As the cold sets in, many of us find our skin going from dewy and hydrated to flaky, itchy, and even irritated. But why is winter so harsh on the skin? The culprit is a combination of reduced humidity and the regular use of hot water, which dehydrates the skin even more. To protect and nourish the skin during winter, it’s crucial to adapt our skincare routines and incorporate products that provide extra hydration and protect the skin barrier.

Why Winter Dries Out Our Skin

The dry, cold air in winter has far less humidity than the warm months, meaning there’s less moisture in the environment to keep the skin hydrated. Additionally, cranking up the indoor heat reduces the moisture in the air even further. The hot water we use to warm up with showers or baths also strips the skin of natural oils, which can leave it feeling tight and even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema.

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Building a Winter-Proof Skincare Routine

To keep skin smooth and resilient, an effective winter skincare routine should focus on moisturizing, protecting, and gently exfoliating.

1. Pre-shower Oil for Deep Hydration
   For people with dry or mature skin, incorporating an oil before showering is a game-changer. The Dermatologist’s Choice Pre Bath Oil was developed by Dr. Bottiglione specifically to help patients with dry skin and eczema. Most people apply oils after bathing, but Dr. Bottiglione discovered that applying the oil before showering is much more effective. Hot water and soaps can actually strip the skin of its protective oils, making it more prone to dryness and irritation. The Pre Bath Oil shields the skin, locking in moisture even before hot water and cleansers have a chance to dry it out. This unique pre-shower application can make a significant difference, especially for those with sensitive skin or eczema.

2. Moisturizing Immediately Post-Shower
   After the shower, it’s essential to apply a plain moisturizer to seal in the moisture. The Hand and Body Cream by Dermatologist’s Choice is ideal for this purpose. It provides a hydrating boost and forms a barrier that helps keep the skin soft and moisturized throughout the day. Using a moisturizer after the Pre Bath Oil maximizes hydration and creates a double layer of moisture, which is especially helpful in dry winter climates.

3. Hydration Boost for the Face
   Facial skin requires a more specialized approach, especially in winter. Dermatologist’s Choice Facial Enhancement Cream is an ideal choice for this. It’s formulated with a gentle dose of active non-neutralized glycolic acid, which lightly exfoliates while deeply moisturizing. Glycolic acid helps cell turnover, targeting wrinkles and dark spots, and providing a winter glow even when the skin can look dull. This dual-action cream hydrates while giving the skin a youthful boost, making it perfect for all skin types during the colder months.

4. Essential Care for Lips
   Winter dryness doesn’t spare the lips. The Dermatologist’s Choice Lip Complex, a longtime favorite, keeps lips smooth and hydrated. With a formulation that includes protective ingredients like beeswax and castor oil, this lip balm locks in moisture and shields lips from chapping caused by the dry, cold air.

5. Intense Hydration for Mature or Severely Dry Skin
   For those with mature or very dry skin, Dermatologist’s Choice Ultimate Restorative Hydrating Complex provides intense hydration. This rich moisturizer is packed with emollients to nourish deeply and restore elasticity, making it perfect for colder months when the skin needs extra TLC.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Winter

Winter skincare should focus on ingredients that are deeply moisturizing and also barrier-repairing. Here are some ingredients to look for:

• Glycolic Acid: While often associated with summer routines, a gentle glycolic acid like that in the Facial Enhancement Cream can be great in winter, as it encourages cell turnover without harsh exfoliation. This is especially useful for mature skin as it promotes a radiant, youthful look.
• Beeswax and Castor Oil: Found in the Lip Complex, these ingredients help lock in moisture, which is key for protecting skin from winter’s drying effects.
• Occlusive Ingredients: Petrolatum, mineral oils, and butters form a barrier over the skin, preventing moisture loss. These are excellent for all-over body care in winter.

Adjusting Your Routine for Winter Versus Summer

During summer, lightweight, oil-free moisturizers often suffice, as there’s more humidity in the air. However, winter requires richer, more occlusive products to lock in hydration. For those with oily or combination skin, using too much oil-based product can lead to breakouts, so a targeted approach—like applying oil just on dry areas—can be more effective.

Additional Steps for Skin Conditions and Dry Skin

For those with dermatological conditions like eczema, winter routines may require added support. Besides incorporating the Pre Bath Oil, consider using the Facial Enhancement Cream and Hand and Body Cream regularly, as these products are specifically designed with sensitive and eczema-prone skin in mind.

With a few adjustments and the right products, winter skincare can help your skin stay hydrated, healthy, and glowing even in the harshest cold. Dr. Bottiglione’s Dermatologist’s Choice line offers several ideal options, from deeply moisturizing oils and creams to targeted lip care, all designed to keep skin feeling its best, no matter how low the temperature drops.