7 tips to keep your skin healthy during winter

Winter brings colder air, lower temperatures, and sometimes even snow. While these conditions can be fun for skiing or sledding, they’re not so fun when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. Cold weather and biting winds can challenge even the most polished skin care routine with dryness, itching, and irritation.

Wondering if there’s anything you can do to help your skin stay in top condition even on the coldest days?

Check out these tips to winterize your skin.

Keep showers short and warm. A long, hot shower after a day in the cold may sound like a wonderful way to take the chill off. But if you shower too long with water that’s too hot, it can be drying to your skin and break down your natural moisture barrier. Try to keep it a reasonable length of time and use lukewarm water. Gently pat yourself dry after showering and apply lotion immediately to lock in moisture.

Up your moisturizer game. Use thicker, cream-based products to repair damage done by cold temperatures and icy winds. Choose a heavier face cream to help keep your complexion glowing. And if you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to stay away from products with fragrances that could cause further irritation.

Use sunscreen. Not feeling the heat of the sun doesn’t mean you’re not being exposed to its harmful rays. Get in the habit of using sunscreen every day regardless of the temperature outside.

Apply lip balm. Avoid the discomfort of chapped lips by protecting them with a light layer of your favorite balm. Look for ingredients like castor seed oil, ceramides, and shea butter. Many even offer sun protection to further prevent dryness.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is easy to forget about when the temperature is cooler and you’re not as thirsty. But drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep your skin from drying out as easily.

Try a humidifier. Running your furnace, fireplace, and heat pump to keep your home warm and cozy also significantly dries out the air. Using a humidifier can help put back moisture in the air and prevent moisture withdrawal from your skin.

Wear gloves. Not only can they keep your hands from getting cold, gloves also offer protection from winter irritants like wind and snow.

If you have persistent itching or other symptoms that have you feeling like it may be more than just dry winter skin, check in with your doctor or dermatologist. CDPHP® member in need of a doctor? Try Find A Doc.

CDPHP members may also be eligible for live video doctor visits 24/7 with Doctor On Demand. See a board-certified provider who can treat everything from rashes and UTIs to colds and COVID. (Review your plan details to determine eligibility.)