Do you recall the childhood thrill of a snowfall? As an adult, that excitement fades fast when you realize there’s no break from work. Beyond shoveling snow and dealing with slushy boots, another winter nuisance is flaky skin.
“Cold weather reduces environmental moisture, and wind plus indoor heating further dry out the air,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman. “This causes water to evaporate from skin cells, leading to dryness, flaking, and chapping.”
However, cold isn’t the only cause. Skincare products with harsh chemicals can also irritate and dehydrate your skin. “If strong products strip away all natural oils, the skin becomes unbalanced,” says Dr. Engelman. To preserve your skin’s existing moisture, try an oil-based cleanser like Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil. It removes impurities without drying. “The oil in the product binds to facial oils, and the cleanser rinses them away without removing beneficial natural oils,” she adds.
Although scrubbing away flakes may seem tempting, Dr. Engelman advises moderation. “Over-exfoliating exposes skin, weakens the barrier, triggers inflammation, and causes more flaking,” she warns. Even without visible damage, minor chronic inflammation can accelerate aging over time. Swap harsh scrubs and alcohols for gentle options like Whamisa by Glow Studio Charcoal Chai Tea Pore Refining Pads. These 100% cotton pads, rich in antioxidants, feature charcoal and levulinic acid to detoxify, retexturize, and remove dead cells without drying.
When your skin is compromised, step up your moisturizing routine. You don’t need a heavy cream to get essential hydration. The Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Green Ampoule is a lightweight serum with rare Brazilian Green Propolis. It penetrates beneath scaly patches to soothe irritation, repair damage, and provide soft, feathery hydration.
For extra care, use an overnight mask like the dead-skin dissolving Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask or the hyper-hydrating Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask. Apply generously before bed and wake up to hydrated, flake-free, soft skin.
Dr. Engelman notes a common mistake: not reapplying moisturizer during the day. “Consistent application keeps skin protected and locks in moisture,” she says. “Shielding skin from wind and dry heat allows it to repair and defend against environmental stressors.” Reapplying over makeup can be tricky, but hydrating products like Yuri Pibu Cucu Maronza Cushion and J. One Haart Mermaid Glow Color Lip Tint Balm work well. They refresh your look without disturbing makeup, keeping skin glowy all day.
Finally, remember the classic advice: Drink more water! “No moisturizer can help if you’re dehydrated,” says Dr. Engelman. Though challenging, choose water over coffee and sugary drinks, because “water is essential for healthy, beautiful skin.” Pair that with a moisturizing routine, and flaky skin becomes a thing of the past—leaving you to tackle other winter annoyances.
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