10 Steps to End Dry Skin This Winter and Beyond
Do you find that your skin gets super dry in the winter?
Perhaps it’s age, indoor heating, or cold and altitude if you live in the north or ski a lot... or maybe it’s just option D—all of the above. And if you suffer from an underactive thyroid (a.k.a. hypothyroidism) like I do, it’s even more difficult to keep your skin from looking and feeling like the floor of the Mojave desert.
Whatever the reason, it is not a simple, one step solution. Luckily, I found what works well for me and hope that the tips I’ve compiled for you below will help you keep your skin better moisturized, your dry heels and lips from cracking, and your face from peeling off from the cold.
So below are my 10 most effective strategies for reducing and potentially eliminating dry skin this winter and beyond:
1. HYDRATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT
A. Drink more water 💧
You probably already know that not drinking enough water can turn your skin dry, dull, tight, and flaky. And dry skin is the LAST thing you want, because it’s less resilient and more prone to wrinkling.
Well, here’s something you probably didn’t know. NOT ALL WATER IS CREATED EQUAL!
Tap water contains all kinds of scary chemicals (you can check to see how safe your local water is by tapping into the EWG Water Database)
Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters are oftentimes TOO effective at filtering. In addition to removing toxins, RO filters may also be removing many beneficial minerals (e.g., calcium, potassium, and magnesium). Given that our drinking water can provide us with up to 20% of our daily minerals, this could pose a health risk, especially to those of you who fail to get adequate amounts of minerals from food alone**, which could leave you deficient.
Bottled water isn’t just terrible for the environment (35 billion plastic bottles end up in landfills and our oceans every year), but harmful chemicals from the plastic leech into your water. This can lead to hormone disfunction and contribute to disease.
And finally, many people just don’t enjoy the taste of water, so they end up being chronically dehydrated, which can lower energy levels, affect the way they look and feel, and even lower metabolism.
So what kind of water is best for drinking? Two years ago I discovered an incredible water machine that has literally changed my life. Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who just couldn’t drink water. No matter how much I forced myself, I wasn’t able to get in more than a couple of glasses a day.
After doing a lot of research and seeing a ton of testimonials from doctors, athletes, and celebrities , I invested in a machine (LEARN MORE) that makes electrolyzed water that is rich in hydrogen and antioxidants. Not only is it the best tasting water I’ve ever had, it is also easier to drink than regular water because it has a bizarrely smooth texture (yes, the actual texture of the water feels different, making it more palatable). Most importantly, it has incredible health benefits: , but boasts tremendous health benefits. This water is:
naturally alkaline (i.e., without any chemical additives)
high in antioxidants (just one glass of water has the antioxidant levels of 5 cups of blueberries), and
ionized and rich in molecular hydrogen, which makes it the most powerful and healthy thing you can drink, because molecular hydrogen (a.k.a. free hydrogen) fights free-radicals, and does it better than any other antioxidant. It is the absolute most effective antioxidant known to man… and there are hundreds of research studies to prove it.
So back to your skin, which is your largest organ and it is constantly exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the environment, pollution, radiation, and more. How does water rich in molecular hydrogen help?
Well, molecular hydrogen acts as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative damage in the skin and fighting inflammation. There are numerous studies suggesting that molecular hydrogen should be an integral part of your anti-aging arsenal because of its amazing skin and overall health benefits.
BOTTOM LINE: Whatever type of water you drink, the rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water to to keep hydrated and help rid the body and skin of toxins (e.g., if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces of water a day). If you don’t have a “magic machine” to make electrolyzed water (LEARN MORE about this machine) and need to make your water more palatable, infuse it with fruit, or add citrus, cucumber, or mint. And don’t forget to add a scoop of hydrolyzed collagen to one glass of water a day. Hydrolyzed collagen can improve skin elasticity and moisture content, support hair and nail growth, and even reduce the appearance of cellulite to at least one glass per day.
B. Eat lots of healthy fats 🥑
Healthy fats contribute to the body's overall health, increasing blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to all the body's cells, including skin. So stock up on foods containing monounsaturated fats, like avocados, olives and peanut butter, as well as polyunsaturated fats, like salmon and walnuts. Here are four more tips:
🐟 Take your cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is great for dry skin and eyes, because it's rich in Vitamin A. It also contains two main types of Omega-3 fatty acids: DHA, which keeps the brain functioning properly and EPA, which is great for the skin, regulating oil production to boost hydration and prevent acne, and delaying the skins aging process to stave off wrinkles. I recommend a daily teaspoon of Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Cod Liver Oil, which is a pharmaceutical-grade supplement and is derived from one of the purest, most sustainable fish on earth. I can honestly say that THIS is one of the most effective remedies to help with dry skin!
