If your skin has felt dryer than usual, you’re not alone: Skin is universally prone to dryness and irritation in the wintertime, meaning it’s officially time to layer your clothing and cosmetics. “As temperatures drop, the skin often becomes dry as there is less humidity and moisture in the air,” Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist. “The increased use of indoor heating can also be drying on the skin, [while] other factors such as hot showers can also disrupt the skin barrier, leaving the skin susceptible to moisture loss and worsening dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.”
Celebrity facialist Candace Marino concurs, adding that the cold weather conditions can simultaneously worsen — or cause flare-ups in — those with conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. This is why experts recommend “winterizing” your beauty regimen, aka crafting a winter skincare routine that keeps your complexion moisturized and protected this time of year. And this applies to all skin types, even if you’re naturally on the oilier side.
If you’re unsure where to start, you’re in luck: Bustle spoke with the beauty pros for tips on how to tweak your skincare routine for the wintertime.
While long, hot showers are especially tempting in the winter, experts advise against indulgence this time of year. “Hot showers and prolonged exposure to water can be drying on the skin and should be avoided in the wintertime,” Instead, she suggests short, lukewarm showers — once per day at most — and gently pat dry when finished. Not sure how hot is too hot? Dr. Mark McKenna, M.D., chief medical officer and founder of OVME Aesthetics has a simple rule of thumb: “Water that’s hot enough to make the skin flush pink is usually too hot,” he says.
Besides sucking moisture out of your skin, hot showers mess with your natural sebum. “Hot showers dehydrate the skin by removing healthy skin oils from the surface of your skin,” says Dr. Courtney Rubin, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, co-founder, and CMO. For oily skin types, that can lead to increased oil production to make up for what was lost... which could lead to breakouts.
How To ‘Winterize’ Your Skin Care Routine
