Whether you're looking forward to snowball fights, cozy nights by the fire, or outdoor activities like ice skating and snowboarding, it's easy to be excited about wintertime. But, as wonderful as the cold months can be, weather changes can cause dryness, irritation, and tightness. To make matters worse, you may find that your skin care routine doesn’t protect your skin as well as it used to when the temperature drops. Thankfully, making simple adjustments to your skincare routine can keep your skin nourished, soft, and radiant all season long.
Whether you're looking forward to snowball fights, cozy nights by the fire, or outdoor activities like ice skating and snowboarding, it's easy to be excited about wintertime. But, as wonderful as the cold months can be, weather changes can cause dryness, irritation, and tightness. To make matters worse, you may find that your skin care routine doesn’t protect your skin as well as it used to when the temperature drops. Thankfully, making simple adjustments to your skincare routine can keep your skin nourished, soft, and radiant all season long.
01
Winter Weather and Your Skin
Your skin barrier tends to reflect the moisture level of the surrounding environment. Warm air holds more water vapors than cold air, which helps keep your skin barrier moist. Cold air isn’t kind to your skin, whether it’s cold air indoors or outdoors. In general, cold weather brings low humidity, which makes moisture more likely to evaporate from your skin, leaving it parched and itchy.[1] Here’s what’s happening to your skin:
Hydration
When exposed to cold, dry air, skin becomes less effective at retaining moisture. This often causes your skin to experience higher levels of trans-epidermal water loss and dry out quicker. The dryness can even follow you indoors, where heaters and fireplaces further disrupt your skin barrier. Hydration levels on the face tend to remain stable as it has higher levels of sebum production, keeping it protected from trans-epidermal water loss. However, in other areas like the forearm, knees, elbows, and hands, the effects of exposure to this dryness become more evident.[2] One of the most noticeable effects of this loss of hydration is a change in texture. As the cold air strips the skin’s natural protective oils, it becomes dry and flaky.[3] Even with proper hydration, environmental factors can worsen this condition, making it difficult for the skin to recover its usual texture.
01
Winter Weather and Your Skin
Your skin barrier tends to reflect the moisture level of the surrounding environment. Warm air holds more water vapors than cold air, which helps keep your skin barrier moist. Cold air isn’t kind to your skin, whether it’s cold air indoors or outdoors. In general, cold weather brings low humidity, which makes moisture more likely to evaporate from your skin, leaving it parched and itchy.[1] Here’s what’s happening to your skin:
Hydration
When exposed to cold, dry air, skin becomes less effective at retaining moisture. This often causes your skin to experience higher levels of trans-epidermal water loss and dry out quicker. The dryness can even follow you indoors, where heaters and fireplaces further disrupt your skin barrier. Hydration levels on the face tend to remain stable as it has higher levels of sebum production, keeping it protected from trans-epidermal water loss. However, in other areas like the forearm, knees, elbows, and hands, the effects of exposure to this dryness become more evident.[2] One of the most noticeable effects of this loss of hydration is a change in texture. As the cold air strips the skin’s natural protective oils, it becomes dry and flaky.[3] Even with proper hydration, environmental factors can worsen this condition, making it difficult for the skin to recover its usual texture.
Wrinkles
Cold weather can also exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent as the skin loses hydration and volume.[2] At the same time, studies have shown that wrinkles are more likely to form when the skin is exposed to dry, cold conditions for prolonged periods.[2] This is because the skin's elasticity and firmness are closely tied to its hydration.
Wrinkles
Cold weather can also exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent as the skin loses hydration and volume.[2] At the same time, studies have shown that wrinkles are more likely to form when the skin is exposed to dry, cold conditions for prolonged periods.[2] This is because the skin's elasticity and firmness are closely tied to its hydration.
Irritation and Redness
Research has shown that skin temperature changes, whether due to exposure to outdoor cold or transitioning to heated indoor air, can trigger redness as capillaries expand and blood flow increases in response to temperature shifts. As the skin’s temperature fluctuates, it becomes more sensitive, sometimes causing visible redness and irritation. This effect is particularly noticeable in areas of the skin that are less protected, like the cheeks, hands, and nose.[2] Cold weather can aggravate symptoms for individuals with skin barrier conditions like eczema, leading to more frequent flare-ups. In these instances, the skin’s barrier function is already compromised and much more susceptible to irritation.
Irritation and Redness
Research has shown that skin temperature changes, whether due to exposure to outdoor cold or transitioning to heated indoor air, can trigger redness as capillaries expand and blood flow increases in response to temperature shifts. As the skin’s temperature fluctuates, it becomes more sensitive, sometimes causing visible redness and irritation. This effect is particularly noticeable in areas of the skin that are less protected, like the cheeks, hands, and nose.[2] Cold weather can aggravate symptoms for individuals with skin barrier conditions like eczema, leading to more frequent flare-ups. In these instances, the skin’s barrier function is already compromised and much more susceptible to irritation.