🍟 Cut back on salty and fried foods
Salty and fried foods dehydrate the body, exacerbating dry skin problems. Eliminating these foods from your diet (and all processed foods in general) will not only help avoid dehydration, but benefit your overall health.
🍸 Go easy on the booze
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and decreases the body's ability to absorb fluids, leading to a loss of water, electrolytes and minerals. This can cause dry, red, easily irritated skin. Drink alcohol in moderation and alternate with a glass of water between drinks.
🚬 Do I have to even say it? Just NO!
2. LAY OFF THE PERFUME
Preserve your skin’s fragile hydration balance by avoiding spraying perfume directly on your skin and any personal care products that contain fragrance (or parfum). “Fragrance” is an innocuous term, but because it is considered a trademark secret, it can (and is meant to) hide potentially hundreds of harmful synthetic chemicals which hide behind it.
In addition, steer clear of kaolin, charcoal, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil — all of which work to absorb the skin’s natural oils and could over-dry already dry skin, stripping the top layer of the epidermis, which may result in flaky or scaly skin.
3. SWAP OUT YOUR CLEANSER
Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers, as many cleansers contain harsh chemicals that can strip the skin’s oils or lipids, which are part of the skin’s normal protective barrier.
Here are my top two:
Beautycounter’s Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil is EWG verified, goes on like a dream to take off of every last bit of impurities, and smells heavenly!
💦 Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil. I am absolutely in love with this non-toxic cleanser. It goes on like a dream, smells heavenly (it’s scented with natural Alpine rose), and takes every last bit of make up and impurities off your face and eyes without stripping your skin of essential lipids. In addition to being EWG-verified (i.e., similar to the organic certification, but for personal care products), it’s also certified vegan and cruelty-free. Best of all, it comes in a huge, glass bottle, which lasts forever (mine lasted about seven months with daily use). I like to use it with my little Foreo Luna Facial Cleansing Brush, which massages and makes my face really clean, yet not dry after washing.
💦 If you prefer a foaming cleanser over oil, try Beautycounter’s Countermatch Refresh Foaming Cleanser. Like all of Beautycounter’s products it is safe and free of harmful ingredients, and it leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, not tight or dry. Also takes your eye make up off for a one-step cleansing.
4. TAKE SHORTER, COOLER SHOWERS
Limit bathing time to about 10 minutes once a day and use warm water instead of extremely hot water, which robs skin of moisture.
Also choose mild, fragrance-free soaps to avoid stripping your skin of its essential oils. Deodorant bars, perfumed and antibacterial soaps and skin care products tend to be more drying (and bad for your health!). Instead, try:
💦 Citrus Mimosa Body Bar - this is my absolute favorite bar soap and I use it daily. It contains organic shea butter and antioxidant-rich organic marula and mongongo oils which gently cleanse, hydrate, and soften skin. The lather feels luxurious and it’s delicate citrus mimosa fragrance (derived from fruit extracts and essential oils vs synthetic chemicals) smells absolutely divine.
💦 Beautycounter’s Body Wash in Citrus Mimosa - if you prefer a liquid to the bar, opt for this extremely gentle and non-drying body wash. It has a creamy texture, and a refreshing, essential oil- and fruit extract-derived citrus-mimosa scent. Rich in nourishing marula and mongongo oil, it helps soften and protect skin.
5. EXFOLIATE GENtly
Dry skin often leads to flakiness, so gentle exfoliation can be great for sloughing off dead skin cells and smoothing the skin. Unfortunately, many facial scrubs use harsh ingredients that can strip the skin of moisture and irritate dry skin, so it is very important to exfoliate gently using the right products. Here is what I use:
Overnight Resurfacing Peel visibly improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and dark spots without irritation or over-drying. Its a unique combination of resurfacing acids and soothing acids that hydrate, replenish, and protect skin. I use it every other night after cleansing, wait five minutes for it too absorb, and then top it off with my Countermatch Sleeping Recovery Cream.
