peel.  

How to prevent dry skin  

• Take shorter showers or baths and use cool water. Bathing too frequently or for a long time can lead to loss of natural oils, especially when the water is hot.
• Use gentle, non-fragranced soap or moisturizing non-soap cleansers. 
• Apply moisturizer right after your bath or shower, when the skin is wet, to trap in moisture.
• Choose a cream over a lotion. Creams are more hydrating because they contain more oil and less water than lotions.
• Consider applying an ointment. In addition to improving hydration, ointments block water loss by bolstering the skin's barrier and providing a protective layer. Ointments are great for hands and feet, especially when applied before bed and covered with cotton gloves and socks.
• Use a humidifier. The heat in your home can be very drying; a humidifier helps maintain ideal humidity to combat skin dryness.
• Don’t forget your lips. Keep your lips moisturized with petroleum jelly, rather than lip balm or other products with preservatives that can further irritate your lips. Avoid licking your lips, which can increase dryness and cracking. 

Should I use different products throughout the year?

It’s not necessary to change skin care products seasonally. However, in the winter, consider minimizing ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoids or retinols, which can irritate skin and further dry skin.

If lifestyle and product changes aren’t enough to keep your skin moisturized, speak to a doctor to identify potential causes and more advanced treatment options, such as prescription ointments.

Finally, says Dr. Coromilas: "Don't forget sun protective measures. Sunscreen, hats, and sun-protective clothing are as important for shielding your skin from UV damage in the winter as they are in the summer!"