Avoid wreaking havoc on your skin in the cold weather months by learning about the most common mistakes people make with their winter skincare.
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Winter Skincare
Updated on Dec. 09, 2024
Six in ten Americans say that their skin feels “unhealthy” during the winter season, according to a Harris Poll led by skincare brand CeraVe, with dryness, itchiness, and redness reported as the chief winter skincare complaints.
“During winter, our skin faces two primary challenges: Cold outdoor air and dry, heated indoor air,” explains Anne Chapas, MD, FAAD, FASLMS, FACMS, FASDS, a Fellow with the American Academy of Dermatology and and the founder and medical director at Unionderm in Manhattan, New York. “These conditions lead to a drop in humidity, which can strip our skin of its natural moisture—this leaves the skin feeling dry, tight, and sometimes even flaky or itchy.”
The cold, dry weather, coupled with wind, puts strain on the outer layer of the skin as well, adds Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. This outer layer is known as the skin barrier, which maintains moisture, keeps our skin nourished, and protects it from external damage. When this barrier gets disrupted, it leads to loss of hydration, itching, and inflammation, Dr. Zeichner says.
First ask yourself: Is winter causing my skin issues?
Not all skin issues can be blamed on the winter weather. New medications or products, changes to your health, exposure to new environments, and travel can trigger a sudden onset of skin problems, explains Elizabeth Houshmand, MD, FAAD, FASLM, a double-board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
“If your symptoms include persistent rashes, breakouts, or scaling that doesn’t improve with moisturizers, it could be something else—such as eczema, psoriasis, or an allergy—and might warrant a visit to your dermatologist,” Dr. Chapas says.
On the other hand, winter skin issues tend to occur mainly in areas exposed to the environment, such as your face, hands, and lips, Dr. Chapas says. “If you notice these symptoms primarily when the weather changes and it improves with increased hydration, it’s likely due to the cold.”
This season, our experts offer advice on adjusting your winter skincare routine for healthy, clear skin.
Mistake: Using the same moisturizer you use in the summer
That lightweight moisturizer you wear in warmer months might not cut it during the winter. “For winter, I recommend products with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help to attract and lock in moisture,” Dr. Chapas says.
But if your skin is already feeling dry and itchy, your skin barrier may have some damage. “For barrier repair, consider moisturizers with ingredients like squalene, shea butter, or niacinamide,” Dr. Chapas advises.
Mistake: Skipping moisturizer in the winter
Dr. Chapas says that a common mistake is that people skip moisturizer because their skin feels oily, but just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean it’s hydrated.
Research published in JOJ Dermatology & Cosmetics in 2024 explains that the cold weather and low humidity can trigger our skin’s oil glands to go into overdrive, compensating for the lack of moisture. Keeping your skin hydrated with a winter moisturizing routine can actually help tame oily skin (and the breakouts that come with it).
Mistake: Only applying moisturizer on dry skin
Moisturizers are most effective when they trap fluids in your skin—so don’t wait too long after washing your face.
“For optimal use, apply hydrating products on slightly damp skin to maximize absorption, and always follow with a thicker cream or oil to create a protective barrier,” Dr. Chapas says. “Oils like jojoba or rosehip are great for sealing in moisture, especially when applied as the last step at night.”
Mistake: Using all the same products they use yearround
“I recommend that my patients cut back on products that have retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, or beta hydroxy acid in the winter months,” Dr. Houshmand says. While these skincare ingredients may work well for your skin the rest of the year, they can trigger irritation during winter, even when combined with moisturizing creams.
Mistake: Including regular exfoliation in your winter skincare routine
It’s not just chemical exfoliants you should be careful with during the winter. Many people see flakes on their skin and assume they need to exfoliate with a physical exfoliant like a scrub, sonic brush, or textured washcloth, according to Dr. Zeichner.
“This actually can cause more harm than good, leading to microscopic cracks and inflammation,” says Dr. Zeichner. His advice: “If you see flakes, the first thing you should do is give your skin what it needs—moisturizer.”
If you still have flaky skin, you can exfoliate afterward, but “limit exfoliation to once a week unless your skin can handle more,” Dr. Chapas recommends.
Mistake: Taking hot showers in the winter
It’s tempting to take a really hot shower when it’s cold outside. But hang on, says Dr. Zeichner. “Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, contributing to dryness and itching,” he says.
