Winter can be cozy, but your skin won't feel that way. The cold winter air is dry and cold and can draw out the moisture from your skin. Because of winter dryness and cold weather, you will see more tightness in your skin and even flaking from dryness depending on how you are exposed to this weather condition.

Also, the challenge is in cleaning your skin, because the type of face wash that you use can actually affect how well it protects the skin barrier. Finding the best face wash for dry, irritated skin in winter is not just about getting rid of dirt or makeup on your face, but also about protecting and replenishing your skin with moisture.

What Makes Winter Dry Skin Even Drier?

When the temperature drops, the amount of humidity also decreases. Your skin loses moisture faster than it can be replaced. Indoor heating, hot showers and cleansing products that contain harsh chemicals all contribute to the issues of dry, itchy or tight skin.

Your summer face wash may not work as well in the winter because they may strip the oil off your skin, which is why we recommend that you find a hydrating formula and use some type of toner to replenish that moisture back into your skin, as well as use a moisturizer cream for dry skin and finally a sunscreen cream to keep your skin hydrated. You want your skin to remain healthy and comfortable, not just clean but to continue looking good in the winter months when everyone looks dull and lifeless.

What to Look for in the Best Face Wash for Dry Skin in Winter

The best facial cleanser to maintain healthy skin during winter months has certain characteristics such as a gentle, ingredients that provide hydration, and no irritating chemicals. Let’s examine these 3 characteristics closer:

Gentle Formulations: Many cleansers contain harsh chemicals, although they cleanse quickly but they can also strip your skin of its natural protective oil layer. Therefore, gel type formulations are considered to be the best for dry skin since they cleanse your face without causing excessive drying. You should look for words like "gentle", "hydratin", or "suitable for sensitive skin" on the label.

Moisture-Restoring Ingredients: Because the primary goal of cleansing your face is to remove dirt and oil, your best bet is to look for facial cleansers that have moisture-attracting and locking moisture into your skin. You want to look for the following three key ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid – a humectant that draws water molecules to your skin.
• Glycerin – an emollient that keeps the surface of your skin soft and supple.
• Ceramides – a lipid that strengthens the skin barrier.
• Green Tea/Vit E – both are soothing and anti oxidant ingredients that reduce irritation due to dryness.

If your facial wash has hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and/or Green Tea/Vit El, then you are well on your way to healthy hydrated skin.

No Harsh Chemicals: Look for facial cleansers that do not contain alcohol, sulphates (SLS/SLES), parabens as these ingredients can be irritating to dry skin and increase the chances of developing fine lines and surface dryness.

Winter Dry Skin Routine

Finding an appropriate winter face wash for dry skin is only the first part; what you do after cleansing also plays a significant part.

This is a basic routine to follow during the cold months.

Step One: Use a Hydrating Cleanser

Using warm (not hot) water, gently massage the product into your face for 30-40 seconds, then rinse off. After rinsing, gently pat dry. Do not rub the skin; this will help the skin barrier remain intact.

Step Two: Use a Toner designed for Dry Skin

Using a toner helps provide extra hydration and makes your skin ready for better moisture absorption. Look for toners that contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, rose water, or panthenol. Avoid toners containing astringents or alcohol because they can worsen the condition of dry skin.

Step Three: Use a Moisturising Cream

As soon as you apply the toner, follow it with a rich and nourishing cream. Choose a cream containing either ceramides, shea butter, or squalene because it holds the moisture in and allows your skin to stay plump all day long.

Step Four: Use a Sunscreen

Absolutely! Sunscreen in wintertime is non-negotiable. The sun’s UV rays are still active and can cause further damage to dry skin. Choose a sunscreen designed for dry skin that includes additional moisturising agents such as glycerin and vitamin E.

Step Five: If necessary, reapply.

Midday, if your skin feels tight or itchy, mist it with a hydrating spray or apply additional moisturising cream.

Avoiding Certain Ingredients For Dry Skin

Here are three things not to use:

1. Cleansers and toners that contain alcohol

2. Harsh exfoliators such as glycolic acid and high levels of salicylic acid.

3. Soaps and facewash that contain added fragrance or color.

Cleansers that contain charcoal or clay substances absorb too much natural oil from your skin. Cleansing to a "stripped" level is not necessary for dry skin; balancing your skin is the best way to go.

Preventing Dehydration from Winter

Almost any minor change in your routine can improve the performance of your skincare products.

• Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air and help prevent dehydration in winter months.
• Drink an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated from within.
• Don't take long, hot showers; warm water is better for your skin, but hot water is damaging.
• Switch to using a milder type of exfoliation once or twice a week, using a gentle scrub to keep dead skin cells off your barrier without damaging it.
• Use your skincare products right after cleansing when your skin is damp. This helps lock in moisture better than if you wait until after your skin dries.

Indications of a Seasonal Inappropriate Cleanser

Just because your face wash claims to be "hydrating" doesn't necessarily mean it will help your dry skin. Here are some signs that your cleanser is not working:

• Your skin feels tight and "squeaky" clean after washing.
• You're seeing dry patches and/or flaking on your face.
• Your moisturizer does not absorb well into your skin anymore.
• You are experiencing mild burning and/or redness.

If you experience any of these signs related to your facial cleanser, then....

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Will it be okay to use the same facewash during the summer and winter seasons?
No; the needs of our skin depend on the changing of the seasons. For example, a light weight facewash may work best during warmer months such as summer, but during the winter months a heavier, more moisturizing facewash made for dry skin or sensitive skin is more appropriate.

Q2. How often do I need to wash my face during the winter season?
Twice daily is usually sufficient, a.m. and p.m. Over cleaning your skin can strip away the natural oils which protect your skin.

Q3. If I have dry skin, do I still need to exfoliate?
Yes; however, it's important to gently exfoliate your skin. Choose a mild exfoliating scrub or something like an enzyme based exfoliant up to 2 times weekly to help remove dead skin so that your moisturizer can penetrate better.

Q4. Is it necessary to use a toner if my skin is dry?
Yes; it's important to use a hydrating toner without alcohol in order to balance the pH of your skin and to keep your skin hydrated.

Q5. What is the best recommended moisturizer to use right after cleansing?
A moisturizer cream containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid is recommended for the dry skin type. This will support the skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated longer.

Q6. Should I wear sunscreen during winter?
Absolutely! UV rays are still present and can result in dull, pigmented skin and premature aging. Look for a sunscreen cream for dry skin with hydrating ingredients.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always check your skin’s response before using new products. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.