Exactly What to Do for Healthy, Hydrated Winter Skin, According Athleta Experts

Introduction

As winter approaches it is important to adjust our skincare routine to protect our skin from the cold, dry air. Athleta experts share their top tips for keeping skin healthy and hydrated during the winter months.

Key takeaways

Use heavy creams containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
Take shorter, warm showers instead of hot ones to prevent stripping the skin of its natural protective oils.
Run a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent skin from drying out.
Apply hand cream multiple times daily and wear gloves outdoors to protect knuckles and cuticles from the elements.
Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to ensure skin stays hydrated and nourished from the inside out.

Use Hydrating Creams and Lotions

Switch to heavier creams and lotions that have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, or almond oil. These ingredients help form a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. Look for creams labeled as “winter”, “hydrating”, or “moisturizing”. Apply creams multiple times a day, especially after washing hands or going outside.

Avoid Hot Water

Hot water, especially long hot showers, strip the skin of natural oils. Shorter warm showers are better for winter skin health. Limit baths and use mild cleansers to avoid drying out the skin.

Use Humidifiers

Running a humidifier at home and at work helps add moisture back into the air to prevent skin from drying out. Aim to keep indoor humidity around 30-50% for optimal skin health.

Wear Gloves and Lotion

Our hands are often exposed to the elements and miss out on moisture. Be diligent about wearing gloves when going outside and apply hand cream multiple times a day focusing on known dry areas like knuckles and cuticles.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated with water and herbal teas gives skin moisture from the inside out. Aim for the recommended 64oz (8 cups) of water daily plus additional fluids through food for nourished skin all winter long.

The Science of Occlusives vs. Humectants in Sub-Zero Temps

While basic moisturizing is essential, understanding the chemistry of your products can be a game-changer when temperatures drop. Winter skincare is often a battle between humectants and occlusives. Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, act like magnets, pulling moisture from the air into your skin. However, in extremely dry, frigid air, there is little moisture for them to pull, which can sometimes lead to a “reverse osmosis” effect where humectants pull water out of the deeper layers of your skin. To combat this, you must “seal” your humectants with an occlusive. Look for ingredients like petrolatum, lanolin, or squalane. By applying a water-based serum followed by a lipid-rich occlusive cream, you create an impenetrable barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). For those living in climates with harsh winds, consider a product containing dimethicone, which acts as a breathable shield against windburn.

Strategic Exfoliation for Seasonal Skin Turnover

Many people mistakenly stop exfoliating in winter, fearing it will dry out their skin further. In reality, the cycle of skin cell turnover slows down in the cold, leading to a buildup of dead, flaky cells that prevent your expensive moisturizers from penetrating effectively. The key is to switch from harsh physical scrubs to gentle chemical exfoliants. AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like lactic acid are excellent for winter because they act as both exfoliators and humectants. If your skin is sensitive, opt for PHAs (Poly Hydroxy Acids), which are larger molecules that work on the surface without causing irritation. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and always follow immediately with a rich ceramide-based cream to support the barrier you have just refreshed. This ensures your skin remains bright and receptive to hydration rather than dull and congested.

The Role of Essential Fatty Acids and Internal Nutrition

Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your body; it is about the structural integrity of your skin cells, which rely on healthy fats. During the winter, prioritize dietary intake of Omega-3 fatty acids found in wild-caught salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. These fatty acids are integral components of the skin’s lipid barrier, helping to keep the cell membranes flexible and resilient against environmental stressors. If you find your skin is chronically tight despite topical efforts, consider a high-quality fish oil or evening primrose oil supplement. Furthermore, vitamin C-rich foods like citrus, bell peppers, and kale support collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity during the cold months when skin can appear more saggy or fatigued due to dehydration.

Protecting the Skin Barrier During High-Intensity Workouts

Athleta enthusiasts know that activity doesn’t stop when the snow falls, but exercising in cold, dry air presents unique challenges for the skin. When you sweat during a winter run or outdoor hike, that moisture evaporates rapidly into the dry air, leaving your skin even more dehydrated than before you started. To protect yourself, apply a thin layer of a balm or a silicone-based primer before heading out. This creates a “second skin” that prevents the rapid evaporation of sweat and protects against windburn. Avoid washing your face with harsh soaps immediately after a workout; instead, use a gentle cleansing oil or micellar water to remove salt and debris without stripping the natural oils your skin desperately needs to stay supple.

Managing the Transition Between Indoor and Outdoor Climates

The most damaging aspect of winter for the skin is the constant fluctuation between freezing outdoor air and overheated indoor environments. This thermal shock causes capillaries to dilate and contract, which can lead to persistent redness and broken blood vessels. To mitigate this, avoid “shocking” your skin. When you come inside, resist the urge to immediately stand in front of a space heater or fireplace. Allow your skin to adjust to the temperature change gradually. Additionally, if you work in an office, keep a face mist containing rosewater or soothing aloe vera at your desk. A quick spritz provides an immediate cooling sensation and helps calm the skin’s inflammatory response to the sudden shift in humidity.

Nighttime Recovery Protocols for Deep Repair

Your skin’s repair cycle is most active while you sleep, making the overnight hours the perfect window for intense hydration. In the winter, your standard nightly moisturizer might not be enough. Consider “slugging”—the practice of applying a thin layer of an occlusive ointment like pure petroleum jelly over your final layer of moisturizer to lock everything in. This creates a seal that prevents moisture loss throughout the night. If you find petroleum jelly too heavy, look for overnight sleeping masks containing ceramides and peptides. These treatments are formulated to be left on the skin, providing a slow-release infusion of nutrients that reinforce the skin barrier and ensure you wake up with a plump, hydrated complexion despite the harsh conditions outside.

Choosing the Right Fabrics for Sensitive Winter Skin

It is often overlooked, but the fabric touching your skin can significantly impact its moisture levels. Synthetic fibers or scratchy wools can exacerbate winter dryness by causing micro-friction, which leads to irritation and inflammation. When choosing your winter wardrobe, prioritize base layers made of natural, breathable materials like silk, merino wool, or high-quality bamboo viscose. These fabrics are gentle on the skin and help regulate temperature without causing the overheating that leads to excess sweating and subsequent dehydration. If you have sensitive skin, ensure your scarves and turtlenecks are soft and non-abrasive, as constant rubbing against the jawline and neck can lead to “winter eczema” or chapping, which is notoriously difficult to heal once it develops.

FAQ

What ingredients should I look for in winter skin creams?

Opt for creams with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, shea butter, or almond oil. These help moisturize and protect the skin barrier.

How often should I apply moisturizer in winter?

Apply hydrating creams or lotions multiple times a day, especially after washing hands or going outside. Reapply as needed whenever skin feels dry or tight.

What temperature water should I use to prevent drying skin?

Avoid very hot water which can strip the skin of oils. Shorter, warm showers are better than long hot ones. Lukewarm water is ideal for preventing excess dryness.

How can I add moisture back into the air?

Use indoor humidifiers during the winter months to help add moisture back into dry air. Aim to keep indoor humidity around 30-50% for healthy hydrated skin.

How much water should I drink for skin health?

Staying hydrated with 64oz (8 cups) of water daily plus additional fluids through food gives skin moisture from the inside out for nourished winter skin.