Combatting Dry Skin in Fall and Winter: Your Ultimate Guide

As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier during the fall and winter months, it’s common for many of us to experience dry and dehydrated skin. The cold weather, indoor heating and reduced humidity can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to itching, flakiness and discomfort (which are also poor conditions for spray tanning). Fortunately, with the right skincare routine and a few lifestyle adjustments, you can combat dry skin and keep it glowing throughout the colder seasons.

Hydrate from the Inside Out

One of the most crucial steps in combating dry skin is staying hydrated. THIS IS A MUST! In the colder months, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, but it’s essential for your skin’s health. Aim for about half of your body weight in ounces per day. You can find more on proper hydration here.

Choose a Gentle Body Wash

Switch to a gentle, hydrating body wash that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Nourishing your largest organ, YOUR SKIN, on the outside is just as vitally important as how we nourish our bodies on the inside.  You can shop our favorites here.

Adjust Your Showers

While hot showers might be tempting during the chilly season, they can be very drying to your skin. Opt for shorter, lukewarm showers to prevent excessive moisture loss. This one is an easy adjustment that can go a long way.

Exfoliate Wisely

Regular exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. However, during fall and winter, be mindful of over-exfoliation, which can lead to further dryness. We recommend using an exfoliating mitt once or twice a week.

Moisturize Thoroughly

Your lotion can truly make or break your efforts to stay hydrated. Many body and face lotions contain harmful ingredients (like alcohol, paraffin and parabens) that are often overlooked. We recommend opting for prebiotic skincare to replenish your skin’s healthy bacteria so it can heal itself. Our absolute favorite is the Aleavia Unscented Prebiotic Body Lotion. Apply your lotion immediately after taking a shower to seal in hydration.

Combatting dry skin during the fall and winter is all about adopting a holistic approach that combines proper skincare, hydration and protective measures. By following these tips, you can enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin even in the coldest months. While it may take some trial and error to find the products and routines that work best for your skin type, it will be worth it!