17 Skincare Steps Dermatologists Say People Forget in Cold Weather

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Protective Hand Cream

Your hands are often the first area to feel rough and cracked when cold air hits. Many people forget to treat their hands with the same care as their face. A product loved by clinicians is Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream which sinks into skin to address dryness. Apply it after washing your hands and before going outside to help avoid fissures and irritation.

The skin on your hands has less natural oil than other parts, so this extra layer helps retain moisture longer. Keeping a tube by your sink and in your bag encourages regular use. Regular application can leave your hands feeling softer and less tight. This simple step can make winter indoors and out more comfortable for your skin.

Soothing Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive and may show dryness first in cold months. Many forget to treat that area with specialized products. A gentle option is CeraVe Eye Repair Cream which supports the delicate skin around your eyes without irritation. Using this each morning and evening can reduce dryness and the appearance of fine lines caused by tight skin.

The formula contains ceramides which support the skin’s natural surface and help it stay balanced. Gently pat the product around your orbital bone to avoid tugging on the skin. Consistent use helps keep your eyes looking refreshed and feeling comfortable. This step fills a gap that many winter routines overlook.

Mask Treatment for Night

Cold winter air can sap moisture while you sleep and you might wake with dry, uncomfortable skin. Adding a sleep mask treatment like Laneige Water Sleeping Mask can help your skin retain moisture overnight. This product has a gel texture that feels light on the skin while holding in hydration.

Apply it after your evening moisturizer to add another layer of comforting moisture. Many people wake to smoother skin with fewer dry patches. This treatment can be especially helpful if you use heaters at night which can make indoor air very dry. Doing this nightly can keep skin calmer and less cranky in winter months. A little added care while you rest helps your skin feel more balanced.

Scalp Moisturizing Oil

When temperatures drop, your scalp can become dry and flaky without you noticing. It can feel itchy or show flakes that seem like dandruff but are actually dryness. A product many dermatologists mention is The Ordinary 100 Percent Organic Cold Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil which can soothe and moisturize your scalp gently. You can massage a few drops into your scalp before bed and wash it out in the morning.

This helps calm dryness and can make hair feel smoother and less prone to static. Using a soothing oil can be especially helpful if you wear hats or helmets that rub against your hair. Regular use can reduce tightness and flakiness that come with winter. Taking care of your scalp supports the overall comfort of your skin and hair.

Overnight Lip Mask

Regular lip balm helps, but cold weather can cause deeper dryness that needs extra care at night. Using an overnight lip mask like Bite Beauty Agave+ Intensive Lip Mask can replenish moisture while you sleep. This thicker treatment stays on and works with your breath to soften and smooth lips. Apply a generous layer before you go to bed and let it work through the night.

Cold winds and dry indoor heat can take a toll on your lips, and this extra step gives them sustained moisture. This product also contains antioxidants which help calm irritation. Using a dedicated night lip treatment keeps your lips healthier through winter.

Barrier Repair Cream for Heels

Feet are often ignored until they become cracked or painful in cold weather. A thick repair cream like Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream helps soften rough heels and prevent cracks. After a warm shower or bath, apply the cream to your heels and feet before bed. Covering with cotton socks can help the product absorb more deeply.

This practice helps combat dryness that is common when you wear enclosed shoes or boots in winter. Many find that consistent use reduces flakiness and pressure from dry skin. Your feet carry you all day, and taking care of them makes winter more pleasant. This step adds comfort and protects against discomfort from dryness and rough patches.

Neck and Chest Moisture Balm

The skin on your neck and chest can show dryness and redness, especially when layered clothing rubs against it. Many people forget to treat this area with the same care as their face. A product such as First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream can calm and hydrate these spots gently. Apply it after your face and hand moisturizers to keep the skin feeling softer.

The thicker texture helps protect against dry air and friction from scarves or sweaters. Regular application can keep that skin feeling comfortable rather than tight or rough. This can reduce the appearance of dryness lines and irritation that often appear in winter. Adding this care step helps your skin feel more even and calm.

Antioxidant Serum Before Moisturizer

Cold weather can increase stress on skin from wind and dry air. Using an antioxidant serum like Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum can support your skin’s surface and make it feel more resilient. Apply a few drops to clean skin before your moisturizer in the morning. This helps your skin feel ready for day time challenges and may make moisturizers work better.

Vitamin C can also help even out texture and bring a brighter, more rested look to winter skin. Many people find their complexion feels fresher with regular use. If you have sensitive skin, start slowly to observe how your skin responds. This step adds a layer of care that your winter routine might be missing.

Overnight Castor Oil for Brows and Lashes

Cold winds and dry indoor heat can make brow and lash hairs dry and brittle. Applying a small amount of Heritage Store Castor Oil to your brows and lashes before sleep can help keep hair soft and less prone to breakage. Use a clean spoolie or cotton swab to gently brush the oil through.

This natural oil encourages moisture retention while you rest. Many people wake to smoother, less brittle hairs that appear healthier. Be careful to avoid getting oil into your eyes as that can irritate. Staying attentive to areas like brows and lashes keeps winter dryness from showing up where you might not expect it. This step supports the overall health of your hair and skin in colder weather.

