How to Combat Dry, Itchy Skin This Winter
Proper skincare is near and dear to our hearts. Then winter comes, and we have to store away our favorite light lotions and super cleansers in favor of a gentler, more hydrating bunch. But it’s hard to know what products you should use and when, which—drumroll, please—brings me to the official unveiling of our guide to surviving that dry, windy air with ease. Below, behold everything you need to know about winter skincare and the products for getting it right.
Step 1: Cleanse
"It's always the first step, regardless of season, but because it's wintertime, this step should be shorter than normal and with super-gentle cleansers so as not to strip the moisture barrier. Winter brings dry and less-humid air, meaning the moisture usually is drawn from your skin throughout the day, leading to dry, scaly and itchy skin (i.e. winter itch). Combat that by using gentle non-foaming cleaners and lukewarm water (hot water strips more moisture). I suggest the classic Dove Beauty Bar." — Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group
Step 1: Cleanse
"Don't take too hot of a shower or bath, because it strips the oils from the skin." — Elizabeth Tanzi
"Exfoliating scrubs can be harsh or abrasive, especially if you have skin lesions. I suggest limiting exfoliations to once or twice a week." — Dendy Engelman
"Your body is at a higher risk of getting dried out than your face because of daily wear and tear. The wrong soap in the shower can cause problems by further stripping the skin of essential oils that work to lock in hydration. Choose a soap-free cleanser with hydrating ingredients." — Joshua Zeichner
Step 2: Moisturize
"I rotate magnesium oil, Weleda's Wild Rose Oil ($17), and Bio-Oil and use it right after I shower. In the winter, I add a heavier moisturizer as well, like Cetaphil's Moisturizing Cream ($16). Apply the product when your skin is damp, as the glycerin in your moisturizer can trap moisture. When it comes to anything body, I like to divide the body in three sections for product application: face, neck, arms, front torso and back, feet, and legs." — Dendy Engelman