There’s no time of year quite as cozy as winter. Whether sipping a warm cup of hot cocoa, serving up a snowball fight, or relaxing by a crackling fire, there’s lots to love about this calm, cold season. Enchanting as it is, wintertime is less than gentle on the skin. When temperatures drop and the air grows dryer, our skin feels it most as it begins to lose its natural moisture. But fear not, cause we’ve got your guide to surviving the winter season so your skin stays intact and retains its simple radiance.

Why is my skin dry in the winter?

Before we reveal our dry skin remedies, let’s better understand why the winter weather wreaks havoc on our complexion. Cold air contains little moisture, so when you’re in a drier environment, your skin will also begin to dry out. Pair cold winds with low humidity levels, and your skin will quickly be stripped of its natural oils which may lead to dryness, flakiness, and even cracking. Using indoor heating will exacerbate dry skin by further dehydrating the air around you. It’s important to give your skin some extra TLC and prepare and take preventative measures before the issue becomes unmanageable.

How to prevent dry skin during winter months

If you want to get ahead of the winter chill and prime your skin for the season, there are a few preventative measures you may take. The following are some proactive ways to stop dry skin dead in its tracks.

1. Stay hydrated from within

We always advise staying well hydrated, but upping your intake of H2O is especially encouraged when working against harsh winter weather. Drinking plenty of water will ensure that your skin is nourished naturally, and from within.

2. Avoid hot baths and showers

As comforting as a steaming hot bath maybe when it’s chilly, it’s also one of the quickest ways to dry out your skin by stripping it of its natural oils. Adjust the water temperature to warm to help avoid unwanted dryness.

3. Invest in a humidifier

When winter temps begin to drop, it only makes sense to want to heat your home. Unfortunately, indoor heating systems make for extra dry air, which is likely to cause dry skin to worsen.

4. Find a nourishing moisturizer

Your daily skincare routine should always include applying a moisture-rich lotion or body butter. We recommend Moody Sisters’ Dry Skin Cocoa Body Butter or Dry Skin Body Balm for long-lasting hydration that will help soothe skin from the menaces of cold winter weather.

5. Protect your skin when outdoors

Bundling up in wintertime does more than just keep you warm. Hats, gloves, and snug scarves also act as a barrier to protect your skin from the chilly air. Be sure to still apply your sunscreen, as even during the winter months, the sun’s UV rays may still cause harm.

6. Limit alcohol intake

Alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration, especially when consumed in excess. If you’re experiencing dry, itchy, chapped skin in winter, you may want to check your habits to make sure you’re doing everything in moderation.

What is the best winter skincare routine?

Keeping dry skin at bay during winter calls for a skincare routine that emphasizes hydration, protection, and gentle maintenance. Fortunately, we’ve taken the guesswork out of building the best skincare routine for dry skin caused by cold winter temps.

1. Wash with a gentle cleanser

Remove makeup, oil, and other impurities with a mild face wash like our Oatmeal Honey Gel Cleanser. Formulated with skin-soothing ingredients like lavender flower water, honey, provitamin B5, and vitamin E, this cleanser works to lock in moisture, reduce redness, and calm irritation.

2. Use a hydrating toner

To find a facial toner suitable for dry skin, look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rose water, or other hydrating ingredients. You can’t go wrong with the Moody Sisters Rosewater Toning Face Spray, which replenishes skin and helps it retain moisture.

3. Avoid over-exfoliating

Limit how often you exfoliate to once or twice a week during wintertime to avoid overly drying out your skin. Opt for a light face scrub like our Gentle Hibiscus Micro Scrub to delicately slough off dead skin and reveal a softer, smoother complexion.

4. Apply a hydrating skin serum

Serums are a powerful secret weapon for combatting dry skin in winter. Moody Sisters’ Calming Vitamin B3 Face Serum nourishes with ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. Calm irritation and rid your skin of red spots with this handy treatment designed to restore balance.

5. Don’t skip the sunscreen

No matter the time of year, the golden rule of skin health is to always wear sun protection. A sky full of clouds is no match for the power of the sun, which can penetrate your skin even on the gloomiest of days.

6. Make the most of face masks

Treat your skin to a face mask now and then for an added boost of hydration in wintertime. Ingredients like aloe vera, avocado, and honey are excellent for infusing moisture into dull, dry skin.

7. Hydrate your lips

Chapped lips are an unfortunate result of cold, dry winter weather. Applying a hydrating lip balm or gloss regularly will ensure your lips stay soft, smooth, and perfectly pouty. Our new Wet Shine Lip Gloss is fortified with castor seed oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil so you can give your lips some love all winter long.