As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, many of us start to feel the effects on our skin. Dryness, irritation, and redness become more noticeable as we bundle up in layers and face the harsh, cold air. But your skin shouldn’t have to suffer through the winter months. With a few simple adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep your complexion healthy, hydrated, and glowing, no matter how cold it gets outside.

So, what can you do to protect your skin in these chillier months? We picked some tips from our sensitive skin 101 bible, along with some of the best products to keep your skin in tip-top condition.

Why cold weather affects your skin

Before we dive into tips and product recommendations, it’s important to understand why cold weather impacts our skin. Cold air has a low humidity level, which means it draws moisture out of the skin, leaving it feeling dry and tight. Indoor heating systems, which are great for staying warm, can also contribute to this by making the air even drier.

On top of that, the wind can be harsh on your skin, causing irritation, chapping, and even cracking in some cases. All of these factors together can leave your skin looking dull, rough, and more prone to damage.

So, how can we help our skin stay soft, smooth, and protected when the temperature drops? Let’s break it down.

1. Hydrate from within

Keeping your skin hydrated starts from the inside. While you might be focused on moisturizing your face, don’t forget about the importance of drinking plenty of water. Even though it’s cold outside, your skin still needs hydration to stay healthy. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and try to balance it out with hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and soups.

2. Use a rich, nourishing moisturizer

Cold weather and indoor heating can strip your skin of its natural moisture, so it’s essential to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. A richer moisturizer is often necessary in winter, especially if you have dry skin. Look for products that contain emollients like shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work to restore moisture, reinforce the skin barrier, and prevent water loss.

In addition to your regular moisturizer, consider using a heavier night cream or oil. These are great options for providing deep hydration while you sleep, allowing your skin to recover and repair.

Best products for hydration:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – A cult-favorite that’s both affordable and effective. It’s packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling smooth.
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – With its gel-like texture, this is perfect for those who don’t want a greasy feel. It’s light but still delivers intense hydration.
• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – For a nourishing, overnight treatment, rose hip oil helps to replenish dry skin and calm irritation.

3. Don’t skip the SPF

Yes, you still need sunscreen in the winter! Even though the sun might not feel as intense, harmful UV rays can still damage your skin, especially when reflected off snow or ice. Protecting your skin from sun exposure is important all year round, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 every day.

Some moisturizers now come with SPF built-in, making it easy to protect your skin without an extra step. But if your moisturizer doesn’t have SPF, make sure to layer it on top of your regular skincare routine.

Best products for sun protection:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 – A highly recommended sunscreen that’s effective, lightweight, and doesn’t leave a white cast.
• EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 – Great for everyday use, this sunscreen also contains hyaluronic acid to provide extra moisture.

4. Exfoliate gently

In winter, it’s easy for dead skin cells to build up, leaving your skin looking dull and feeling rough. Exfoliating is a great way to slough off those dead skin cells, but during colder months, it’s important to be extra gentle. Harsh exfoliants can strip your skin of moisture and lead to irritation, so opt for exfoliators with mild acids or physical exfoliants with fine granules.

Best products for gentle exfoliation:

• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – A gentle yet effective liquid exfoliant that works to clear away dead skin cells without stripping the skin.
• Fresh Sugar Face Polish – This is a great physical scrub that combines sugar crystals with nourishing oils for gentle exfoliation without causing irritation.

5. Don’t forget your lips

Chapped lips are a common winter issue, and they can be downright painful if not properly cared for. Use a lip balm with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E to keep lips soft and smooth. Consider using a lip mask or overnight treatment for an extra boost of hydration during the night.

Best products for lips:

• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – A fan-favorite that hydrates and softens lips while you sleep. It’s a winter essential.
• Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm – A classic that provides long-lasting moisture with a simple and natural formula.

6. Protect your hands and body

It’s not just your face that needs to keep dryness at bay during cold months. The skin on your hands and body can also become dry and cracked when exposed to cold temperatures. Use a thick, nourishing hand cream throughout the day, and don’t forget to apply it after washing your hands to lock in moisture. A rich body butter is also a great option for keeping your skin smooth from head to toe.

Best products for hands and body:

• L’Occitane Shea Intensive Hand Cream – A thick, nourishing hand cream that’s perfect for combating dry winter hands.
• The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Soothing & Caring Body Butter – Great for extra-dry skin, this body butter is rich, calming, and absorbs quickly.

7. Stay consistent with your routine

Winter skincare is all about consistency. It’s easy to forget to reapply your moisturizer or sunscreen, but remember, the cold air and indoor heat will continue to dry out your skin. Make sure to stay on top of your skincare routine, even on the busiest of days, and don’t skip essential steps like moisturizing and exfoliating.