The winter season has officially arrived. If you live in a cool climate, you may have noticed that your skin has become dry, flaky, tight and uncomfortable. Read this LovelySkin blog to find out why becomes drier in winter, and learn what you can do to keep your skin balanced and hydrated this season.

The main cause of dry skin in the winter is cold air. Cold air has much less moisture in it than warm or hot air, and skin cannot pull in the amount of moisture it needs to stay hydrated. Strong winter wind can also strip skin quickly, leaving it chapped and irritated. To combat dry skin, keep as much of it covered as possible when spending even small amounts of time outdoors, and always apply a sun protection product, like EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen.

In addition, many of our favorite sources of warmth may contribute to dryness. Indoor heat, especially if it is forced-air, can be especially dehydrating to the skin. Similarly, sitting fireside for long stretches of time can zap moisture, as can long, overly hot showers and baths. Lastly, wool clothing may cause irritation and itchy skin, exacerbating dryness and flakiness.

Consider investing in a humidifier so that your heating system doesn’t leave the air indoors too dry. Humidifiers are available in all sizes, from whole-house to tabletop models, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. If you opt for a small unit, place it in your bedroom so that skin doesn’t grow too dry overnight while it is regenerating and repairing itself.

Sit farther away and limit time around the fire. Limit showers and baths to 10 minutes using lukewarm water. If you don’t want to give up your favorite wool sweater, try wearing a cotton or silk layer under it so that there is minimal contact between the material and your skin.

Winterizing Your Skin Care Routine

Just as you change clothes every season, it’s a good idea to tailor your skin care routine to fit with the changing weather. While you may have chosen mattifying formulas and light moisturizers for summer, your winter routine should involve a high-quality exfoliator, richer moisturizers and on-the-go moisturizing products to use throughout the day.

Exfoliating in winter may seem counterintuitive. However, it helps to remove the dead skin cells that accumulate when skin is extra dry, clearing the pores and allowing moisturizing treatments to work more effectively. Gentle scrubs, like NIA24 Physical Cleansing Scrub, work well to remove debris and help skin maintain a soft texture. A gentle cleanser with fruit enzymes is also a great option. We like LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser, a cream-based formula that removes makeup while soothing skin.

A moisturizer for nighttime can help keep skin more protected all day. Try EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer. This non-greasy lotion contains more than just moisturizing ingredients. It is also infused with peptides and antioxidants to help combat fine lines and wrinkles. We also like SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry for an anti-aging treatment, gentle exfoliator and night cream all in one.

For daytime, Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer helps to nourish cells and replenish a dry, irritated complexion. Using shea butter, avocado oil, mango butter and glycerin, the gentle formula helps to intensely hydrate while protecting the skin against environmental stressors and premature signs of aging. To learn what others think of it, you can read these Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer reviews.

Don’t neglect the skin on your body. Applying a rich body moisturizer to damp skin will help you absorb the maximum amount of moisture and leave skin soft and smooth. A customer favorite at LovelySkin is Epionce Extreme Barrier Cream. This soothing formula creates a barrier on the skin to help prevent moisture loss and keep skin hydrated. It contains nourishing, restorative ingredients like safflower, rose hip and avocado oils to repair skin and heal irritation.

Even with the right products, you may need an extra boost of moisture and comfort throughout the day. Developed especially for dry winter skin by Dr. Schlessinger and his son, Daniel, FixMySkin Healing Body Balm Unscented with 1% Hydrocortisone is the perfect on-the-go product to combat dry, chapped skin. It contains 1% hydrocortisone to help heal damaged cells, plus shea and cocoa butter to hydrate and provide relief from itchiness and irritation. The heat-resistant stick is perfect for keeping in your pocket.

A refreshing facial mist can also help calm the skin and lend a burst of much-needed hydration. Avene Thermal Spring Water contains natural spring water that helps to relieve tightness, irritation and redness caused by dry skin. Spritz it on any time for a quick pick-me-up!

Do you have a question about winterizing your skin care routine? Let us know in the comments section.