When the temps drop, the dryness hits hard. Winter weather can srsly mess with your moisture barrier—think tight cheeks, flaky patches and that itchy-scratchy feeling you just can’t shake.
But good news: With a few smart swaps and some simple skincare tweaks, you *can* beat the winter blahs. Ahead, the easiest ways to stay soft, hydrated and radiant all season long (no matter how frosty it gets outside).
With the help of Hannah Lancaster, a certified esthetician, we’re giving you the top products, routines and advice for girls dealing with winter-related dry skin, and we’re here to help you beat it.
Perfect your skincare routine
To defeat dry skin, you need to revamp your skincare routine to include nourishing, gentle and hydrating products for both day and night. Certified esthetician Hannah Lancaster recommends:
Pro tip: Double cleanse at night to remove makeup, oils and dirt from your skin. Use an oil-based balm first (it’s gentler on your skin than a makeup wipe), followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.
If you’re using any serums before bed (especially if they include active ingredients like glycolic acid), Lancaster recommends mixing with a heavy-duty moisturizer so the chemicals aren’t too harsh on your skin. Look for a thick, creamy formula (like the Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream, $28) or night cream—gel moisturizers typically don’t pack enough punch this time of year.
Use products made for dry skin
Go for products that are specifically formulated for dry skin. Cleansers labeled “for normal to oily skin” aren’t your bestie rn. When scouring the skincare aisle, reach for products containing hyaluronic acid (to help your skin retain water and stay hydrated) and glycerin (which acts as a humectant to draw moisture from the air into your skin).
Stay away from certain products
When your skin’s having a dry flare, Lancaster recommends avoiding products with alcohols and added fragrances. And steer clear of foaming facial cleansers, which can strip your skin (you know when your face feels totally tight after washing?). Stick to a hydrating milky cleanser instead (we like the Byoma Milky Moisture Cleanser, $14).
Keep your body moisturized
Don’t forget about your bod, especially your kneecaps, elbows and hands. Keep a good moisturizing lotion on your bathroom counter at all times (like this one from CeraVe!). Lather it on the drier parts of your body after showers and baths, while your skin’s still slightly damp. And don’t forget to give your lips some love with a heavy-duty balm (Aquaphor ain’t pretty, but she gets the job done!).
Change your habits
Did you know that hot water can dry your skin out even more? To keep dry spots at bay, take shorter rinses with lukewarm water, toss out your loofah and pat (don’t wipe) your skin dry.
Do you have a fave skincare product or routine? Let us know by tagging us on IG @girlslifemag!
