Winter is a hard season for everyone’s skin, and people with dry skin have it even worse. The cold weather, low humidity, and dry indoor heating can all contribute to dry, itchy, and flaky skin.

But don’t worry – there are some simple steps you can take to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing all winter long.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine, but during the winter season, when your skin is more vulnerable to dryness, it’s important to use a gentle and non-stripping cleanser.

Avoid using hot water and instead opt for lukewarm water for cleansing. That way, your skin won’t lose too much natural oil. Try to find a soap-free, cream-based cleanser that is both hydrating and nourishing for your skin.

Exfoliate Gently

Winter weather can make your skin dry and dull. Exfoliating once or twice a week can help to remove the dead skin cells that are burying your natural radiance.

Try using a gentle exfoliating scrub, preferably with natural exfoliators like sugar, oatmeal, or pumice stone. A good exfoliator can also help your skin to absorb moisture better.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Moisturizing daily is the most important step in your winter skincare routine. During the winter season, you should apply a high-quality, rich moisturizer twice a day to keep your skin hydrated.

It’s best to choose a moisturizer that contains hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera which helps you to retain moisture in your skin. For extra dryness on your hands and feet, use a rich cream and wear cotton gloves or socks overnight to help the moisturizer penetrate deeply.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Even though it’s chilly outside, the winter sun can still damage your skin. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 if you are going outside during the daytime.

Just a small amount of sunscreen will help to prevent the UV rays from penetrating your skin and causing damage.

Avoid Hot Showers or Baths

It may be tempting to take a hot shower or bath after coming inside from the cold. However, hot water and steam can strip your skin’s natural oil which makes it dry and itchy.

Instead, take a lukewarm shower or bath, and make sure you don’t stay in the shower for too long – five to ten minutes max is enough. After your shower, pat your skin dry with a soft towel or let your skin air-dry.

Drink Plenty of Water

Keeping yourself hydrated from the inside out is as important for your skin as applying moisturizer on the outside. During winter, our body loses moisture due to the dry weather, which can lead to dehydrated skin.

Drinking plenty of water will help to keep your skin hydrated, and also flush out toxins from your body. Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can only add to your body’s dehydration.

Use a Hydrating Face Mask

In addition to using a moisturizer, you can provide extra nourishment for your skin by using a hydrating face mask. A face mask can give your skin an instant shot of moisture and nutrients, making it more radiant and healthy looking.

Try a face mask that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, honey, avocado, or cucumber. Use it once or twice a week for best results.

Humidify Your Home

Central heating can make the air inside your home extremely dry, which can cause your skin to lose moisture. To counteract the dry air, consider using a humidifier in your home to add some moisture back to the air.

This will help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Wear Warm Clothes and Accessories

Keeping your skin covered and warm can help to protect it from the cold weather. Make sure to wear warm clothes and accessories like gloves, hat, and scarf to keep your skin protected and avoid the harsh, cold winds from drying out your skin.