What Causes Dry Skin in the Winter?

As if the freezing cold temps and super-short days weren’t enough, you might also have dry skin and hands to look forward to this winter. What a bummer. Seriously, what gives? Well, just like you swap out your summer wardrobe in favor of cozy sweaters and boots when temperatures drop, the same rule should apply to your skin care products. What that means: When it begins to get cold outside, it’s important to switch up your daily skin care routine for one that’s better suited to the frigid weather. To help you better understand how to update your skin care routine, we’re sharing what can cause dry hands and skin in winter and what you should do about it.  

SEVEN CAUSES OF DRY SKIN IN WINTER

When it comes to having drier than dry skin from December to February, it isn’t as simple as blaming the time of year. Yes, the shifting seasons can wreak havoc on your skin, but they aren’t the only source of your skin care concerns. Below, find out what could be contributing to your dryness in order to have a balanced complexion all year round.

CAUSE #1: DRY AIR AND COLD TEMPERATURES

Most of the time, winter brings about drier air and colder temperatures, and the resulting lower moisture levels in the air can lead to dry skin. Not only that, the Mayo Clinic states that central heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin. So, while you may simply be trying to keep warm, sitting or sleeping in a room with the heat blasting can also lead to dry skin in winter. What can you do? Invest in a humidifier and place it next to your bed to help counteract these drying effects. 

Editor’s note: Debating whether a humidifier is a worthwhile purchase? Before editing your shopping list, find out How Using a Humidifier Can Benefit Your Skin.

CAUSE #2: OVER-CLEANSING

Washing your face twice per day is a skin care must to help remove dirt, oil, and grime that has built up on the surface of your skin. But, cleansing more than twice a day can be too much for your complexion to take, especially in the winter. If you have dry skin during the winter, reach for a no-rinse cleansing option that doesn’t require you to rub your skin harshly. Try a micellar water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, which hydrates and purifies—a skin care must during colder months. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act as a magnet to lift dirt and oil up and away from your skin. Just saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe the pad across your face.

Editor’s note: Heading on vacation this winter? Micellar water is a great travel-friendly skin care product since you don’t have to be near a sink to use it. In related news, here are 5 Travel Skin Care Hacks to Use on Your Next Vacation.

CAUSE #3: SKIPPING MOISTURIZER

Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, normal skin, or something in between—do not, we repeat, do not skip out on applying moisturizer, especially in winter. Your skin needs daily hydration, which is why moisturizer should play a starring role in your skin care routine. Since the air can be drier during winter (and you’re probably spending a lot of time in central heating), you may want to consider changing up your moisturizer. If you have dry skin in the winter, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. Both of these water-based moisturizers act like a “boost” of water for your skin, delivering long-lasting hydration. They’re formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid and deliver comfortable-feeling skin. Smooth on after cleansing morning and night.

If you’re looking to pamper your dry skin with a moisturizer that also offers anti-aging benefits, try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro-Retinol & Centella Asiatica. This anti-wrinkle and skin barrier repair cream works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while helping to firm and hydrate, too.

CAUSE #4: AND SERUM

Instead of simply relying on your daytime or nighttime moisturizer to hydrate your skin, consider layering another hydrating product, like a serum, beneath your face cream or lotion. Apply a lightweight, hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer to deeply nourish skin and keep it protected from the harsh elements. Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and will leave you with smoother, more hydrated skin.

Editor’s note: Facial serum isn’t just beneficial during the winter months—you should be using it in your skin care routine no matter the season! Read our article, 4 Reasons to Use a Face Serum, to learn more.

CAUSE #5: TAKING HOT BATHS AND SHOWERS

According to the Mayo Clinic, while soaking in a hot bath can be enjoyable and relaxing (especially when it’s freezing outside!), long, hot showers and baths can actually strip your skin of its natural moisture, resulting in dry skin. Ugh. So, instead of using piping hot water, opt for lukewarm water or take a shorter bath to help prevent your skin from feeling even drier. And remember to help lock in moisture by applying your moisturizer to damp skin after bathing (this goes for face and body). 

CAUSE #6: YOUR GOOD SKIN CARE HABITS ARE HIBERNATING

Don’t let your skin care routine fall to the wayside like your workout routine tends to in the winter months. While you may be showing less skin this season, when compared to the spring or summer months, your face will still be on display. As the daylight hours grow shorter, you may be tempted to skip your nighttime skin care routine and jump into bed early as the sun sets and the temperatures drop even further. But skipping your nighttime skin care routine is a bad habit you’ll want to resist! Instead, show your dry skin some extra love by incorporating the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask into your nightly regimen.

CAUSE #7: YOU FORGET YOUR BODY

Like we said, it’s not just your face that needs moisturizing—if the skin on the rest of your body is dry, it’s important to moisturize it as well. After hopping out of the (lukewarm!) shower, apply a body lotion to damp skin. And along with a pair of gloves, keep a tube of hand cream, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm - Face, Neck, Chest and Hands, in your purse so that you’re always well-equipped to deal with dry winter hands!

Is the winter taking a toll on not just your skin, but your beauty look as a whole? Next, learn How to Winter-Proof Your Look.