7 Ways to Update Your Skincare Routine in Winter

3. Try a Combination Strategy for Combination Skin

On the other hand, both dry and oily skin can be difficult to manage. To moisturize combination skin, you have to be strategic. “Try using a toning pad that contains glycolic and salicylic acid that you can apply only to your oily T-zone areas,” says Levine. Next, apply a lotion-based moisturizer to your cheeks and neck, suggests Fusco.

4. Use ceramides for skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and rosacea

People with psoriasis may have dry, flaky skin, especially along the scalp line or in the T-zone, says Levine. If that’s the case, “look for moisturizers that are soothing and calming,” she says. “Those containing ceramides may provide additional hydration, while hydrocortisone may be helpful in areas of inflammation.”

For eczema-prone skin, Levine recommends a thick moisturizer, either a ceramide-based cream or an ointment like Aquaphor or Vaseline. And be sure to avoid anything with harsh chemicals or fragrances.

People with rosacea should look for products that contain anti-inflammatory agents. “Green tea creams are particularly effective for rosacea,” says Levine.

5. Replace long, hot showers with short, lukewarm showers

Hot showers may seem appealing in cold weather, but they’re not good for the skin, notes Bruce Brod, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Many people enjoy long, hot showers during the winter months because they are comforting and help warm up cold bathrooms,” says Brod. “However, hot water can actually make the situation worse by stripping away the skin’s natural oils, which are essential for maintaining hydration. This effect is especially noticeable on areas like the lower legs, which are more prone to dryness.”

6. Monitor indoor humidity

Similar to hot showers, indoor heating is a double-edged sword when it comes to cold-weather comfort, says Brod.

“Indoor heating systems, while keeping us warm, tend to dry out the air in our homes and workplaces. This lack of humidity can strip moisture from our skin, leaving it dry and irritated, and can worsen common skin conditions like eczema, dandruff and general skin irritations,” he says. “Try to keep your home comfortably warm without overheating, and monitor humidity levels to prevent the air from becoming too dry.”

7. Layer

Dressing in layers is not only practical, it can help save your skin. Brod especially recommends layering clothes to avoid wearing coarse fabrics like wool directly against the skin, as this can cause itching and irritation.

Takeaways

• Cooler weather means drier air, which can dry out your skin.
• Knowing your skin type is essential to adapting your skincare routine for the colder months.
• Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances, especially if you have a skin condition.