Dr. Zeichner recommends short showers of 10 minutes or less in lukewarm water. “The temperature of the water should be similar to what you would expect in a heated pool in the summer, around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Mistake: Using harsh skincare products in the winter
“The foaming cleanser you use during the summer to remove excess oil from your skin may cause dryness and irritation in the winter,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Instead, stick to gentle, hydrating cleaners during the colder months.”
Avoid products that have an alkaline pH, and instead look for those that say they offer moisturizing benefits.
Mistake: Not applying sunscreen in the winter
“Many people underestimate the importance of sunscreen in winter,” Dr. Chapas says. “UV rays are still present and can damage skin, even when it’s cold [or cloudy].”
And remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you enjoy winter sports. “UV light reflects off snow, which can lead to sunburn even while you’re skiing,” Dr. Zeichner explains.
Look for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and the words “broad-spectrum protection” on the bottle to ensure it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
Mistake: Not using a humidifier
Turning up the furnace, using space heaters, or lighting the fireplace creates dry heat and takes moisture out of the air, causing your skin to become dry and irritated, Dr. Houshmand says. “This is why, in winter, I recommend my patients consider adding a filtered, cool-mist humidifier in their bedrooms.”
She elaborates, “Not only can this help treat dryness, but it can be an effective tool for prevention. You don’t need to wait until you get irritated or cracked skin to make an improvement to your environment.”
Mistake: Eating a lot of sugary, processed foods
It’s easy to overindulge during the holidays, but “certain holiday foods or increased alcohol can dry out your skin or cause inflammation, so try to moderate these,” Dr. Chapas says.
As our body’s largest organ, our skin relies on good nutrition to stay (and look) healthy and function well. A 2024 review of research published in the journal Nutrition explains how overdoing it on high-fat foods, refined sugar, processed foods, and salt can wreak havoc on our skin health—and if you’re already struggling with dry winter skin, a poor diet can make matters worse.
Mistake: Not drinking enough water in the winter
We tend to drink more in the summer when we’re hot and thirsty than we do in the winter. But making sure that we’re drinking water can help keep skin hydrated from the inside out, Dr. Chapas says. In fact, a 2024 study published in the Annals of Dermatology showed that drinking a liter of water a day—while also using moisturizer—significantly helps to maintain hydrated skin.
Mistake: Not wearing gloves in the winter
A simple step can help prevent raw, irritated hands: wearing gloves.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends putting on warm gloves every time you go outside. Also, make sure to use dish-washing gloves before you immerse your hands in water or do any cleaning that would bring your hands into contact with chemicals.
Hand washing (or using hand sanitizer) can take its toll on your skin, too. The AAD says to carry a non-greasy hand cream with you wherever you go so you can moisturize hands after every washing.
Mistake: Forgetting to care of your lips
Many people ignore their lips in the winter until they’re irritated and chapped. Unfortunately, the Cleveland Clinic says that the damage that causes chapped lips can take up to two to three weeks to heal with proper treatment. To prevent this discomfort, make it a routine to apply a balm, ointment, or petroleum in the morning and at night as part of your winter skincare to shield your lips from the environment, advises Dr. Houshmand.
“Avoid lip balms that contain ingredients like camphor, menthol, fragrance, or salicylic acid,” says Dr. Zeichner. “These ingredients oftentimes cause more irritation than good.”
Tip from the AAD: If the balm causes your lips to sting or tingle, switch to one that doesn’t.
Mistake: Using scented products in your winter skincare routine
“I recommend using fragrance-free skin products and laundry detergent to avoid any potential irritation,” Dr. Houshmand says, especially if your skin is sensitive year-round. If your skin is feeling parched and itchy, replace the deodorants, soaps, shampoos, lotions, and other products that contain fragrance with unscented alternatives.
Mistake: Wearing clothes that chafe
It’s sweater weather, but clothes made of wool and other rough materials can irritate your skin. Choose softer materials when you can, says the AAD. And if wool is a must, wear cotton or silk under it.
About the Experts
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Sources
- Harris Poll: “Survey Reveals Itchy Skin Ranks Among Americans' Top Winter Troubles”
- JOJ Dermatology & Cosmetics: “Uncovering the Impact of Age and Season on Various Types of Skin and Associated Skin Issues: A Survey Analysis”
- Nutrition: “Diet and skin health: The good and the bad”
- American Academy of Dermatology: “Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Chapped Lips”
Medically reviewed by 
