Winter may have officially started in December, but it feels like it just really kicked in. Temps have gone frigid, we've broken out our heavy-duty cold-weather gear, and our skin feels like it's been tightened two sizes. Dryness, cracks, dehydration, it's all happening. (If you live in Miami, L.A., or anywhere out of the winter warpath, this may not apply — but can we come visit?) Beyond the falling thermostat, the wind, the low humidity, and the blaring heat inside most offices make winter the harshest season on our skin. But there are plenty of things you can do to restore some of that much-needed, skin-softening moisture. Ahead, we tapped some skin-care professionals to get tips and product recommendations that will give us the mid-winter pick-me-up our parched faces, bods, and scalps are craving.
Try a Milk Compress
You know how they say that drinking a glass of warm milk can be calming to your senses? Well, it can do the same thing for your skin. Jeannette Graf, MD, suggests applying a milk compress to your thirsty skin to help combat the harsh effects of winter.
"Milk contains lactic acid for soothing," Dr. Graf says. "Fill a bowl with half milk, half cool water," she advises. "Dip fresh cotton balls into the milk and dab over cleansed skin. Then, wipe off the milk with a micellar cleanser for the ultimate in non-drying rinsing."
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water, $7.99, available at Ulta.
Use Hydrating Products
Dr. Graf also suggests adding a hydrating serum into your skin-care regimen to layer under your moisturizer morning and night. "It's always important to apply moisturizing products while the skin is still damp," she says. "So I recommend that you spray your face with Avène Thermal Spring Water, and then apply a serum that offers long-lasting hydration."
During these dry, cold months, you should also decrease your use of any potentially irritating acne or anti-aging products, says Hadley King, MD. "This may include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid," she says. "You may need gentler products during these months."
Belif Hungarian Water Essence, $42, available at Sephora.
Take Extra Care of Your Hands
We're sure you're already constantly lathering your hands in cream, but if they're still feeling dry and cracked, it may be time to take things up a notch. Anthony Youn, MD, recommends these Borghese Spa Mani gloves, which are infused with hydrating ingredients like olive, jojoba and grape seed oils, and ceramides. You can wear them for just 20 minutes, or overnight for a more intense treatment.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, Marina Peredo, MD, says Vaseline and some white cotton gloves work well for overnight moisturizing too.
Borghese Spa Mani Moisture Restoring Gloves, $24, available at Borghese.
Get a Humidifier
Setting up a humidifier in your room will add moisture to the dry air and in turn your skin — and if you really want to up your game, you can keep a mini one at work, too. "You may want to consider keeping one of the portable, personal humidifiers on your desk to spray a steady mist into the air," says Dr. Graf. "Some of the latest models are virtually noiseless, and come in sizes that are the right fit for your workspace."
Dr. Youn says to make sure your humidifier is set to 30-50% humidity during the winter months — above 60% can cause condensation and encourage bacterial growth.
Honeywell Warm Moisture Humidifier, $34.99, available at Target.
Take Lukewarm Showers
Ugh, we know this is not what you want to hear when it's freezing outside. But your long, piping-hot showers may be contributing to your skin's dryness. "Take brief, lukewarm showers no more than once per day, and use gentle soap substitutes such as Dove or Cetaphil cleanser," says Dr. King. "And immediately afterward, even before your skin is dry, apply emollients to lock in the moisture."
Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash, $5.49, available at Target.
Use Body Cream — Not Lotion
Yup, there is a difference! Ted Lain, MD, explains that lotions have a water base while creams have an oil base, which is better for low-humidity climates. But it doesn't end there: He also suggests looking for a cream that contains ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. "[It] needs to have ingredients that can replace the natural 'cement' that binds the skin cells together at the top of the skin and therefore prevents flaking and dryness," he explains. The product needs to bring more moisture into the skin with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin as well.
"If your skin is already dry and flaking, use a cream in the morning with a low concentration of lactic acid [like Amlactin], which can help remove the flaking skin gradually and allow better penetration of a good moisturizing cream at night."
And again, when you apply the cream makes a difference. Try to get it on your body within three minutes of showering.
AmLactin Ultra Hydrating Body Cream, $16.99, available at Walgreens.
Try a Cream Mask
For a quick moisture fix, Dr. Graf suggests applying a creamy mask like Avène Soothing Moisture Mask and boosting its effects by periodically spraying your face with Thermal Spring Water. Leave it on for about 20 minutes for the best results.
Avène Soothing Moisture Mask, $26, available at Birchbox.
Avène Thermal Spring Water, $14, available at Birchbox.
Exfoliate Your Scalp
We all know how important it is to exfoliate our faces and bodies, but our scalp needs some of that attention, too. David E. Bank, MD, says if you're struggling with flakes and an itchy scalp, an exfoliating product may be just what you need. There are many that are made for the scalp specifically, like this one from Kiehl's, but you can also use a mild face exfoliator on your dome once or twice a week.
Kiehl's Deep Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, $20, available at Kiehl's.
Keep a Balm in Your Bag
Don't you love when it's the simple (and cheap!) things that really provide solutions? If you haven't already, it's time to throw some Aquaphor in your bag.
"Carry a tube or little jar of Aquaphor Healing Ointment in your bag for on-the-spot smoothing and hydrating for chapped lips, ragged cuticles, dry heels, wind burn, etc.," says Dr. Graf. "It forms a protective barrier to help prevent moisture loss and also has good moisturizing ingredients like glycerin."
Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $14.29, available at Drugstore.com.
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