STYLE

Your happy complexion doesn't have to go into hibernation. Here's how to stave off the dryness.

It happens every year: The weather turns frigid and, suddenly, your skin gets out of whack. "Cold temperatures, low humidity, brisk winds and indoor heating can really dry out your skin," says New York City dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. You might experience redness, irritation, flakes and other painful (and annoying!) signs of dryness. Before you shout SOS, study up on keeping the most common winter skin woes at bay.

If your face feels drier than the desert...

Choose a nourishing cleanser and moisturizer. Dr. King recommends a gentle option like the Dove Beauty Bar. Once your skin is clean, pile on the hydration. "When it's still a little bit damp, apply a moisturizer that's richer than your typical lotion and is formulated with skin-protecting ingredients like squalane and ceramides," she says. By applying it to damp skin, the moisturizer helps draw in water. 
Try: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $18.

If you wake up to dull-looking skin...

Lock in moisture. Your skin loses the most water at night, which can cause it to flake or look dry, so Dr. King recommends topping your moisturizer with a balm. "Look for oil- and wax-based creams that physically block water loss with ingredients like beeswax and zinc oxide," she says.
Try: Farmacy Honey Savior All-in-One Skin Repair Salve, $34.

If your glow has been replaced by redness...

Ease up on exfoliators. Ingredients like glycolic acid and retinol promise radiant skin, but they can actually irritate and dry you out. If you're feeling sensitive, skip the peels, scrubs and exfoliating acids in favor of moisture-boosters like hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides. 
Try: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $7.

If your face feels tight...

Invest in a humidifier. Sure, blasting the heat keeps the house cozy, but it can leave your skin feeling parched. "Using a humidifier in your room helps replace humidity in the air, which reduces the amount of moisture that will evaporate from your skin," explains Dr. King. You'll notice your skin feeling less dehydrated over time.
Try: H2O PureMist Alpine Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, $30.

If, ow, your face is painfully chapped...

Be more gentle than ever. Skin is red and irritated? It's tempting to throw everything at it in hopes of instant relief. Instead, try washing at night with just warm water (if you must use a cleanser, pick one that's fragrance-free). Then, apply a lotion that's packed with calming ingredients. If the condition persists, talk to your derm–it might be more than just try skin.
Try: Acure Seriously Soothing 24 Hr Moisture Lotion Unscented, $12.

If your lips are chapped...

Be a stickler about your stick. Fact: Common lip balms like menthol and peppermint might feel good on your mouth in the moment, but they can actually cause flakes. "Instead, create a barrier with occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter to keep the moisture in your lips," says Dr. King.
Try: L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Lip Balm, $13.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our December/January 2021 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Top Image: Emma Chamberlain by Bryant/Instagram. 

by Erin Reimel | 1/6/2021