Whenever someone walks into my office in January and blurts out that their skin feels like an old leather wallet, I tell them I completely understand what they mean. Winter air steals moisture from your skin faster than you realize. Cold wind outside. Hot air blasting inside. Low humidity everywhere. Your skin gets tight, flaky, itchy and sometimes even a little angry with you.
Think of winter as a season that needs its own skincare routine. Your summer habits simply cannot carry you through February. This is the time to switch gears to richer textures, calmer routines and smarter protection.
Time to Bring Out the Heavier Moisturizer
Your skin barrier works harder in cold weather. It loses water more quickly and needs a thicker product to trap hydration and keep everything comfortable. A lightweight lotion that felt wonderful in July simply evaporates too fast in December.
Look for creams with ceramides. Hyaluronic acid. Glycerin. Shea butter. Anything that can sit on the skin and give it a protective drink. I tell my patients to think about texture. If the cream feels luxurious and stays put, your skin will thank you.
Apply it twice a day. After your shower, pat dry and put it on right away. At night, do the same. Winter skin thrives on routine.
Yes, You Still Need Sunscreen
This surprises people every single year. The sun is lower. The cold tricks you. You assume you are safe. Unfortunately, the UV rays are still there and snow acts like a giant mirror reflecting the light straight into your face.
For skiers, this becomes even more important. High altitude increases UV exposure. Fresh powder reflects it back at you. You can come back from the mountain with a burn even if it is minus fifteen and windy. Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. If you ski, reapply during breaks. Your future self will be grateful.
A Word for All the Skiers Out There
If you love the slopes, winter is thrilling and terrible for your skin at the same time. Cold wind strips moisture. Goggles rub. Sun reflects everywhere. Add the dry chalet air and you have the perfect storm.
Before heading out, put on a thick layer of moisturizer. Think of it as another piece of protective gear. Then apply your sunscreen. A stick format is easy to reapply on the mountain. When you come home, give your face a break. Use a creamy cleanser and a soothing balm. Drink water even if you are not thirsty. Your skin will bounce back faster.
Why You Should Shorten Your Showers
Long hot showers are winter’s silent enemy. I know they feel wonderful. I know everyone secretly wants to stand there until the bathroom looks like a sauna. Hot water strips the natural oils that keep your barrier strong. Once those oils are gone, dryness and itching begin.
Keep the water warm rather than hot. Limit the shower to ten minutes. Use gentle cleansers rather than foaming ones. Then moisturize immediately while your skin is still slightly damp. This small change alone can improve winter itch dramatically.
Final Thoughts from the Clinic
Winter does not have to feel like a battle. It just requires a shift in habits. A heavier moisturizer. Daily sunscreen. A little care before and after skiing. Shorter, gentler showers. These are simple adjustments that give your skin a fighting chance all season long.
If your skin is still uncomfortable despite all this, come see me. Sometimes winter dryness is not just dryness. Eczema can flare. Rosacea can worsen. A proper plan can make winter far more tolerable.
Until then, stay warm, stay hydrated and treat your skin kindly.
