No one wants dry, flaky skin. It isn’t a good look and it doesn’t feel too great either, but as the weather cools down, our skin goes from oily and sweaty to dry and itchy. Being indoors in the drying heat can wreak havoc on your skin and going outside into frigid weather can be even worse. Cold dry air dehydrates your skin to the point of pain and itchiness.
If you are oily in the summertime, you may have a skincare routine of oil-free and oil control products, but the second the temperature gets cooler, those products can exaggerate dryness. On top of that, any acne-fighting products could cause flaking and even burning if you’re not careful. It is a good idea to switch up your routine seasonally. You may not need to change your whole regime, but one or two key products can make all the difference. Whether it’s your face or your body, here are some products that will combat and prevent dreaded dry winter skin.
Cleanser
If your skin feels dry and tight after you wash your face, opt for a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t lather. This could be a cream cleanser like the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (click here) or an oil-based cleanser. The right formula will remove dirt and excess oil without stripping your skin, bringing your sensitive facial skin back into balance.
Night Cream
You can keep using your go-to serums and treatments, but it may be time to amp up your nightly moisturizer. If you wake up in the morning with your skin feeling dry, try adding a few drops of sea buckthorn oil or camellia seed oil from Good Molecules (click here) to your moisturizer in the evening to boost and seal in hydration.
Don’t forget to hydrate under the eyes, the neck, and the lips.
Hydrating Makeup
On top of skincare, changing your makeup for the season is also a good idea. Instead of opting for a matte foundation to keep oils at bay, try something with a glow or natural finish like COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Skin Milk (click here). Dry foundations tend to cling to dry patches of skin and will leave you looking cakey.
The same goes for primer. Instead of something that is oil-controlling, try a hydrating or gripping primer like Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer (click here) to enhance wear time without drying you out.
Key Products for Winter Body Care
Don’t forget about the skin below your neck! Our bodies get just as dry in the winter, but we tend to pay them less attention because they’re mostly covered up. Taking a little extra time to keep your body hydrated will help you feel more like yourself. It will also help prevent premature aging. Keeping the skin hydrated isn’t just about looking good, but also about feeling good.
Body Wash
All of this can start in the shower. Instead of a basic soap or shaving cream, try using a rich body wash that provides hydration like Dove Dryness Relief Body Wash (click here). If you’re short on time you could also use an in-shower moisturizer like Jergens Wet Skin Body Lotion (click here) that is super lightweight and absorbs quickly.
Body Cream
If you use a hydrating body wash and moisturize and still feel like your skin is parched, go for something with a bit more intensity. Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Cream (click here) is a thick and affordable hydrator that keeps the skin glowing and soft all day and into the next. This is heavy-duty and takes a minute to absorb, but it will get the job done.