02
How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated in Winter
While a winter getaway to a sunny island may be a dream, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy during the winter doesn’t have to be a fantasy. Instead, focus on building a winter skincare routine that hydrates your skin and prevents it from drying out. Here are some simple tips for keeping your skin healthy this winter:
Fight Off The Dry Air
Humidifiers are a great way to increase your home's humidity during the dry winter months. By boosting water content in the air, humidifiers help mitigate trans-epidermal water loss and treat coughs and dry nasal passages. Just make sure to clean it regularly and regulate your usage to avoid any mold issues.[4]
02
How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated in Winter
While a winter getaway to a sunny island may be a dream, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy during the winter doesn’t have to be a fantasy. Instead, focus on building a winter skincare routine that hydrates your skin and prevents it from drying out. Here are some simple tips for keeping your skin healthy this winter:
Fight Off The Dry Air
Humidifiers are a great way to increase your home's humidity during the dry winter months. By boosting water content in the air, humidifiers help mitigate trans-epidermal water loss and treat coughs and dry nasal passages. Just make sure to clean it regularly and regulate your usage to avoid any mold issues.[4]
Cover up with a Heavier Moisturizer
Winter is an excellent time to change up your moisturizer. With the winter cold, your skin will probably benefit from a denser moisturizer, especially those designed to hydrate and restore your weakened skin barrier.[5] Look for one with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Cover up with a Heavier Moisturizer
Winter is an excellent time to change up your moisturizer. With the winter cold, your skin will probably benefit from a denser moisturizer, especially those designed to hydrate and restore your weakened skin barrier.[5] Look for one with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Try to Avoid Damaging Your Skin Barrier
During the winter, the process of exfoliation is a double-edged sword. Exfoliation can boost cellular turnover and eliminate a dull complexion. However, it also strips precious moisture and oils from the skin. While the exfoliation in your routine might have kept your skin smooth, it might have the opposite effect, causing your skin to become dry, rough, and flaky.[6] So, proceed with a gentle touch when it comes to winter exfoliation.Similarly, a long, hot shower sounds great in the winter but weakens your skin barrier. During the winter, shower in lukewarm water for no more than 10 to 15 minutes to keep skin smooth and hydrated.[7] You'll also want to limit your use of products that can irritate your weakened skin barrier, such as retinol. While many choose to get chemical peels during the winter since sun exposure is usually limited, it can worsen already sensitive and damaged winter skin. This means that if you get that winter chemical peel, proper skin protection with heavy-duty moisturizers is a must.[6]
Try to Avoid Damaging Your Skin Barrier
During the winter, the process of exfoliation is a double-edged sword. Exfoliation can boost cellular turnover and eliminate a dull complexion. However, it also strips precious moisture and oils from the skin. While the exfoliation in your routine might have kept your skin smooth, it might have the opposite effect, causing your skin to become dry, rough, and flaky.[6] So, proceed with a gentle touch when it comes to winter exfoliation.Similarly, a long, hot shower sounds great in the winter but weakens your skin barrier. During the winter, shower in lukewarm water for no more than 10 to 15 minutes to keep skin smooth and hydrated.[7] You'll also want to limit your use of products that can irritate your weakened skin barrier, such as retinol. While many choose to get chemical peels during the winter since sun exposure is usually limited, it can worsen already sensitive and damaged winter skin. This means that if you get that winter chemical peel, proper skin protection with heavy-duty moisturizers is a must.[6]
Keep Your Skin Clean
Going straight to a warm bed after a busy winter day or holiday party might be tempting, but removing your makeup is even more important during the winter. After all, you want to prevent dirt and bacteria lingering on your dry skin and weaker skin barrier.[8] When washing your face, use lukewarm water instead of hot and switch to a gentle cleanser that won't disrupt your skin’s natural balance—we recommend PREP.
Keep Your Skin Clean
Going straight to a warm bed after a busy winter day or holiday party might be tempting, but removing your makeup is even more important during the winter. After all, you want to prevent dirt and bacteria lingering on your dry skin and weaker skin barrier.[8] When washing your face, use lukewarm water instead of hot and switch to a gentle cleanser that won't disrupt your skin’s natural balance—we recommend PREP.
Sunscreen and Winter Weather Protection
It may seem counterintuitive to wear sunscreen during the winter, especially when you’re probably covered up with warm clothing. While UVB radiation, the radiation responsible for most skin cancer, is slightly weaker during the winter, it can still present a risk to the health of your skin. At the same time, UVA radiation, responsible for visible signs of skin aging like sun spots and wrinkles, is the same strength year-round.[9] Plus, all that sparkling snow means more bright sunlight reflected onto your skin. And, if you're hitting the slopes, the higher elevation increases your exposure to UV radiation.[10,11] Remember to apply an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin and opt for a mineral sunscreen like OS-01 FACE SPF or OS-01 BODY SPF. Don't forget to protect other body parts from UV radiation, too. Wearing sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection helps keep your eyes and the sensitive skin around them safe.
