Winter Skincare: 2025 Edition

Winter Skin Care Tips for 2025

Winter is here, and while the season brings cozy sweaters and hot cocoa, it also comes with challenges for your skin. Cold weather, low humidity, and indoor heating can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it dry, flaky, and irritated. As board-certified dermatologists at Clara Dermatology, we want to share actionable advice to keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long.

1. Hydrate Inside and Out

• Drink Water: Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as in summer. A study published in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology (2015) highlights the importance of hydration in maintaining skin elasticity and overall health.
• Use a Humidifier: Combat the drying effects of indoor heating by adding moisture to the air. Place a humidifier in your bedroom or main living space. Make sure to clean your humidifier regularly in order maximize its benefit.
• Apply a Hydrating Serum: Incorporate a serum or moisturizer with hyaluronic acid into your routine to lock in moisture. A review in Dermatologic Therapy (2022) emphasizes the efficacy of hyaluronic acid in improving skin moisture levels. Try adding CLARA’s Youth Boost to your routine (added benefit of Copper for collagen stimulation).

2. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, making dryness worse. Opt for a creamy, fragrance-free cleanser that cleanses without over-drying. Look for ingredients like ceramides or glycerin to help maintain your skin barrier. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends these ingredients to support the skin’s natural barrier, particularly in winter.

3. Moisturize Strategically

• Upgrade Your Moisturizer: Swap your lightweight summer moisturizer for a richer cream or ointment. Look for products with ceramides, like CLARA’s Pep Rally.
• Apply While Damp: Apply your moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face to lock in hydration.
• Don’t Forget Your Hands and Feet: Use a thick hand cream after washing your hands and a rich foot cream before bed. Consider wearing cotton gloves or socks overnight to boost absorption.

4. Protect Your Skin from the Elements

• Wear Sunscreen: Yes, even in winter! UVA rays can penetrate clouds and windows, contributing to premature aging and skin cancer risk. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. The Skin Cancer Foundation stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen year-round to protect against UVA rays that penetrate clouds and windows.
• Shield Your Skin: Protect exposed skin from harsh winds with a scarf or face mask. Don’t forget to moisturize beforehand to create a barrier.

5. Exfoliate Wisely

Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, but overdoing it can compromise your skin barrier. A study in Cosmetics (2023) highlights the benefits of mild exfoliants like lactic acid for removing dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. We love CLARA’s Clean Sweep Pads – gentle enough for daily use.

6. Don’t Neglect Your Lips

Chapped lips are a common winter woe. Use a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin. The Mayo Clinic recommends these ingredients for their ability to seal in moisture and protect against chapping. Reapply frequently throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking.

7. Tailor Your Routine to Your Skin Type

• Dry Skin: Focus on rich, hydrating products and avoid anything that can strip your skin.
• Oily Skin: Don’t skip moisturizer! Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic option to keep your skin balanced.
• Sensitive Skin: Stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and patch-test new items before applying them to your face.

8. See a Dermatologist for Persistent Issues

If dryness, redness, or irritation persists despite your best efforts, schedule a CLARA Consult. Conditions like eczema or rosacea can worsen in winter and may require professional care.

Winter Skin Care Checklist:

*Drink plenty of water
*Use a humidifier
*Apply a hydrating serum and rich moisturizer
*Wear sunscreen daily
*Protect your lips and hands
*Exfoliate gently and sparingly

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dry skin. With these tips, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant all season long. Have questions or need personalized advice? Schedule an appointment with us at Clara Dermatology—we’re here to help you love the skin you’re in!