Winter Proof Your Skin: Essential Tips to Keeping Dry Skin Hydrated and Happy
Date: January 2, 2025
Winter can be tough on your skin. With the cold, dry air outside, and the dry heat indoors, your skin may start to feel tight, flaky and irritated. Luckily, it’s not too late to create a skincare routine that keeps your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing all winter long. We’ve gathered some essential tips to help combat dryness and recommended Avène products that are perfect for keeping your skin smooth and nourished.
1. Gentle Cleansing for Soft and Hydrated Skin
When it comes to winter skincare, the first step is choosing the right cleanser. Hot showers and harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to more dryness. Instead, opt for a mild hydrating cleanser - Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil, that preserves your skin’s moisture.
This soothing, non-foaming oil gently cleanses without compromising the skin’s protective barrier. It’s perfect for sensitive and dry skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished, not stripped. Use this cleansing oil in the shower or as part of your nighttime routine to wash away impurities without causing irritation.
2. Lock In Hydration with a Rich Moisturizer
After cleansing, it’s crucial to lock in moisture. Winter’s dry air can quickly dehydrate the skin, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and flakiness. To prevent this, you need a moisturizer that works overtime to replenish lost moisture and helps restore your skin’s natural barrier.
Next step in your routine should be the Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm. This rich, nourishing balm is a winter skincare must-have. It’s designed to soothe extremely dry, sensitive skin and help replenish lipids (the fats in your skin that help retain moisture). The formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, and it provides long-lasting hydration, so you don’t have to worry about dryness creeping back in throughout the day.
3. Exfoliate Gently for Smooth, Radiant Skin
Dry winter skin can lead to the buildup of dead skin cells, preventing your moisturizer from fully absorbing into the skin. Gentle exfoliation is essential to help your skincare products work more effectively and keep your skin glowing. Use a gentle exfoliant once a week to slough off dead skin without irritating or over-drying the skin. Avoid harsh scrubs, as they can cause microtears and further damage dry skin.
4. Avoid Hot Water – It Strips Your Skin’s Natural Oils
While it’s tempting to turn up the heat when taking a shower or a bath during the cold winter months, hot water can be incredibly harsh on already dry/damaged skin. It strips away the skin’s natural oils, making it more vulnerable to moisture loss. Opt for lukewarm water when showering or washing your face. This will still help cleanse without over-drying, keeping your skin’s moisture intact.
5. Boost Humidity with a Humidifier
Winter air, especially indoors, can be incredibly dry. This lack of moisture in the air can cause your skin to become dehydrated quickly. A humidifier can be your best friend in the winter, as it helps to add moisture back into the air, which in turn helps your skin retain hydration.
During the day, keep your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated with a quick mist from the travel-size Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. At night, use a humidifier in your bedroom to maintain moisture in the air and keep your skin hydrated while you sleep.
6. Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen – Yes, Even in Winter!
It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean UV rays are any less harmful. In fact, the sun’s rays can be even more damaging in winter, as they reflect off snow and ice. Don’t skip your sunscreen just because it’s cold outside.
Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, even on cloudy or snowy days. Choose a Broad-Spectrum sunscreen like Avène Very High Sun Protection - Mineral Lotion SPF50+, specially designed for sensitive and delicate skin, to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays while providing hydration.
7. Stay Hydrated – It's Not Just About Skin Creams
Hydrating your skin isn’t just about what you put on it; it’s also about what you put inside your body. When it’s cold, we often forget to drink enough water, but staying hydrated is key for maintaining your skin’s moisture levels.
Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and keep a water bottle with you to remind yourself to sip throughout the day. Herbal teas can also be a great way to stay hydrated and warm at the same time.
8. Go the Extra Mile with Overnight Treatments
If your skin is particularly dry or irritated, overnight treatments can provide the extra hydration your skin craves. Apply a thicker layer of moisturizer or a special overnight mask to allow the product to deeply penetrate while you sleep.
For an intense hydration and repair boost, we recommend using the Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. Apply a layer of this cream to the irritated area before bed. Its restorative formula helps to soothe dry and damaged skin, providing a protective barrier that locks in moisture. Wake up with smoother, nourished skin, ready to face the day. You can also layer it over your usual nighttime serum for added hydration.
During harsh winter months, lips can become dry, cracked, and prone to peeling if not kept hydrated. This is especially true when exposed to cold air and indoor heating. To keep your lips smooth and soft, apply Avène Cicalfate Lips Restorative Balm before bed. Its rich formula not only repairs dry, chapped lips but also helps prevent peeling and discomfort.
For a complete, skin-loving trifecta, don't forget to treat your hands. Avène Cicalfate Hand Restorative Barrier Cream nourishes and protects your hands, keeping them soft and smooth all night long.
9. Keep a Routine and Be Consistent
The key to winter skincare is consistency. Dry skin in winter is not something that can be solved overnight. Stick to your routine, and you’ll see improvements over time. Layering the right products in the right order and committing to hydration will ensure your skin remains healthy and soft throughout the cold months.
By following these simple steps and incorporating Avène’s range of skincare products into your routine, you can fight against the harsh effects of the cold weather on your skin and enjoy a hydrated, glowing complexion all season long. Remember, healthy, nourished skin is achievable – even in the coldest months!