Regular Exfoliation

Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that build up and make your skin look rough in cold weather. A gentle exfoliant like Paula’s Choice 2 Percent BHA Liquid Exfoliant is recommended because it works without stripping your skin of moisture.

This product contains salicylic acid which helps smooth skin and keep pores from becoming clogged. Use it only a few times each week to prevent irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive. After applying the exfoliant, follow up with a nourishing cream to seal in moisture. Some people find regular use improves the texture and brightness of their complexion. It is a step that tends to be skipped in winter, but it can make your skincare routine more effective.

Choosing Lukewarm water

Hot water feels comforting when it is cold outside but can strip your skin of protective oils. Choosing lukewarm water and a gentle wash such as Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash can help preserve your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This body wash contains soothing oats that calm dryness and do not strip the skin like harsher soaps.

After a quick shower, pat your skin gently and follow with a rich moisturizer to hold in hydration. Limiting your shower time to around ten minutes can reduce moisture loss. People often notice after hot showers that their skin feels tight or flaky, especially in cold months. Using a soothing wash and mild water temperature can make your skin feel softer and less irritated. Over time, this practice helps prevent the cycle of dryness that winter often brings.

Layering Moisturizers

Moisturizing is essential in cold weather and layering products can improve comfort. Start with a hydrating serum like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 Percent and follow with a richer cream such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to help hold water in your skin. The serum attracts moisture while the cream adds a creamy layer to protect against dryness.

Applying the serum first allows it to sink in and bond with moisture already in your skin. The heavier cream on top helps prevent evaporation that cold air and indoor heat cause. People who try both products usually find their skin feels less tight and more comfortable throughout the day. Doing this morning and evening gives your skin added support when moisture is harder to keep. It may feel like a small step but it often makes a noticeable difference in winter.

Avoiding Fragrance in Skincare

Fragrances in many products can irritate sensitive skin, especially when it is already stressed by cold air. Choosing a product without added scents like Vanicream Moisturizing Cream can reduce dryness and redness for many people. This cream is gentle and free of fragrances which makes it friendly for sensitive skin. Winter air can increase the chance of irritation, so selecting products without extra additives may help your skin feel calmer.

Many people forget that simple products can be more effective when skin is temperamental. Applying this cream consistently after cleansing can help your skin feel softer and less rough. You may find that avoiding fragrance helps your complexion stay balanced for longer. This straightforward step can make a routine feel more comfortable in cold months.

Lip Care with SPF

Lips are exposed to sun and cold winds which can lead to chapping and discomfort. Applying a lip balm that also has sun protection like EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36 can help protect lips from harmful rays and dry air. Even in winter, UV rays reflect off snow and can reach your lips which do not have much natural protection.

The balm glides on smoothly and provides moisture while guarding against sun damage. Reapply the balm whenever you go outdoors or feel dryness returning. Many people forget this step until their lips crack or feel sore, but adding SPF in winter can be helpful, especially if you spend time in snowy spaces. Regular use keeps lips soft and less prone to flaking. This product feels lightweight but gives your lips steady support in cold weather.

Switching to Oil Based Cleansers

Foaming cleansers can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it more prone to dryness in winter. A gentle alternative like DHC Deep Cleansing Oil removes makeup and impurities while leaving your skin feeling smooth. The oil turns milky when it meets water which rinses away without harshness. This cleansing method preserves more of your skin’s natural oils and can make your routine gentler.

After using the cleansing oil, follow with a mild moisturizer to keep your skin feeling soft. Many people find their complexion feels calmer and less tight when they switch at the start of cold weather. Using oil to cleanse feels different at first but often results in smoother skin. This step can be especially helpful for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Avoiding Over Washing Your Face

Washing your face too often can contribute to dryness and irritation in winter. A gentle product like La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser can remove dirt without stripping moisture. Most dermatologists suggest cleansing once in the morning and once at night, using a nourishing formula that respects your skin’s natural balance.

Over washing makes your skin feel tight and can cause more dryness which then leads to heavy use of moisturizers. Choosing a mild cleanser reduces stress on your skin and preserves its own protective oils. After cleansing, applying a good cream helps seal in hydration. Many people notice that when they ease up on washing and use a gentle product, their skin feels calmer and avoids rough patches. This step helps your routine support your skin rather than exhaust it.

Protection from Harsh Winds

Cold wind can strip moisture from exposed skin, causing irritation and rough spots. Before heading outside, applying a protective layer such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment around exposed areas helps guard your skin from dryness. This thick ointment creates a barrier that holds in moisture and shields skin from wind and cold.

Many people find it useful on cheeks, nose, and around the edges of their face where skin feels tight. In addition to outdoor use, applying it before sleep can help skin recover from daily exposure. Wearing a scarf or other face covering adds another layer of protection. Over time, this extra attention to exposed areas can reduce flakiness and discomfort. It feels like giving your skin a shield against the elements.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.