Protect the barrier and watch out for hot water: The best tips for dry skin in winter
You can recognize the approaching winter not only by the dropping temperatures. A sure sign is also dry, tight, irritated, flaky, or cracked skin. This signals that, due to the surrounding conditions, your regular skincare routine needs to be adjusted. What changes and products will your skin appreciate?
Winter traps for the skin
Dry air in heated rooms, icy air outside, low humidity, cold wind, and reduced activity of sebaceous glands in the skin at temperatures below 8°C – all of this can lead to a disruption of the skin's natural protective barrier. The skin becomes more vulnerable and prone to dryness and damage. These unpleasant feelings can even affect those with combination or oily skin.
Time for changes
So, what changes should be made in your daily routine? Start with cleansing. In winter, it should be even gentler than usual. Choose a cleanser that won’t dry out your skin, but rather provides hydration right from this step. Our tip is the non-foaming gel UltraCalming Cleanser, which not only cleanses but also strengthens the skin's protective barrier.
In winter, the natural cell renewal process also slows down. Therefore – despite popular myths – don’t skip exfoliation. Just opt for exfoliants based on chemical exfoliants (e.g., Daily Milkfoliant) instead of mechanical scrubs with abrasive particles. These offer the perfect balance between removing dead skin cells and being gentle enough. If you have dry skin with enlarged pores, go for the Liquid Peelfoliant exfoliant. It reduces pore visibility, brightens the skin, and keeps it hydrated.
Tip: Don't forget about toners and serums. After cleansing, add a dose of hydration with the Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist and follow up with the Circular Hydration Serum.
You can swap your light daily face cream for a richer version with a higher lipid content. If you’re not sure what to choose, look at the ingredients. Your skin will love ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, jojoba oil, or shea butter. Our winter favorite is the nourishing Super Rich Repair cream, which stands up to even extreme conditions, supports resilience, and has soothing effects. Or choose the Stabilizing Repair Cream – it restores lipids, repairs damaged barriers, and provides relief to the skin.
Tips for dry skin in winter
But try also thinking about your other daily rituals – many of them seem harmless but can have a significant impact on skin dryness.
- Long showers and hot baths are pleasant in winter, but they strip the skin of its natural oils and dry it out. The water should be lukewarm, and shorten your washing time to 5, at most 10 minutes. Place a gentle shower gel, like Conditioning Body Wash, in your shower. Follow with a nourishing body cream, like our Body Hydrating Cream. Apply it to still-wet skin for better absorption.
- Even though it doesn’t seem obvious, UV rays negatively affect our skin in winter as well. So, don’t leave the house without SPF, ideally with a factor of 30 or higher, even on snowy or freezing days.
- Makeup and dry skin can go hand in hand, just choose a foundation primer with hydrating ingredients that will add moisture to the skin and prevent unsightly flakes.
- You can also prevent dry skin on your face by wearing a scarf, and don’t hesitate to wrap yourself up in it comfortably.
- A proper diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help with skin hydration. Foods like nuts and seeds, oily fish, or avocado are great sources.
- If you’re still struggling with dryness, sensitivity, and redness despite extra care, check for hidden and potentially irritating substances. Often, fragrance is to blame, which can be found not only in skincare and body care products but also in laundry detergents.
Final advice? Be patient. Repairing a damaged skin barrier can take several weeks. But the result – radiant, healthy skin – is worth it!