woman in white coat and two piece dress
Image via @adilennavarro; Featured: So In Love With You Ivory Teddy Jacket, Dance Hall White One Shoulder Two-Piece Bodycon Midi Dress

Winter is here, babes, but no need to stress over winter skin dryness, though. Smooth, glowing, hydrated skin can be achieved even as the temperatures drop. We get it: Dry skin and dullness can leave us all feeling a little blue. Don’t worry, skin is constantly changing and sometimes it just needs a little extra TLC. The trick is to be aware of how the environment and everyday habits can affect your skin, and how incorporating minor adjustments to your winter skincare routine can result in a glowing complexion.

woman in rust turtleneck and plaid jacket
Image via @thealohababe

In winter, the air outside tends to get drier, which can cause a decrease in skin’s moisture levels, increasing the importance of protecting the skin’s natural barrier. In a Huffington Post article, dermatologist Dr. Angela Lamb explains, “skin is the barrier that keeps water inside of your body, so when it is dry and cold, water evaporates off of the surface faster and easier.”

No need to fear babes, there are easy steps you can take to prevent winter skin dryness. Ahead, we’ve collected some beauty tips for staying hydrated in the cold weather.

woman in baker boy cap and faux leather puffer jacket
Image via @simrabaakza; Featured: Weather or Not Vegan Leather Puffer Jacket (similar)

1. Avoid taking long showers. Sorry, we know this is such a bummer! On the bright side, your morning routine will thank you for the few extra minutes. According to dermatologist Doris Day, hot water can strip moisture from the skin and can leave it feeling itchy and dry. Keep showers under 15 minutes, use warm water, and pat dry.

2. Pre-moisturize with coconut oil. To add extra moisture, Dr. Lamb recommends using coconut oil as part of your winter skincare–before showering. Coconut oil has tons of amazing qualities, like fatty acids and antioxidants that can help improve both hair and skin. It shouldn’t be used everywhere, though: Avoid using coconut oil on your face as it can clog pores.

woman in red blouse
Image via @blackprints

3. Make your home a beauty haven. Paying attention to what your skin is exposed to indoors is just as important as what occurs outside. During crisp mornings, it can be tempting to turn the heater to 80 degrees. Unfortunately, artificial heat can make inside air dry. We’re not saying that you need to freeze to have flawless skin! Using a humidifier can add water to the air to help combat dryness. Set the humidifier to 45% – 55% for ideal humidity. There are so many different types of humidifiers out there, including portable car humidifiers and others that disperse essential oils.

4. Pay attention to what you’re wearing this winter. Did someone say shopping? But seriously, being aware of what touches your skin is essential. Heavy wool coats can add a necessary layer of warmth, but can also irritate skin. According to Discover Magazine, wool fibers are thicker and the increase in density can rub against skin and cause irritation. The good news is wearing soft base layers are the perfect canvas for your favorite outerwear. Check out Lulus Basics for some cozy long-sleeve layering tops.

blonde woman in blue sweater and fedora as example of winter skincare
Image via @kenziegoley

5. Moisturize (duh). As it gets colder, swap out your lightweight lotion for a thick, fragrance-free cream. Be careful of claims like “unscented,” as Dr. Day explains that additives used to cover up chemical smells can potentially irritate skin. Seek out moisturizers listing hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, or ceramides at the top of the ingredient list. More on those below:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Elle Magazine explains, “just a single gram of Hyaluronic Acid has the impressive ability to hold up to six (yep, six) liters of water.” Stylecaster describes it is a “naturally occurring substance in the human body that regulates cell renewal, lubricates connective tissue and maintains skin’s moisture and elasticity.
  • Glycolic Acid: Women’s Magazine explains, “it has the smallest molecule the acid group, which means your skin can absorb it quickly.” It can be found in “plants like sugar cane, beets, and pineapple.”
  • Ceramides: According to Dr. Day, these molecules “are naturally found in the skin’s outer layer, help to retain moisture and can help to replenish the skin’s moisture.”

What are some of your favorite winter skincare tips? Tell us in the comments–and shop cozy, cold-weather pieces here!

This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been updated with new content.