Winter brings cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and shorter days—but it also brings dry air, cold winds, and indoor heating that can wreak havoc on your skin. Chapped lips, rough elbows, and tight, flaky skin are common complaints as the temperatures drop.
According to dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD, FAAD, taking a few extra steps in your skincare routine can make a huge difference in keeping your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing all season long. Read on to get his top three winter skincare tips, designed to protect and nourish skin even in the coldest months.
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1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
“Many people strip their skin during winter, which only makes things worse,” Dr. Landriscina explains. Harsh soaps or foaming cleansers can remove essential oils, leaving your skin tight, dry, and more prone to irritation. Switching to a gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil's gentle skin cleanser, helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it hydrated and soothed. Even if you’re used to deep-cleansing scrubs or strong soaps, opting for a mild, non-stripping cleanser can prevent redness, flaking, and sensitivity throughout the season.
2. Use Thicker Moisturizers After Every Shower
Moisturizing becomes even more crucial in winter. Dr. Landriscina recommends switching to richer creams that lock in hydration and provide a protective barrier against cold, dry air. Products like La Roche-Posay Lipacar AP+ cream are perfect for replenishing moisture and calming dryness. He stresses applying moisturizer immediately after showering while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap water in the skin, so you stay hydrated longer and reduce the risk of cracking, itching, and rough patches.
3. Keep a Multipurpose Healing Product on Hand
Cold weather and frequent handwashing can leave elbows, feet, hands, and lips dry and irritated. Dr. Landriscina recommends keeping a versatile product like Vaseline Original Healing Jelly within easy reach. This multi-use staple can be applied to cracked heels, rough elbows, overwashed hands, or even lips for instant moisture. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for any part of your body that needs extra protection. Keeping one product for multiple uses simplifies your routine and ensures you’re ready for any winter skin emergency.
The Bottom Line
Winter doesn’t have to mean rough, dehydrated skin. By switching to a gentle cleanser, using thicker moisturizers after every shower, and keeping a multipurpose healing product on hand, you can maintain soft, healthy, and glowing skin throughout the season. Dr. Landriscina also recommends picking up these winter essentials at trusted retailers like CVS to make your routine convenient and effective. Small changes in your daily skincare habits can make a big difference in protecting your skin against winter dryness and irritation.
