Forget the first flurries or the fairy lights strung on balconies. Our skin is what really makes it official: the rough texture, the tight feeling, the dull appearance… It’s winter, alright. 

“Dry skin is incredibly common, especially in the wintertime,” confirms Dr. George Christodoulou of GC Dermatology in Montreal. “When it gets colder and the relative humidity decreases, your body is less able to take care of your skin and keep it well moisturized.”

That’s when it’s time to step in and give your skin a hand. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes or product swaps, here are five derm-approved ways to conquer dryness.

1. Streamline your regimen

“Less is more,” says Dr. Sonya J. Abdulla of Toronto’s Dermatology on Bloor. “If you find that your skin is becoming more sensitized or easily irritated in the winter months, it’s best to take a step back and keep your routine simple for a week or two.” She recommends focusing on hydration and putting things like AHAs and retinol on hold for a while. Once things have calmed down, you can slowly reintroduce one product at a time and track how you tolerate it, kind of like an elimination diet. 

2. Cleanse with caution

“There are fats on the surface of your skin that act like a barrier and block the water from coming out,” explains Christodoulou. “Anything you do that can potentially remove those fats can make your skin drier.” Even something as simple as washing your face can compromise the barrier function. That’s why both derms recommend opting for micellar water or soap-free cleansers. You also want to steer clear of harsh face cloths or cleansing brushes, warns Abdulla. “The best tool to cleanse your face is always your hands since they tend to be most gentle.” 

3. Ease up on exfoliation

In the colder months, skin tends to hold onto the stratum corneum, its outermost layer, which slows down the natural sloughing of dead cells. You might be tempted to speed things up with a scrub or peel, but keep in mind that your skin does this as a protective measure. “Exfoliating with low concentrations of glycolic or lactic acid can be done in moderation but if the skin is very dry, moisturizing with protective ingredients is the first line of treatment,” says Abdulla. “If you over-exfoliate, you’ll just irritate the skin further, sometimes to the point of triggering full-blown eczema.”

4. Look at ingredients

Both dermatologists cite ceramides as a dryness-beating hero. Interestingly, these don’t actually add moisture to skin, but rather help it retain moisture by acting as the mortar between cells. An ingredient that can increase skin’s moisture level is hyaluronic acid. “It’s a humectant, so a water-absorbing compound, which is why it tends to give skin that plumper look,” says Christodoulou. He adds that what’s in a moisturizer is just as important as what isn’t. “I would definitely make sure to use a hypoallergenic formula that doesn’t have that many ingredients.” 

5. Don’t forget your body

Although nothing sounds more soothing than a hot bath on a cold day, both derms say this can spell disaster for dry skin. Instead, they tell patients to shower with warm water to avoid stripping their skin. “Within two to three minutes of getting out of the shower, softly pat your skin dry and apply a nice moisturizing cream to seal everything in,” says Christodoulou. Adbulla suggests looking for a formula containing shea butter or glycerin, as these work wonders on the body, hands and feet. 

 

Dermatologist-approved products for dry skin:

CerVeCeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $26, amazon.ca

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The moisturizing cream

“Look for a moisturizer with ceramides that doesn’t have any strong perfumes. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I like CeraVe,” says Christodoulou.

 

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The non-irritating cleanser

The ultra-mild, soap-free formula checks all the boxes, cleansing skin with no risk of irritation.

 

VichyVichy Mineral 89 Fortifying Daily Skin Booster, $42, vichy.ca

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The hydrating booster

“This booster is great to use as a base, under moisturizer, because it has hyaluronic acid and glycerin,” says Abdulla.

 

EucerinEucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $15, shoppersdrugmart.ca

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The healing ointment

The cult-classic ointment heals extremely dry or cracked skin while keeping it protected.

 

SkinfixSkinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $67, sephora.ca

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The nourishing moisturizer

Abdulla is a fan of Skinfix’s Barrier line, which supports skin’s barrier function and helps it hold onto moisture.

 

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