With the colder months approaching, now is a great time to start fortifying your skin against cooler temperatures and drier air.
In this article, we’ll cover tips on how to prevent dry winter skin so you can enjoy supple, healthy, nourished skin all year long, even when the temps drop.
Signs of Dry Skin
If you are dealing with dry skin, you may experience:
- Redness
- Flakiness
- Itchiness
- Irritation
- Rough texture
- Burning or stinging
- Cracked, dry areas
The Top 10 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
1. Moisturize Regularly
During winter, the dry air can strip your skin of moisture, leading to dry, flaky skin. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day, using a rich, thick moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration.
Look for serums or rich moisturisers that contain hydration superstars and healing ingredients, such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. Hydrating serums and moisturizers help nourish dehydrated, sensitive, compromised skin and fortify it against harsh winter air.
2. Avoid Harsh Cleansers
It is important to wash your face year-round but be especially cautious about what type of cleanser you use during the colder months. Some cleansers are too harsh and can strip the skin of its protective natural oils, leaving it susceptible to flaking, irritation, and dryness.
To prevent a compromised skin barrier, opt for a gentle cleanser or cleansing balm that will thoroughly clean the skin without stripping it or irritating it.
3. Use a Humidifier
The dry winter air can dehydrate your skin, leading to itchiness, irritation, and cracking or flaking. Using a humidifier at home can help to add moisture back into the air, which can keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
You can use a humidity metre to track the humidity levels in your home. For best results, run a humidifier in the room you spend the most time in, or run a humidifier overnight.
4. Stay Hydrated
Topical moisturisation is important for healthy skin but so is internal hydration. Drinking enough water is essential for healthy skin. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, as this can help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
If it is tough for you to drink plain water, try these creative ways and healthy ways to make water delicious:
- Add fresh sliced strawberries
- Add cucumber slices
- Squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice
- Add a handful of frozen blueberries or raspberries
- Add fresh mint leaves or basil leaves
- Make your berry and herb-infused ice cubes to add to your water
5. Change Up Your Diet
Along with drinking enough water, you can also support hydration by consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables such as:
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Apples
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Peaches
- Celery
In addition to fruits and vegetables with a high-water content, you can also help support healthy skin from the inside out by eating a balanced diet full of whole foods.
Studies show that fatty acids in certain foods play a role in keeping skin hydrated and supporting a healthy skin barrier.
To fill up on fatty acids, here are some healthy foods to include in your diet:
- Olive oil
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Avocados
- Walnuts
Along with filling up on healthy fats and fresh fruits and veggies, go easy on caffeine and alcohol. Both act as diuretics, putting your skin at risk of dehydration.
6. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most important anti-aging steps you can take. UV rays are proven to contribute to premature skin aging such as rough, leathery skin texture, sun spots, and wrinkles.
Think you can skip sunscreen on cloudy or cold days? Even during the winter months or overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds, leading to sun damage and premature aging.
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
7. Visit a Dermatologist
Ongoing dry skin may indicate an underlying condition that requires professional assessment and treatment.
If you have persistent skin concerns, such as eczema or psoriasis, a dermatologist can provide personalized recommendations to help manage your condition and keep your skin healthy.
8. Get a Personalised Treatment for Dry Skin
If at-home moisturizers and serums just aren’t cutting it, schedule an appointment for professional dry skin treatment.
At The Fresh Skin Clinic, we have several treatment options that deliver powerful results, turning dehydrated, dry skin into glowing, nourished skin.
Many of our treatments provide instant results after just one session, bringing fragile, sensitive skin back to a healthy state of hydration.
If you are dealing with dryness or irritation, we highly recommend our HydraFacial or Microhydra-Lift Treatment.
We’ll design a customised approach that is unique to your skin’s condition and needs, all with zero downtime or harsh procedures.
By tailoring a treatment plan designed to address dry skin, you can experience noticeable benefits, including:
- Deeply nourished skin
- Increased hydration
- Improved skin resiliency
- Improved skin barrier function
- The softened appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduced sensitivity
- Improved radiance and clarity
- Instant results with no side effects
9. Dial Back on Scrubs or Exfoliants
Exfoliation is an effective way to clear away dead skin cells and reveal a vibrant, fresh complexion, but using a scrub or chemical exfoliant that is too powerful or harsh can damage your skin’s barrier, especially in the colder months. Once your skin is raw, dry, or irritated, it can become increasingly dehydrated and sensitive.
To avoid over-exfoliation, ask your dermatologist how often you should be exfoliating and which products you should be using.
You can also book an appointment with our expert skin technicians at The Fresh Skin Clinic. We can recommend exfoliation treatments that are suited to your skin or provide personalised product recommendations for a gentle exfoliant.
Choose gentle products that rely on chemical exfoliants rather than physical scrubs that contain particles that may damage the skin’s barrier.
10. Stick to Lukewarm Showers or Baths
A hot bath or shower is an amazing way to start or end a cold day, but exposing your body to water that is too hot can strip your skin of moisture and irritate the skin. Instead, opt for lukewarm water temperatures when showering, bathing, or washing your hands.
Want to Experience Your Healthiest Skin Ever?
If you are dealing with dry skin, or want personalised product and treatment advice for the upcoming colder months, book an appointment with our expert skin technicians.
Using the advanced diagnostic imaging of Observ Skin Analysis, we can pinpoint underlying skin issues and determine the optimal treatment plan for your specific skin type and concerns.
We’re here to help you experience your healthiest, glowing skin ever — all using the gentlest, safest skin treatment options possible. Contact us today to get started on your journey to your healthiest skin ever.
