A winter skin savior you need in the cold season

If you’re old enough to remember Lubriderm’s iconic commercial featuring a giant alligator, you’ll remember the clever marketing that emphasized how dry it was to your skin. Winter is when I feel it most. As temperatures drop and the air gets drier, so does your skin from head to toe. Water loss, irritation, and an overall dull appearance begin to take effect. Fortunately, by incorporating the right combination of ingredients into your daily routine, you can protect your skin during the colder months. So what is the magic pill to prevent dry skin? Our experts consider what to use and what to leave out to keep your skin smooth all winter long.

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Which skin care ingredients should you prioritize in winter?

Winter can be harsh on your skin, so choosing the right ingredients is essential to maintain moisture and prevent damage. “Moisturizers like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are key because they draw moisture from the environment into the skin,” explains Dr. Elaine Kung, a New York dermatologist. These lightweight hydrators are perfect for all skin types and provide a solid base for further hydration.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a dermatologist in Omaha, Nebraska, adds that emollients such as ceramides and squalane work wonders at locking moisture to the surface of the skin. “Emollients make the skin soft and smooth by filling in the cracks in the damaged barrier, which is especially important in winter,” he points out.

Niacinamide is also a great ingredient to start using if you haven’t already, says Janine Hopkins, M.D., a dermatologist in Southlake, Texas, and Monroe, Los Angeles. “It helps build skin proteins and promotes the production of ceramides, which are essential for locking in moisture during cold weather,” she says, adding that it strengthens the skin’s barrier and protects it from dryness caused by harsh weather or indoor heating. It points out that it fights the effects.

For more severe dryness or eczema-prone skin, occlusion agents such as petrolatum or dimethicone are essential. “The occlusion creates a barrier that prevents water from evaporating from the skin,” says Dr. Schlessinger. This extra layer of protection is especially helpful if your skin is prone to cracking in the winter.

What ingredients should I avoid?

While most skin care staples can last through the winter, some ingredients can make dryness worse. “Hard exfoliants such as alcohol-based products and glycolic acid can be overly drying if the air lacks moisture,” advises Dr. Kuhn. “I tell people, especially those who live in cold, dry climates, to put AHAs like glycolic acid aside during the winter months.” She also recommends using retinoids during the winter months. recommend applying a retinoid on top of your moisturizer to limit the effects of dryness or soothe the effects of dryness.

Need to adjust your exfoliation routine?

Although exfoliation is necessary to keep your skin smooth in winter, it’s important to keep in mind that your skin is sensitive. Dr. Hopkins suggests replacing harsh exfoliants with gentler alternatives. “Exfoliation is still part of our winter routine, but it should be done more gently. Products containing AHA and BHA can help remove dead skin without causing irritation,” she advises. Masu.

Always use a moisturizer after exfoliating to avoid excessive dryness. “Even if you’re exfoliating, the key is to restore hydration immediately afterwards,” says Dr. Kuhn. This will keep your skin balanced and avoid the tight, dry feeling that often occurs after using scrubs or exfoliating acids.

How do weather and heat affect the skin?

The cold outdoors and the heat indoors both lead to water loss and can have different effects on your skin. “Indoor heating dries the air, making it even more hostile for your skin,” says Jordan Samuel Pacitti, founder of Jordan Samuel Skin. He emphasizes the importance of using a humidifier. “A humidifier helps your skin absorb and retain moisture more effectively,” he explains, noting that it can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your skin care products. Dr. Schlessinger agreed, adding that formulation is just as important as ingredients. Now is the time, he says, for a thick, rich moisturizer. “The rich, creamy base helps protect against the harsh elements.”

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Oily skin? no problem. If you’re concerned about weight and stickiness, try a lightweight hydrating gel moisturizer. Formulated with humectants such as glycerin and soothing prickly pear seed oil, it’s perfect for layering on oily and dry skin. “Glycerin is the gold standard in moisturizers,” Pacitti says. “Ideal for preventing dryness.”

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This gentle exfoliant hydrates while promoting cell turnover, making it perfect for harsher, drier seasons. “Perfect for those who need hydration with light exfoliation,” says Dr. Hopkins.