Tips for Soothing Dry Skin
A parched dermis does not have to be your fate in winter — or any time of year. Follow these expert strategies to soothe cracked, irritated skin.
Jessica Migala
Medically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MD
Changing up your skin-care routine can lead to happier, more hydrated skin.
Your skin is dry. It may be itchy. It may sting. It’s uncomfortable. And it may look dull, too. What is going on? “Dry skin is essentially skin with low water content,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “This usually is associated with disruption of the skin barrier, which means cracks between skin cells, loss of hydration, and in severe cases, inflammation of the skin,” he says.
Ultimately, your dermis — the layer of skin responsible for making oil — may be parched for a variety of reasons. That includes genes; a cold, dry climate (such as in the fall and winter); over-cleansing; or using harsh skin-care ingredients, says Dr. Zeichner. Some of those things are easier to address than others. So, while you’re not going to do a thing about your DNA, you can tweak your skin-care routine and practice healthy lifestyle habits for well-nourished skin.
Here’s what you need to do to keep skin hydrated this season (or any time of year).
1. Keep an Eye on the Clock When You Shower
There’s almost nothing better than a hot shower on a chilly day. But skin does not love it, says Zeichner. “Extended exposure to water, especially hot water, can strip the skin of essential oils that protect the skin barrier,” he explains. Best to keep your shower lukewarm (he likens this to the temperature of a heated pool in the summer) and get out and towel off after 10 minutes.
2. Make a Switch to a Gentle Liquid Soap
This advice applies to your whole body because your skin can go dry from head to toe. Despite the fact that you might like a squeaky-clean feeling, using a liquid antibacterial body wash or cleanser is going to be too harsh. “These strip the skin of lipids (natural fats) and begin to break down its water-binding barrier,” says Stacie Clark, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Pinnacle Skin in Rochester Hills, Michigan. On your body, use a gentle liquid soap and keep it only to sweaty areas, like armpits, groin, and butt, she says.
3. Ensure Your Moisturizer Is Working for Your Skin
You can buy the best moisturizer around and you still might not get the full benefits from it. “When products are applied on dry skin, they’re not absorbed as well,” says Lauren Fine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology (@drlaurenfine). That means you may not be getting the full benefit from your topicals or may find that dryness remains despite a diligent moisturizing habit. “For dry skin or during the winter, adding a hyaluronic acid product to your routine can keep skin better hydrated,” she says.
Dr. Fine recommends applying a few drops of a serum containing hyaluronic acid onto a clean face as your first layer. Then apply a cream-based moisturizer on top.
4. Stay Hydrated, But Don’t Expect Drinking Water to Affect Your Skin’s Appearance
It’s a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking water and eating foods with high water content (like fruit and vegetables) to reach the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s recommendations. A good rule of thumb is to drink ½ ounce (oz) to 1 oz of water for each pound you weigh each day, the group recommends.
Yet when it comes to skin, there’s no rule — and swigging water won’t help. “It’s a myth that you need to drink eight glasses of water to maintain hydrated skin,” says Zeichner. It might only help if you walk around dehydrated. An August 2018 review in Skin Research and Technology concluded that people who have low water consumption may find increasing H2O boosts skin hydration slightly. However, as the authors mention, this is based on “weak” evidence. Drink up, but know it’s no silver bullet.
5. Keep Wearing an SPF, Even When You’re Bundled Up
Just because it’s colder does not mean that the sun won’t do a number on your skin. “Sun-damaged skin is not as healthy. I’ve never met a sun-damaged patient who doesn’t complain of being dry,” says Fine. That’s why you should apply a moisturizer or sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before you leave the house every morning.
6. Check the Humidity Inside Your Home
Warm indoor air from heating units is low in humidity, which will steal moisture from your skin. And while you might have a humidifier already attached to your HVAC system at home, what’s most helpful is also running a portable humidifier in your room while you sleep, says Dr. Clark. “In-room humidifiers directly put steam into the air, delivering an extra amount of moisture into your room while you’re sleeping at night,” she says, adding that anecdotally patients find this soothing for their skin.
It can be a tough problem to solve on your own, and this is where talking to your Skin Therapist comes in. During your next appointment, they can help you figure out a plan to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated, no matter your age.