4 Ways to Get Ahead of Dry Skin This Winter

Shorter days, cooler temps, and drier skin — it all comes with the change of seasons. But is there a way to get ahead of the game and prevent your skin from getting flaky and cracked? We asked Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology.

How can I prevent dry skin this winter?

Your best line of defense is to fortify and protect the skin barrier. That will prevent water from getting out and allergens or bacteria from getting in, says Yadav. Here’s how you can do that:

• Use a moisturizer with lipids: These will help lock in the moisture in your skin. Check the ingredient list for two popular ones — ceramides or squalane — like in many  Cetaphil and CeraVe products (which Yadav recommends). 

• Skip hot showers: We know it’s tough when it’s freezing out, but hot water can strip your skin of natural oils and dry it out. 

• Use oil-based or creamy cleansers: Unlike gel cleansers, they’re less likely to strip the skin’s oils and instead add moisture. Yadav recommends Dove body washes, SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser for the face, and Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil for the face and body. 

• Invest in a humidifier: It releases moisture into the air and helps prevent the heating in your home from drying out your skin. Pro tip: If you live in a small apartment and don’t want to buy a humidifier, keep your bathroom door open when you shower so the steam spreads throughout.