Use a Humidifier to Add Moisture to Your Environment
“As temperatures plummet, we’ll be turning up the heat, which is oftentimes dry air,” Bard says. Don’t forget to run your humidifier to ensure your skin and mucous membranes (eyes, lips, nose) don’t start drying out, she advises.
To keep your skin properly moisturized in heated environments, try the PurSteam Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, $29.99, which uses ultrasonic cool mist technology to keep skin supple and smooth as you snooze.
Stick With Lighter, Humectant-Based Moisturizer
In the cooler seasons, skin requires frequent moisturization, but Bard says that a thicker moisturizer isn’t necessarily better. “Thick, emollient moisturizers tend to contain occlusive ingredients (such as petrolatum, dimethicone, beeswax and lanolin) that help prevent moisture loss from the skin, but they can also clog pores, leading to folliculitis and miliaria,” she says. Bard suggests looking for lighter, humectant-based moisturizers that contain ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin) that pull water into the skin and don't clog pores.
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, $12.49, provides continuous moisturization without causing unwanted breakouts, making it perfect for every day.
Be Extra Cautious of the Lip Balms You Use
“Certain commercial lip balms contain ingredients that can act as an irritant or allergen for some,” Bard says. Instead, she recommends applying plain petroleum jelly or coconut oil (as long as you're not allergic) to your lips.
If you're looking for a gentle and soothing balm that's not-irritating, Kopari Organic Coconut Melt, $18-$28, boasts a 100 percent organic coconut oil formula that will keep your pout soft and smooth.
Decrease Your Retinol Usage
“Your skin tends to get a bit drier as the weather turns colder,” says Dr. Gary Goldenberg of Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC. This is a common time for patients to develop retinoid dermatitis, which is a skin irritation from retinol, he explains. If you notice your skin is getting drier, he suggests decreasing your retinol application to every other night and increasing the amount of moisturizer you use at night.
To keep your skin extra moisturized when decreasing your retinol usage, try Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion, $49, which provides 24 hours of hydration.
Don't Take Too Many Hot Showers
Goldenberg says that a hot shower may feel great on a cold fall morning, but it will also dry out your skin. Instead, he recommends taking a lukewarm shower and applying moisturizer all over the body afterward.
Dr. Roebuck's Top Stuff Ultra Hydrating Body Creme, $30, utilizes shea butter, green tea extract and macadamia oil to effectively hydrate your skin post-shower.