If my skin feels like it needs a little extra exfoliation, I cleanse with surgical gauze pads. They an easy and inexpensive way to exfoliate. I find that they perform better than most expensive exfoliators on the market, and do not contain those little plastic beads that pollute our waterways.
Oh, and don't forget the rest of your body, which also needs a good dead skin sloughing off every so often. My favorite scrub is the Sugarbuff Body Polish in Lemongrass, which smells divine (and I mean, AH-MAZING!)! The brown sugar buffs away dull skin, while the oils lock in moisture to leave it looking and feeling polished and smooth. I honestly can’t say enough about this scrub. I LIVE FOR IT every time I get in the shower because it leaves my skin looking so polished and feeling so hydrated. If you’ve never tried it, it’s a luxurious treat for all the senses. I guarantee that you will love it!
6. SEAL IN THE MOISTURE
Did you know that once you dry yourself off after a shower, as soon as the water is off your skin, so is the moisture? In fact, you only have about 30 seconds after drying off to slather on some moisturizing goo before all the moisture evaporates. Applying coconut oil in the shower before you towel off can seal in the moisture while simultaneously taking your after-shower beauty regimen into the express lane.
Viva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
Yep, good old coconut oil is an amazing thing to have around your house, whether you’re cooking, giving your hair a deep conditioning mask (best thing ever!), or sealing in the moisture in your skin after a shower. It’s heaven on your skin, and especially easy to apply this time of year when it’s mostly in its solidified state.
Just scoop a bit out, warm it up in your hands and apply it like a super-moisturizing balm all over your body. It’ll seal in moisture until you wash it off again. It’s THAT good.
Coconut oil is coconut oil, and you can use any brand you like (although it’s best to opt for those that are organic and cold-pressed), but my favorite is Viva Organic Extra-Virgin coconut oil because it:
🥥 Comes in a wide-mouth container, which makes it easier to scoop up
🥥 Has the most subtle coconut oil scent of any product I’ve found so far, and
🥥 Contains no granules, so it spreads smoothly and evenly with no chunks to rub out on your skin
7. MOISTURIZE… SAFELY
Did you know that body lotion is one of the most dangerous products in your cabinet? Most brands contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals and it is body lotion that increases your exposure more than most other products.
Why? Because it goes ALL OVER your entire body (sometimes several times a day) and doesn’t come off until you shower again. So the quantity of harmful chemicals you’re putting on coupled with the amount of time they stay on the body means that they have ample opportunity to absorb into your bloodstream. Repeated exposure can have a cumulative effect over time and wreak havoc on your hormones and your overall health.
Although I use coconut oil right out of the shower (see Tip #6 above), I don’t love coconut oil as a regular moisturizer. It’s oily so it’s not something I want to put on right before bed (it gets all over my sheets) or when I’m wearing nice clothes. I also don’t want to smell like the tropics all the time.
My go-to is Beautycounter’s Countermatch Adaptive Body Lotion, a 2019 Allure Reader’s Choice Award winner. It’s thick and rich enough even when my skin is driest in the winter and toxin-free, so safe enough for me to never worry about what is absorbing into my bloodstream. I also like that it’s fragrance-free, so it doesn’t compete with any other scent I like to wear. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel oily, so I can apply and reapply as necessary.
If your skin is extra dry, try the Melting Body Balm, Allure Magazine’s 2019 Best of Beauty winner. It’s infused with an intoxicating monoi scent (heavenly!) and feels super luxurious even if your skin is the Sahara desert. It transforms into an oil as it melts into your skin and gives you a beautiful, healthy-looking glow.
But what about the face?
In addition to my usual skin moisturizers, winter requires extra! One of my favorite secrets to help lock-in moisture is this gorgeous Plumping Facial Oil. With its subtle hints of Jasmin, it is designed to help hydrate, nourish, and visibly firm skin. In full disclosure, I’d never used facial oils before and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it when I got it. However, my aesthetician suggested that I put it on under my moisturizer to seal in the moisture and it worked like magic!
Not only does my face no longer feel dry, but it looks glowy and beautiful. I wear it under my Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream during the day and on the days that I don’t use the peel, I blend it with the ultra thick and hydrating Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream.
8. HEAL CRACKED SKIN
Check out the difference after just a single overnight application of the Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm.
