5 Ways to Revitalize Your Skin This Winter

Over 80% of Americans report noticeable changes in their skin texture and comfort level during the colder months. By mid-February, many find themselves battling dryness, itching, and a dull, tired-looking complexion.

If your skin needs a winter refresh, turn to our experts at Shady Grove Dermatology. Our board-certified providers offer personalized guidance and effective treatment plans to help you feel comfortable and confident year-round. 

Don’t let sensitivity and irritation keep you from enjoying everything the season has to offer. Here, we share five ways to revitalize your skin and protect it from the harsh winter elements.

Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser

Your skin barrier is a thin layer of lipids (fats), oils, and cells that keeps hydration in and environmental irritants out. Harsh soaps and cleansers with alcohol or foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can strip away these natural oils, leaving skin feeling tight, dry, and vulnerable.

To protect your barrier, choose a soap-free, cream or oil-based cleanser that removes impurities without stripping. Look for products formulated specifically for dry or sensitive skin, and wash with lukewarm — not hot — water.

Prioritize deep moisture

Think all moisturizers are the same? Think again. While lightweight, water-based lotions may keep your skin hydrated in warmer, more humid weather, they’re not always enough to prevent winter dryness and sensitivity.

When the cold weather arrives, switch to a thicker cream or ointment with ingredients like ceramides to repair your barrier and hyaluronic acid to pull moisture into the skin. For maximum hydration, apply your moisturizer immediately after washing your face or showering, while your skin is still damp.

Exfoliate with caution

A compromised barrier slows the skin’s natural shedding process, leading to a buildup of dead cells that dulls the complexion and emphasizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

You might be tempted to reach for an exfoliating scrub, but these products often do more harm than good — especially when skin is dry and sensitive. 

Opt for chemical exfoliants instead, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Acids gently dissolve the bonds that hold dead cells together, allowing them to shed naturally. 

Ask our team how you can safely incorporate AHAs and BHAs into your routine to avoid overstressing your skin.

Adjust your indoor humidity

Indoor heating systems lower the humidity level in your home and workspace, creating a dry environment that pulls moisture from your skin. When combined with the cold air and lower humidity outside, it can feel nearly impossible to keep your skin hydrated.

Use a humidifier in your bedroom or office to add moisture back into the air. You don’t need a large, expensive unit; portable humidifiers can effectively boost the humidity in small areas to support your skin barrier while you sleep or work.

Elevate your routine with professional treatments

When dull, dry skin persists despite your best efforts, it might be time for a professional reset. Clinical treatments like chemical peels and microneedling stimulate deeper renewal than at-home products can achieve, revitalizing skin by encouraging rapid cell turnover and collagen production.

You don’t have to suffer through another winter of dryness, irritation, and itching. Schedule a consultation at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, Maryland, to discuss your treatment options.