Winter is a wonderful time for snowy slopes, stylish après-ski looks, and mugs of hot cocoa by the fire. But it can also be a nightmare for your skin. That dry, tight, itchy feeling? It's not just you. The combination of cold, dry air outside and heated, dry air inside creates the perfect storm for dehydrated skin. Lower humidity levels mean your skin loses moisture more quickly, and that can lead to everything from flakiness and redness to more serious issues. But don't despair! Over the years, I've developed a winning strategy to combat winter dryness and keep my skin happy and healthy, even in the harshest weather.

1. Hydration from the Inside Out:

This is the foundation of any good skincare routine, and it's especially crucial in winter. No matter how many creams you slather on, if you're not hydrated from within, your skin will suffer. I make a conscious effort to increase my water intake during the colder months. I carry a large water bottle with me everywhere and aim to refill it several times throughout the day. It really makes a difference!

2. A Consistent Skincare Routine (with Winter Tweaks):

I'm a firm believer in a regular skincare routine, and I stick to it religiously, even when it's freezing outside. One of my holy grail products is Skin Pharm's Youth Serum. It's packed with powerful ingredients that keep my skin looking and feeling its best. For moisturizer, I make a switch when the temperature drops. During the warmer months, Skin Pharm's High Beam is perfect, but in winter, I need something richer. I swap it out for their Face Whip. It has a more intense hydrating texture that my skin absolutely drinks up.

3. A Boost of Hydration with Skinvive:

Sometimes, my skin needs an extra boost of hydration, and that's when I turn to Skinvive injections. These micro-droplets of hyaluronic acid are injected just below the skin's surface, providing deep, long-lasting hydration that combats dryness from within. It's a game-changer for winter skin!

4. The Nighttime Power Duo:

My nighttime routine is where I really amp up the moisture. I've found that double moisturizing works wonders for my dry skin. I start with Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream, which targets fine lines and wrinkles while providing a good base of hydration. Then, I follow it up with Weleda's Skin Food Original Ultra Rich Cream. This stuff is seriously thick and luxurious, and it creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture overnight. It's the ultimate winter skin savior!

5. Hydrating Masks to the Rescue:

When my skin feels particularly parched, I reach for a hydrating mask. Two of my favorites are the Jet Lag Mask by Summer Fridays and the H₂Oasis instant skin reviving mask by Tula. These masks are like a mini spa treatment for my skin, leaving it feeling plump, hydrated, and refreshed. I try to use a hydrating mask at least once a week, especially during the winter months.

By following these tips, I'm able to keep my dry skin at bay all winter long. It's all about being proactive, staying hydrated, and finding the right products for your skin type. Don't let winter ruin your complexion! With a little TLC, you can have healthy, glowing skin, no matter the weather.

by Sara Avans — Fashion Content Creator at @saraavans