I don't know about you, but dry, cracked heels plague me every winter. Not only are they unsightly, but they can become uncomfortable and even painful if untreated.
I’ve tried various creams and ointments, but nothing was nearly as effective as the Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm. Try it for yourself!
Slather it all over your heels and other problem areas, put on a pair of socks and go to sleep. Do this once or twice every week and you won’t recognize your feet!
Amazingly, healing cracked heels is only one of this multi-tasker’s talents. The Lotus Cleansing Balm easily removes make-up and I also use it on my face once a week as an ultra-hydrating overnight MOISTURIZING MASK. But wait, there’s more…
It’s also a surprisingly effective treatment for ECZEMA, PSORIASIS, ROSACEA, and just about any itchy RASH. It helps to prevent and treat WINDBURN, STRETCH MARKS, and COLD SORES, and soothes BURNS (and sunburns) and painfully DRY SKIN, especially on your elbows, knees, and knuckles. You can even apply it like a HIGHLIGHTER on the tops of your cheekbones to catch the light and illuminate your complexion.
To me, it’s nothing short of “Magic Balm,” which is how I prefer to refer to it.
Oh, and don't let the price dissuade you. It lasts forever!!! I use mine almost daily and it lasts for 6-8 months. It’s worth every penny!
9. GET A GOOD HUMIDIFIER
Adding moisture to your room can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, itchy eyes, and irritated sinuses. It can also make you more susceptible to respiratory infections during the cold and flu season (and this is ESPECIALLY relevant these days!).
So how do you pick a good one with the thousands on the market?
After a lot of research, I recently upgraded to the Levoit Smart Ultrasonic Humidifier. You can operate it with your phone and also via Alexa and Google Assistance. It’s a great feature when you are already in bed so you can call out for hands-free control.
It’s easy to clean (which is SUPER important because all humidifiers should be cleaned EVERY DAY!) and works super fast. Auto Mode allows you to customize the level of humidity. and the machine adjusts mist levels automatically, so you don’t have to worry about overdoing it. It is also fairly quiet (which is key for the bedroom or nursery) and BPA-free.
This humidifier checks all of my requirement boxes and has done wonders for my skin overnight.
10. AND FINALLY… REMEMBER THE LITTLE THINGS
🧤 Wear gloves. Whether you're washing dishes or going out in the cold, protect your hands! In winter months, apply a thick moisturizer (I love Beautycounter’s Balm for All) to your feet and hands, and always put on gloves before you go outside and expose your skin to cold temperatures and harsh wind.
🧤 Don’t overdo it with hand sanitizer. Not only does the alcohol content and other harsh bacteria-killing ingredients cause the upper skin layers in your hands to dry out, but it can cause skin sensitivity (you may get some itching or a burning sensation on your hands) and UV-light sensitivity (you may become more susceptible to getting sunburn on your hands), which happens when the alcohol in the hand sanitizer dries up your skin, causing it to have thinner layers, allowing the sun’s harmful rays to penetrate deeper onto your hands. Moreover, dangerous and toxic anti-bacterial agents, like Triclosan, can cause allergic reactions and damage the trillions of microbes living in our gut, which can have terrible implications for your immune and overall health. Try safer products, like the Hand Savior Radiance Boosting Serum + Hand Sanitizer, which effectively kills 99.99% of bacteria (and meets all CDC guidelines), but also softens, hydrates, and brightens skin. Best part? It doesn’t contain any scary toxins.
🧖♀️ Use FACIAL moisturizers that are specifically formulated for the face. Body moisturizers with oils can induce acne and folliculitis lesions, or infections of the hair follicles.
👹 Avoid irritants as much as possible. If you work with irritating products, protect your skin by applying moisturizer and wearing protective clothing. This means wearing rubber gloves when you are cleaning your house or washing dishes!
🏊♀️ If you’re a swimmer, shower off to remove residual chemicals after you get out of the pool and then apply coconut oil and/or moisturizer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Victoria Gregory is an Integrative Nutritionist and founder of NEWTRITION NEWYOU. Her focus—whether with private clients, readers of her blog, or her followers on social media— is whole body wellness, incorporating whole-food nutrition, supplementation, exercise, toxin-free living, and mindset coaching. Victoria’s personal mission is to help make the world a healthier place, one person at a time, and she has helped thousands of people find joy and self-love through better eating habits and mindfulness. Learn more about Victoria.
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