Winter is notorious for leaving skin rough, dry, and dull. As temperatures drop and indoor heating rises, the loss of moisture can disrupt your skin barrier, leading to an uneven texture. You need to know the “why” before you can know the “how”.
To help you tailor your skincare routine I’ve created an easy guide below. Start by identifying your “why” by selecting a number below (you can select multiple numbers), then jump to the corresponding number(s) under “how” for a personalized fix.
WHY?
- Lack of Natural Oils - Does your skin feel tight and dry all day long? It might not be producing enough sebum, leaving it vulnerable to flakiness and rough patches. Dry skin produces less sebum (the skin’s natural oil), which serves as a protective barrier to retain moisture. Without sufficient sebum, the skin struggles to stay hydrated, leading to rough flaky patches and tightness.
- Compromised Skin Barrier - Does your skin feel extra sensitive, prone to cracks or irritation? A weak skin barrier could be letting essential hydration escape. The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out. In dry skin types the barrier is often weakened, allowing moisture to escape (also known as trans-epidermal water loss).
- Build-Up of Dead Skin Cells - Does your skin look dull and feel rough to the touch? Dry skin often holds onto dead skin cells, making texture uneven. Without proper exfoliation, moisturizers and serums may struggle to penetrate effectively, making dryness worse.
- Specific Skin Conditions - Do you experience persistent rough patches, bumps, or redness? Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or keratosis pilaris may be to blame. Cold, dry air and harsh winds can exacerbate skin conditions and cause unwanted flare-ups.
- Improper Skincare Habits - Are you guilty of overwashing, skipping moisturizer, or using harsh products? Your routine could be doing more harm than good.
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Boost Your Skin’s Natural Oils - Use a rich, nourishing moisturizer with ingredients like squalane or jojoba oil. My personal favorite is Intense Recovery Complex. These ingredients mimic natural sebum and keep your skin soft. Add a facial oil to your routine for extra hydration.
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Use Barrier-Repairing Ingredients- Harsh winter weather can weaken your skin’s protective barrier. Avoid harsh cleansers and hot water that strip your skin’s natural oils. Look for products with ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids to strengthen your barrier. The Sensitive Skin Regimen is great for repairing a damaged skin barrier. After doing your skincare routine in the evenings, try “slugging”.This is when you apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor, before bed, to help seal in moisture.
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Exfoliate Gently and Consistently - Dead skin cells can accumulate faster in colder months, making your skin feel rough. Opt for gentle exfoliants like azelaic acid. This will remove dead skin without irritation. My favorite is Azelaic10 Serum. It’s a comprehensive product that gently exfoliates and hydrates - perfect for even the most sensitive skin types.
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Address Skin Conditions - For conditions like eczema, rosacea, or keratosis pilaris (KP) it is always best to consult your dermatologist if needed and to follow their recommendations. For eczema, hydrocortisone or aloe based products like Soothe HC can be solutions for calming flare ups but should not be used long term. For rosacea, tailored regimens can be beneficial. Avoid harsh exfoliants, cleansers that strip your skin’s natural oils, and products with fragrance. For KP, you can use targeted solutions like the KP Duo, to help clear texture and itchiness.
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Re-evaluate Your Skincare Routine - Switch to a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser once a day and follow up with a moisturizer designed for dry skin. Always moisturize immediately after cleansing to trap in hydration. Limit your exfoliation to 1-2 times a week for very dry/sensitive skin and 2-3 times a week for normal to oily skin.
Consistency is Key- Skincare isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a commitment. Stick to your routine, adjust as needed, and give your skin time to adapt and heal.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen- Yes, sunscreen is essential even in the winter. A moisturizer with SPF is ideal to not only nourish and hydrate but also protect against damaging UV rays. Snow and ice can reflect UV rays causing damage to your skin barrier and exacerbating roughness. It’s important to use an SPF if you’re using chemical exfoliants or retinol. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.
By following these steps, you can help combat rough texture and ensure your skin stays soft, smooth, and glowing all winter long.It’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different and skincare is not one size fits all. I always recommend speaking with your dermatologist before incorporating new products or routines.
