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Yes, there is an actual strategy to moisturizing. Here’s how to get through the winter without flaking, cracking, or peeling.
The second you step out of the shower.
“As soon as you get out of the shower, moisture starts getting pulled out of the skin from contact with air,” says Annie Chiu, MD, a celebrity dermatologist in Manhattan Beach. She recommends applying your body moisturizer within five minutes of your shower to lock in your skin’s natural moisture. Try massaging Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer with Refreshing Coconut Oil directly onto damp skin.
Before your run.
If you’re exposing your skin to the elements—wind, pollution, UV rays—you need extra hydration, says Howard Sobel, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and founder of DDF Skincare. Since your face is likely the only area exposed in cold weather, apply a hydrating sunscreen like La Roche Posay Anthelios AOX.
As part of your bedtime ritual.
“During sleep, the skin’s transepidermal water loss is increased, meaning moisture is pulled out of the skin while we snooze,” says Dr. Chiu. “By using a slightly heavier night cream, you are protecting your face from dehydration.” Try The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cream.
After shaving.
When you’re removing hair, you’re also removing the surface layer of skin cells. That exfoliation means your skin absorbs more moisturizer—and gets more hydration, Dr. Chiu says. Plus, you need to protect the newly exposed skin from getting dry. A noncomedogenic lotion like Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion will also help avoid ingrowns.
Before and after flying.
Few things suck the life out of your skin like plane cabin air. Dr. Sobel recommends applying a soothing and protecting moisturizer as soon as your seat belt is securely fastened. Before landing, clean your skin with water or a cleansing wipe, and reapply moisturizer. The solid Mustela Hydra-stick with Cold Cream won’t take away from your liquids allotment and won’t spill.
Anytime you wash your hands.
The combination of hot water, harsh soaps, and cool air is a recipe for cracked, painful dry hands. “Most hand washes are antibacterial and disrupt the natural skin barrier, leading to dryness and itching,” says Dr. Chiu. “Moisturizing immediately after washing will protect this skin barrier.” To guard your hands against cracking, try L’Occitane Miel Mandarine Hand Cream, cream created by a French pastry chef. Store your lotion next to your sink so you don't have to think about it.
After a makeout session.
“Kissing makes the lips dehydrated and flaky because of the evaporative effect of going from wet to dry repeatedly,” explains Dr. Chiu. Keep your lip balm handy. Try LypSyl Intense Protection to keep lips soft before and after some quality kissing time.
