Five things you should know about winter skin care for you and your family

Grab your coats, scarves, gloves – and moisturizer.

Winter can be a great time to spend outdoors with family and friends, but the first cold snap of the year also marks the beginning of dry skin issues for many, including kids. We asked M Health Fairview Pediatric Dermatologist Christina Boull, MD, FAAD, and Dermatologist Ronda Farah, MD, FAAD, to share some key steps children and adults can take to protect their skin this winter.

Here are five things you should know about winter skin care.

Frequent warm—not hot—showers and baths are better for your skin.

On chilly winter days, nothing beats a steaming hot bath or shower, but you should try to resist the temptation. Hot water can actually dry out skin, Boull said. Instead, consider soaking in a lukewarm bath for five to 10 minutes to better hydrate your skin. Also, once you’ve finished bathing, be sure to pat your skin dry with a towel – especially if you or your child have sensitive skin.

“Many people think they should bathe less if their skin is dry. It’s actually better to bathe more, as long as you moisturize after,” said Boull. “We recommend more frequent bathing for children with sensitive skin, as long as moisturizer is applied immediately after the bath.”

When you’re in the shower or bath, don’t forget to condition your hair.

“Hair also gets dry in the winter months. If hair is dry, we might recommend a conditioner or even deep conditioner left in the hair for a few more minutes before rinsing,” said Farah.

Our board-certified dermatologists treat patients with skin conditions ranging from common rashes to complex inherited skin diseases. Learn more about our pediatric dermatology services.

Moisturizer is the first line of defense.

Regular use of a thick, moisturizing cream or ointment can turn the tide in the battle against dry skin.

“By applying a moisturizer regularly, especially right after bathing, you will be able to decrease skin dryness. Dry skin tends to become itchy skin, so it’s best to be proactive,” said Boull. “For teens, it’s important to look for a moisturizer labeled ‘noncomedogenic,’ meaning it won’t worsen acne.”

Farah recommends moisturizing your hands every time you wash them.

“Washing hands is a really good opportunity to remoisturize. It can help repair that skin barrier,” said Farah. “Creams are stronger than lotions, and ointments are stronger than creams. Use your greasiest, ointment-based moisturizers at night.”

Consider non-soap cleansers to protect against germs and dry skin.

Non-soap cleansers are a great option for people with sensitive skin. Soaps contain surfactants, which are what makes them bubble. But surfactants also strip the moisture from skin.

And yes – non-soap cleansers can still protect you and your family from COVID-19. Frequent washing and winter weather are especially tough on hands. Look for gentle, hypoallergenic hand soap or soap-free cleansers to kill germs while protecting your skin. Boull even recommends sending kids to school with their own personal mild soap if they struggle with dry hands. 

“It’s also important to avoid touching disinfecting wipes with bare hands. That causes a lot of irritation, as does washing the dishes without protective gloves,” said Boull. “Dish soap has a ton of surfactants and lots of bubbles. It’s designed to strip oils from pots and pans, but it does the same thing for hands.”

Petroleum jelly can help chapped lips.

Lips are another frequent concern in the winter. When choosing a lip moisturizer, Farah said to limit fragrances and alcohols. In general, the fewer ingredients, the better. Plain petroleum jelly is one of the best options.

“Many lip balms have petroleum jelly to begin with, but a lot of them also have added ingredients and plant-based materials,” said Boull. “Just because a product is listed as natural or organic doesn’t mean it’s safe or recommended for sensitive skin. A lot of plant-based materials can irritate the skin.”

Sunscreen rules still apply in the winter.

A bright, sunny day can be a blessing for your vitamin D intake in cold December—but it can also be a curse for dry skin. If you’re hitting the slopes or spending a clear winter day hiking, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or greater.

Boull also recommends physical sunscreen – especially for people with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin, instead of absorbing in. It typically contains ingredients such as zinc or titanium dioxide. These are more hypoallergenic, and because physical sunscreens aren't absorbed into the bloodstream, they are safe even for very young children.

Sunscreen is especially vital for adults using retinol – a popular anti-aging ingredient. Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays and more prone to dryness in the winter, according to Farah.

“If your skin is becoming red or irritated during the winter, consider holding off on retinol until the spring,” said Farah. “Your dermatologist can work with you on a seasonal routine.”