STYLE

Dryness. Flakes. Dullness. Winter is such a fun time for your skin, amiright? "During these months, the weather is cold and the air is dry," explains dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets. "That dry air pulls water from your skin, making it feel tight, itchy and irritated." But wait, there's more: Not only does that chilly wind affect your complexion, but the warm air blasting from your indoor heaters robs your skin of moisture, too. The solution? These hydration-boosting moves.

Never pass up moisturizer, no matter your skin type

@cerave

Slathering moisturizer on dry skin is a given, but PSA: Oily skin needs it, too. In fact, skipping moisturizer makes you *more* prone to pimples, shares esthetician Colleen Carey. "Your skin ends up producing extra oil because it's thirsty. And that excess oil can cause breakouts," she says. So apply a lightweight lotion with hydrating ingredients (more on that in a sec) morning and night to keep your skin balanced. 

Layer up on ingredients

Adding extra moisture during the winter builds up your skin's barrier, which helps prevent water from escaping. "Look for products with ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide," suggests Dr. Kobets. At night, layer a thick, oil-based moisturizer (aka an occlusive product like Vaseline Original Healing Petroleum Jelly, $4, target.com) over your lotion to seal the ingredients into your skin while you sleep. 

Avoid exfoliation 

As tempting as it is to scrub away flaky skin, don't. Dr. Kobets explains that exfoliating can be irritating and make your skin sitch worse, so focus on hydration instead. (If your skin is really itchy or scaly, check with your dermatologist to see if it's psoriasis or eczema). 

Do a midday mist

Stash a face mist like La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water for Sensitive Skin ($14, ulta.com) in your backpack or locker to rehydrate your skin at school. "Thanks to added hydration and nourishing ingredients like antioxidants and minerals, a quick, light mist will make you feel refreshed and give your skin a midway glow," explains Carey.

Know what your skin needs

There's no one-routine-fits-all when it comes to skin, so it's key to know your skin type before you treat it, shares Carey. Dry and sensitive? Avoid potentially irritating products with added fragrance and reach for a more gentle moisturizer that works to boost your skin barrier (look for key ingredients like ceramides, omega fatty acids and vitamin C). Oily or acne-prone skin? Opt for an oil-free moisturizer like CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel ($21, ulta.com). Once a week, add a salicylic acid serum like Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum for Clear and Balanced Skin ($20, ulta.com) to unclog pores.

Swap your pillowcase

Ditch cotton and flannel pillowcases that can suck moisture out of your skin and upgrade to a silk option like the Suatien Mulberry Silk Pillowcase ($13, amazon.com). The material decreases friction and doesn't soak up your moisturizer, which can dry out your skin while you snooze.

Invest in a humidifier

Your skin loses the most moisture overnight. "Running a humidifier in your room can add hydration back to the air," says Dr. Kobets, helping your skin retain water so it stays more hydrated. Try the Pure Enrichment PureBaby Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier ($40, target.com). Wishing you sweet dreams...and soft skin.

Plus 4 must-do steps for winter skin: 

Keep your skin feeling fresh and happy despite the freezing temps and eternal darkness in 1, 2, 3, 4...

Calm and cleanse

$15, target.com

Wash away the day without your skin feeling tight or stingy. 

Gently buff

$26, cosrx.com

Give your skin a double cleanse with just the slightest bit of exfoliation.

Find balance

$10, sephora.com

Help draw moisture into your skin while keeping grease in check.

Build your barrier

$24, futurewise.world

Lock moisture in and give your skin the nutrients it needs.

Tag us in your skincare routine videos on social media @girlslifemag! 

More skincare content right this way...
💄 Here's the simplest skincare routine for the busiest girls 
💄 The cold girl's ultimate guide to winter skincare 
💄 These hydrating & brightening serums will glow up your skincare routine 

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our December/January 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Top image: @yesto

by Erin Reimel | 1/26/2024