When the cold, dry days leave your skin itchy, red, and tight, it’s a good idea to invest time in your skincare routine. You don’t need a 10-step regimen to keep your skin moisturized. Just a few simple changes can make a world of difference in your skin’s appearance and feeling in the winter months. 

Here are some tips for keeping your skin hydrated when it’s cold outside.

Wash your skin correctly

As it turns out, there’s a right and a wrong way to wash your skin, especially your face. When it’s extra dry outside (and inside), the little things can make a big difference. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology Association to help you wash your face without creating extra dryness

• Use a cleanser that does not contain alcohol. 

• Hot water will dry your skin out even more, so opt for lukewarm water. 

• Only use your fingertips to wash your face, as a washcloth or any sort of sponge will further irritate your skin. 

• When you’re done washing and rinsing, pat your face down with a towel — don’t rub or wipe it. 

• Immediately follow up with a thick moisturizer.

If you’re having trouble finding a cleanser that doesn’t irritate your skin, you can use the Find A Doctor Tool on our website to make an appointment with a provider that can help your skin feel better.

Apply moisturizer or cream immediately after washing/drying.

Even though you use water to clean your skin, that water doesn’t moisturize your skin. Once the water dries, your skin dries out with it. Dermatologists recommend putting on a moisturizer or lotion on while your skin is still damp because it traps the existing moisture into the skin.

The kind of moisturizer or lotion you use is also important. Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, shea butter or petrolatum

Use fragrance-free products. 

Believe it or not, there’s a difference between “fragrance-free” and “unscented.” They might smell similar but there can be additives in unscented products.

Fragrance-free products have no fragrance added. Unscented products can contain chemicals that neutralize or hide the scent of the ingredients.

While not everyone will have a bad reaction, fragrance can trigger an allergic skin reaction making dry skin even more sensitive.

Use a humidifier.

When winter rolls around, it naturally drops the humidity in the air — and the Mountain West region doesn’t have much to begin with. Once you turn on your furnace for the season, you’ll be living in and breathing dry, warm air.

In these warm and dry climates, combined with the harsh cold temperatures outside, your skin gets irritated and very dry. 

One of the simplest ways you can add more moisture to your skin (and everything else) is to plug in your humidifier. If you’re not home to run it all day, be sure to keep it full and running at night. Your skin will thank you!

Wear gloves.

Protecting your skin is one of the best things you can do for it. Key skin protection measures are: 

• Applying sunblock year-round 

• Standing in the shade when you’re outside

• Wearing clothing to protect your skin from the elements

Gloves are not only useful in keeping your fingers and hands warm, but they also protect your skin from dry, cold air.

It’s also a good idea to wear waterproof gloves if you’re going to do things that get your hands wet, such as dishes or cleaning.

See a doctor for more help with dry skin.

If you’ve tried everything and your dry skin isn’t improving, it could be time to see a doctor. You can use our Find A Doctor Tool to search for and locate a provider near you. 

Select Health plans have a large provider network with care options close to home. Learn more about our plans and providers here.