We’re deep in the heart of winter now—the air is crisp, the days are short, and for many of us, our skin is paying the price. The combination of cold, dryness, extra clothing, and indoor heating can be tough on our skin, leaving it dull, flaky, or irritated. Even if your skin doesn’t typically struggle in winter, taking extra care now can help maintain its elasticity and glow.

Here are eleven self-care recommendations to keep your skin happy through the season:

Drink plenty of water. Divide your body weight in half—that’s the number of ounces of water you should aim to drink throughout the day (ideally at room temperature).

Eat moistening foods. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, certain foods are believed to build vital fluids that support skin hydration. These include sesame seeds (especially black sesame), dark leafy greens, berries, pears, oranges, watermelon, string beans, tomatoes, flax seeds, hemp seeds, plums, mung beans and sprouts, cucumber, water chestnuts, eggs, fish, nuts, and seed or nut oils.

Get a humidifier. In dry climates, tabletop humidifiers may not make much difference, but “whole house humidifiers” can be a game changer. These systems hook up to your water line and moisten the air circulating through your heating system. They cost a few hundred dollars, plus installation, but can dramatically improve indoor humidity.

Put oil on your skin. Lotions are blends of oil and water designed to absorb quickly, but if your skin gets extra dry in winter, you may need something more protective. Consider using:

• Pure oils (coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, sesame [untoasted])

• Thicker lotions with richer oils like castor, rosehip seed, or tamanu

• Semi-solid lotions with shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax for added barrier protection (though these may be too heavy for facial skin)

Exfoliate gently before moisturizing and apply moisturizer to damp skin. Removing dead skin cells can help moisturizers absorb more effectively. I like using a coarse cloth, raw silk gloves, or a natural bristle brush for gentle exfoliation. After showering, apply moisturizer within a few minutes while your skin is still damp for better hydration. One of my favorite rituals is dry skin brushing, followed by a shower and then a brisk self-massage with oil (a practice called abhyanga in Ayurveda).

Use less soap. Soap can strip natural oils from your skin, making dryness worse. In many cases, it’s unnecessary for every part of your body every day.

If your hands get chapped, dry them thoroughly after washing. Letting them air dry can make them even drier. If your skin is prone to irritation, be extra mindful of keeping hands moisturized.

Avoid synthetic fragrances, dyes, and chemicals in body care products. Dry winter skin is often more sensitive and absorbs chemicals more readily. Opt for gentle, natural formulations when possible.

Wash in cooler water. Hot water can worsen skin sensitivity and rashes, so bathe in the coolest temperature you can tolerate.

Use sunscreen. While winter sun may not always feel strong, UV rays still cause skin damage, leading to dryness, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity over time. I don’t believe in wearing sunscreen constantly, but strategic use—especially midday—can help protect your skin.

I recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide, which is both an effective sunblock and a soothing skin barrier. While early versions were thick and chalky (think lifeguards’ white noses), today’s formulas are more transparent. Some contain nanoparticles for better blending, but there’s ongoing debate about whether these tiny particles are safe. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) still considers non-nano zinc the best option, as studies suggest it doesn’t penetrate deep enough to affect living cells. However, avoid inhaling mineral sunscreen powders or sprays, as these can be harmful to your lungs.

See a good skincare specialist. Believe it or not, I co-owned a spa for years before I got my first facial. If I was going to take time for a spa treatment, I always chose a massage. But one year, for my birthday, Briana scheduled a facial for me, and it was incredible. Having someone steam and massage oils into my face was deeply relaxing, and my skin was noticeably glowing afterward. I highly recommend it.

I hope these recommendations help you get through winter with moister, healthier, and happier skin.

Be well,
Dr. Peter Borten