Top 6 Winter Skincare Secrets From Dermatologists

Winter can be tough on your skin. The cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity often leave your skin dry, flaky, and irritated. Many people don’t realise that their usual skincare routine might not work well during the colder months. To help you achieve healthy, glowing skin even in the chilliest weather, we’ve gathered six dermatologist-approved winter skincare secrets that go beyond the basics.

1. Hydrate From Head to Toe

The biggest complaint during winter? Dry skin, from your face to your hands and even your legs.

The first rule of winter skincare is to focus on hydration, and it’s not just about drinking more water (although that helps too). Dermatologists recommend using products designed to lock in moisture.

For your body, opt for a hydrating shower gel instead of regular soap. Many soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it drier than before. A hydrating shower gel with ingredients like glycerine or aloe vera will cleanse while replenishing your skin’s moisture barrier.

An extra tip from dermatologists: Don’t stop there, moisturise immediately after stepping out of the shower. This traps the water left on your skin and prevents it from evaporating. Choose a rich body lotion or cream with shea butter or ceramides for maximum hydration.

2. Moisturise the Right Way

Winter calls for heavier, richer moisturisers compared to the lightweight lotions you might use in summer. But here’s a lesser-known tip: it’s not just about the product—it’s about how and when you use it.

Always apply your moisturiser to damp skin, not dry. This helps seal in the moisture on your skin and makes the product more effective.

For your face, look for creams containing magnesium, which attracts water to your skin, or shea butter, which has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin problems.

For your body, switch to a thicker cream or ointment. If your skin feels itchy or tight during the day, carry a travel-sized moisturiser to reapply. Your skin needs constant hydration during winter, so don’t hesitate to moisturise more than once a day.

An extra tip from dermatologists: To boost the effectiveness of your moisturiser, layer your skincare. After applying your serum, follow up with your moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp. This allows the serum’s active ingredients to penetrate deeper, while the moisturiser seals it all in.

3. Don’t Forget Your Hands

Your hands work hard all day, and during winter, they can quickly become dry, cracked, and even painful. This happens because the skin on your hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands, making it more prone to dryness. Frequent hand washing, while essential, can make things worse.

The solution? Hydrate your hands after every wash. Keep a small bottle of hand cream nearby—in your bag, at your desk, or by the sink. Look for creams with ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, or urea, which deeply nourish and repair dry skin.

An extra tip from dermatologists: Use a hydrating cleanser for your face and hands. These cleansers are gentler and prevent the stripping of natural oils. By swapping out harsh soaps for hydrating alternatives, you can protect your skin without sacrificing cleanliness.

4. Protect Your Skin’s Barrier

Your skin’s barrier is its natural defence against dryness, irritation, and environmental damage. Unfortunately, winter weather can weaken this barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts.

To protect it, avoid harsh exfoliators and toners with alcohol, which can strip your skin’s natural oils. Instead, focus on nourishing your barrier by incorporating products with ceramides, which help repair and strengthen the skin.

An extra tip from dermatologists: Dermatologists also recommend layering your skincare products wisely. Start with a hydrating serum, follow with a moisturiser, and top it off with sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen! Even in winter, UV rays can cause damage, so don’t skip this crucial step.

5. Keep Your Lips Hydrated

Your lips’ natural barrier is their defense against dryness, cracking, and environmental damage. However, harsh winter weather can weaken this barrier, leaving your lips chapped, sensitive, and uncomfortable.

To protect your lips, avoid using harsh scrubs or products with drying ingredients like alcohol, which can strip away essential moisture. Instead, focus on nourishing and repairing your lips with products containing hydrating and protective ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or magnesium.

An extra tip from dermatologists: Experts also suggest protecting this delicate part of your body with proper lip care products. Start with a hydrating lip balm, follow up with a richer lip mask or treatment, and finish with a layer of SPF lip balm. UV rays can harm your lips, so don’t skip this essential step.

6. Take Short, Warm Showers

One common mistake many people make during winter is indulging in long, hot showers. While a steamy shower might feel amazing, it can actually strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it drier and more vulnerable.

Dermatologists recommend keeping your showers short and using lukewarm water instead. During your shower, switch to a hydrating shower gel to help replenish moisture.

Afterward, gently pat your skin dry with a towel (don’t rub!) and immediately moisturise. This simple habit can make a huge difference in how your skin feels throughout the day.

An extra tip from dermatologists: To further protect your skin, try adding a few drops of a nourishing oil to your moisturiser. This creates an extra layer of hydration and helps lock in moisture, especially after a shower, so your skin stays soft and supple.

Make Your Skin Winter Ready with Expert Tips!

Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a few adjustments. By focusing on hydration, choosing the right products, and being gentle with your skin, you can avoid the common pitfalls of winter dryness.

Whether it’s switching to a hydrating cleanser for your face and hands, investing in a rich moisturiser, or using a hydrating shower gel, small changes can lead to big results. Follow these dermatologist-approved secrets, and your skin will thank you all winter long!