Sunscreen and Winter Weather Protection
It may seem counterintuitive to wear sunscreen during the winter, especially when you’re probably covered up with warm clothing. While UVB radiation, the radiation responsible for most skin cancer, is slightly weaker during the winter, it can still present a risk to the health of your skin. At the same time, UVA radiation, responsible for visible signs of skin aging like sun spots and wrinkles, is the same strength year-round.[9] Plus, all that sparkling snow means more bright sunlight reflected onto your skin. And, if you're hitting the slopes, the higher elevation increases your exposure to UV radiation.[10,11] Remember to apply an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin and opt for a mineral sunscreen like OS-01 FACE SPF or OS-01 BODY SPF. Don't forget to protect other body parts from UV radiation, too. Wearing sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection helps keep your eyes and the sensitive skin around them safe.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Your lips are often the first to show signs of winter dryness, so don’t neglect them.[12] A nourishing lip balm with SPF will keep them soft, smooth, and protected from sun exposure.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Your lips are often the first to show signs of winter dryness, so don’t neglect them.[12] A nourishing lip balm with SPF will keep them soft, smooth, and protected from sun exposure.
Keeping Your Skin Hydrated With OS-01
While other moisturizers may fail to keep your skin hydrated during the winter, OneSkin’s topical supplements are powered by the OS-01 peptide and designed to improve skin hydration at the cellular level and boost overall barrier function:
- OS-01 FACE is clinically validated to improve barrier function by +15% and scientifically proven to improve collagen levels by 1.4x.[13, 14]
- Designed with the highest concentration of the OS-01 peptide for the delicate eye area, OS-01 EYE is clinically validated to improve barrier function by +17% and scientifically proven to boost collagen levels by 2.3x.[13]
- To keep the rest of your body's skin healthy and nourished, OS-01 BODY is clinically validated to improve skin's barrier function by +41%, hydration by +38%, and scientifically proven to increase skin's epidermal thickness by +40%.[13]
Keeping Your Skin Hydrated With OS-01
While other moisturizers may fail to keep your skin hydrated during the winter, OneSkin’s topical supplements are powered by the OS-01 peptide and designed to improve skin hydration at the cellular level and boost overall barrier function:
- OS-01 FACE is clinically validated to improve barrier function by +15% and scientifically proven to improve collagen levels by 1.4x.[13, 14]
- Designed with the highest concentration of the OS-01 peptide for the delicate eye area, OS-01 EYE is clinically validated to improve barrier function by +17% and scientifically proven to boost collagen levels by 2.3x.[13]
- To keep the rest of your body's skin healthy and nourished, OS-01 BODY is clinically validated to improve skin's barrier function by +41%, hydration by +38%, and scientifically proven to increase skin's epidermal thickness by +40%.[13]
Key Takeaways:
- Harsh winter weather calls for a change in your skin care routine.
- Cold air carries less moisture than warm air, which makes your skin barrier more likely to dry out in the winter.
- Incorporate ways to hydrate skin in the winter, whether it’s using a dense moisturizer or utilizing a humidifier indoors.
- Prevent the loss of skin moisture by taking short showers, applying moisturizer liberally, and avoiding hot water.
- Add OS-01 into your winter skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Key Takeaways:
- Harsh winter weather calls for a change in your skin care routine.
- Cold air carries less moisture than warm air, which makes your skin barrier more likely to dry out in the winter.
- Incorporate ways to hydrate skin in the winter, whether it’s using a dense moisturizer or utilizing a humidifier indoors.
- Prevent the loss of skin moisture by taking short showers, applying moisturizer liberally, and avoiding hot water.
- Add OS-01 into your winter skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Disclaimers
- This article was initially published in January 2022 and has been updated.
Disclaimers
- This article was initially published in January 2022 and has been updated.
References
- https://www.weather.gov/lmk/humidity
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264749/
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/humidifier_factsheet.pdf
- https://www.skincancer.org/blog/cold-dry-air-requires-a-little-extra-skin-care/
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine
- https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/uvradiation.pdf
- https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42459
- https://www.skincancer.org/press/the-skin-cancer-foundation-shares-winter-sun-protection-tips/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8251770/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- Zonari A., et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024.
References
- https://www.weather.gov/lmk/humidity
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264749/
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/humidifier_factsheet.pdf
- https://www.skincancer.org/blog/cold-dry-air-requires-a-little-extra-skin-care/
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine
- https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/uvradiation.pdf
- https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42459
- https://www.skincancer.org/press/the-skin-cancer-foundation-shares-winter-sun-protection-tips/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8251770/
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- Zonari A., et al. Double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical investigation of peptide OS-01 for skin rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024.
