Your Winter Skin Survival Guide
Simple, dermatologist-approved steps to keep your skin calm, comfortable, and hydrated all season long.
Winter in Georgia may not bring blizzards every week, but it does bring the same skin frustrations I hear about every year: dryness, flaking, itchiness, and flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis. Cold outdoor air, overheated indoor spaces, and low humidity all chip away at the skin barrier — and when that barrier is stressed, everything feels off.
The good news? A few smart tweaks to your routine can make winter skin far more manageable. Here’s what I recommend to my own patients during the colder months.
1. Choose a Cleanser That Gives More Than It Takes
In winter, the goal is to cleanse without stripping.
What to look for:
Labels that say gentle, hydrating, or moisturizing
Cream or lotion cleansers
Fragrance-free formulas if you’re sensitive
Avoid alcohol-based products, which can worsen dryness
Why it matters: A supportive cleanser leaves your skin feeling comfortable — not tight — and sets the tone for everything that comes next.
2. Don’t Forget Your Body Cleanser
From the neck down, your skin needs the same kindness.
Choose:
Creamy liquid, gel, or mousse cleansers
Fragrance-free formulas (especially if you have eczema)
Products with petrolatum, shea butter, or silicones for very dry or eczema-prone skin
Creamier cleansers simply leave behind more moisture — which your skin will appreciate.
3. Level Up Your Facial Moisturizer
Winter is the season to trade lighter lotions for richer creams or balms.
Ingredients I love:
Hyaluronic acid: A humectant that pulls water into the skin
Jojoba oil: Lightweight and calming
Lactic acid creams: Can gently exfoliate while still hydrating (a nice bonus if your skin gets flaky)
If your regular moisturizer suddenly “isn’t enough,” your skin isn’t failing — the weather is changing.
4. Moisturize Your Body While Skin Is Still Damp
One of the most effective (and most overlooked) winter skin habits: apply moisturizer right after bathing.
Look for:
Thick creams or ointments in tubes or tubs
Hyaluronic acid (now increasingly used in body products)
Glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and shea butter
Pro Tip: Avoid using olive oil as a moisturizer. It can actually disrupt and even damage the skin barrier.
Why it works: Moisturizers trap water in the skin. When you apply them while your skin is still damp, you’re locking in more hydration — effortlessly.
5. Ease Up on Strong Rejuvenating Products
If your exfoliants or retinoids suddenly feel too harsh, you’re not imagining it.
Cold, dry weather makes active ingredients more irritating.
You don’t have to stop using them — simply dial back:
Options:
Use glycolic or salicylic acids less frequently
Switch to lower concentrations
Temporarily swap prescription retinoids for over-the-counter retinol until spring
Your skin will tell you when it needs a gentler approach. Listen to it.
6. Yes — Sunscreen Still Matters in Winter
Even when it’s cold, UV rays are present year-round and contribute to aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer.
Choose:
Cream-based sunscreens (they’re more hydrating)
SPF 30 or higher
Broad-spectrum, water-resistant formulas
A simple rule: If daylight is touching your skin, sunscreen should be, too.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be the season of dry, irritated skin. With a few thoughtful adjustments — gentler cleansing, richer moisturizing, and steady sun protection — your skin can feel calm, hydrated, and healthy all season long.
If your eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin is flaring despite your best efforts, I’m always here to help tailor a plan that works for you.
Stay warm, stay hydrated, and take good care of your skin this winter.
— Kelli Baender, MD