Cold Weather Skincare: How to Keep Skin Healthy All Winter

When it’s finally cozy, pumpkin-spice latte weather, the last thing you want is dry, rough skin that feels like sandpaper against your favorite sweater. This happens because cold outdoor air holds less moisture, and indoor heating can make the air even drier, leaving your skin dry, flaky, and itchy. 

In cold-weather conditions with low humidity, research shows that skin hydration drops in about two weeks. This means you’ll likely start feeling the effects of winter on your skin soon after the temperatures start to drop outside. The good news is you don’t need a complicated lineup of skincare products to feel better. 

Read on to learn more about how winter affects your skin, and what you can do to help keep your skin soft and radiant all winter long with a simple winter routine and the best dermatology care in Bend, OR. 

Why Does Skin Get So Dry in Winter?

Winter air holds less water, so moisture leaves your skin more quickly. This is partly due to increased transepidermal water loss, which is a fancy way of saying water escapes through the skin into the air when humidity levels are low. 

Indoor heating can make it worse because it dries the air again once you come inside, so you bounce between cold wind and warm, dry rooms all day. As your skin dries out, the protective skin barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants, allergens, and bacteria begins to weaken. Before long, your cheeks feel tight when you step outside, and you find yourself using more lip balm and lotion than before. 

To make matters worse, fragrances, rough fabrics, hot water, and frequent hand washing during cold and flu season can worsen skin dryness and eventually skin breakdown. This leads to stinging, redness, and that annoying winter itch. 

What’s the Best Winter Skincare Routine? 

A good winter skin hydration routine is less about adding more steps and more about timing and gentleness, especially when your skin already feels tight right after you wash: 

• In the morning, start with a mild, non-stripping cleanser, or even just rinse with lukewarm water if your face is not oily. Pat your skin to keep it slightly damp, then apply moisturizer right away so you trap that water instead of letting it evaporate while you hunt for your next product. 
• If your skin is dry, a cream tends to hold up better than a thin lotion, and products with petroleum often do the best job of sealing in moisture. 
• After a shower or bath, do the same thing within a few minutes while your skin is still warm and damp, since that is when hydration is easiest to lock in. 
• At night, wash gently, skip anything that stings, and use a thicker moisturizer before bed so your skin can rebuild its barrier while you sleep.

What Ingredients Should I Look for in a Winter Moisturizer?

When picking a winter moisturizer, look for ingredients that help retain moisture and offer barrier protection. Some key ingredients to look for include: 

• Ceramides to support the skin barrier and help keep your face from feeling raw
• Niacinamide, which supports the skin barrier and can help calm the appearance of redness 
• Hyaluronic acid works like a sponge that holds water, which can help with hydration 

To lock everything in, choose richer textures such as creams or ointments, especially those with occlusive ingredients that sit on the surface and slow moisture loss. 

Should You Exfoliate Your Skin in Winter?

You can exfoliate in winter, but it helps to think of it like sanding a dry piece of wood. A little can smooth things out; too much leaves them rough and irritated. In cold weather, your skin is already stressed from dry air and indoor heat, so over-exfoliating can turn a few flakes into burning, redness, and that tight feeling. Most dermatologists recommend limiting exfoliation to once a week or less, especially if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. You should also skip harsh scrubs when you’re flaky or sensitive. 

Do I Really Need Sunscreen in the Winter? 

One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Do I still need to wear sunscreen in the winter?” The answer is, yes! Sunscreen is important all year, even on the days when the air feels icy, and the sky looks flat and gray. UV rays can still reach your skin through cloud cover, and snow reflection increases UV exposure, making sunscreen just as important in the winter. Winter-friendly sunscreen options come in creamier textures that can help hydrate while still providing broad-spectrum protection. 

How do I Prevent Chapped Lips, Dry Hands, and Winter Rashes? 

If your hands sting when you wash them or you see a blotchy rash or little cracks near your knuckles, gloves can make a bigger difference than you’d expect. Wear warm gloves outdoors, and use rubber gloves for dishwashing or cleaning to avoid repeatedly soaking your hands in hot water and soap. A high-quality lotion is also important. 

Lips need the same kind of shield as your skin does for UV protection, so keep a simple balm with SPF protection in your winter coat pocket and apply it every time you go outside. 

Most dermatologists recommend showers instead of baths because limiting time in water can help reduce dryness and skin irritation. Remember, the best time to moisturize is right after your shower, when you’re still slightly damp. 

If you have tried these changes for a few weeks and you still have persistent itching, redness, or dry patches, it’s time to consult a dermatologist to rule out eczema, contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction, or another condition that may require stronger treatment.

Where to Find the Best Dermatology Care in Bend, OR for Professional Skincare 

The relief you feel when a skin concern finally has a clear name and a practical plan is hard to beat. Amy Snow, PA-C, focuses on thorough exams, straightforward explanations, and treatment decisions that make sense for you, not a one-size-fits-all script. 

At Snow Dermatology, we offer high-end dermatology services to those looking for the best dermatologist in Bend, OR. From routine skin checks to managing chronic rashes, acne, and suspicious spots, we prioritize our patient-first approach with clear, honest communication and a clinical experience you can’t find anywhere else.