Ask An Expert·3 min read

Any tips for keeping my skin moisturized this winter?

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Dear Expert,

Any tips for keeping my skin moisturized this winter? 

Dear Anonymous,

With the drier weather, my approach is always to use more gentle products. Moisturizers are helpful, definitely. But also, maybe try using a hydrating cleanser once a day. There are so many different brands that have these now, but maybe look for one with hyaluronic acid, which can be a little bit more hydrating because it helps the skin retain water and promotes elasticity.

Then at night, try using a face wash that has more of an active ingredient. I personally like the ones that have either alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid as the active ingredients. Note: They can be a little irritating for dry or sensitive skin. But they can also help get rid of the dead cells on the skin’s surface, and they’re not as strong as you may think. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, and when people hear that, they may think ‘glycolic acid chemical peel.’ But in reality, many of these washes have a small concentration of the chemical in them, so it’s more like a microexfoliation that you can do everyday. (But do a patch test and apply less frequently at first, if it’s your first time using it.)  

Here are some face washes that I like, depending on your skin type: 

  • For sensitive skin…CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser  

  • For dry skin…Neutrogena Hydro Boost hydrating cleanser with hyaluronic acid.

  • For oily skin…Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit with salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid, and can help with clogged pores, oil production, and acne. 

  • For sun-damaged skin…Revision Brightening Facial Wash. This one does have glycolic acid in it. But it can help with reducing sun damage, getting rid of dead skin, and adding a glow. 

  • For hyperpigmented skin…Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser.Another one with glycolic acid, it’s a mild cleanser that promotes cell turnover, which can help with hyperpigmentation. 

When it comes to exfoliators, two times a week is plenty, because they can be more drying and irritating as the weather gets colder. In general, consider avoiding products that could overstrip or cause your skin to tear, like scrubs or anything with microparticles in them. 

Finally, if you’re removing makeup, remember that a lot of makeup wipes can be fragranced. That can be irritating, especially when our skin is more fragile in the colder months. I prefer using micellar water to remove eye makeup, and then face wash for the rest.

Ask an Expert is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. By submitting a question, you are agreeing to let theSkimm use it—in part or in full—and we may edit its answer for length and/or clarity.

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