Step outside on a cold winter day, and you can practically feel the moisture loss. Throw in a whipping wind and your skin might feel extra tight. This is why your moisturizer is one of the most important upgrades in your dry winter skin routine. “Transitioning to a thicker, richer moisturizer offers a deeper level of hydration and provides a protective barrier that helps shield against the harsh environmental elements,” says Schmalenberg. The most valuable skincare ingredients to look for in a moisturizer are emollients—like Plant Butters, Lipids and Ceramides—which form a protective layer on skin’s surface to help lock in moisture and prevent moisture loss. Humectants, like Plant-based Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are also important. They attract and retain moisture to help increase skin's water content. If your skin is sensitive, or you experience visible redness or irritation during the dry winter months, a moisturizer that contains soothing and calming ingredients, like certain Mushrooms (a favorite here at Origins), can be a real skin saver.

Your lips are extremely susceptible to winter’s wrath. “Lips are prone to dryness because they lack the sebaceous glands that produce natural oils, which act as a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss,” says Schmalenberg. Without this natural barrier, lips don’t stand much of a chance against the snow, wind, and subzero temps. Licking your lips is also a contributor to excessive dryness. Investing in a lip treatment loaded with hydrating ingredients—like Plant Oils and Butters—is your best defense against dry, flaking lips.

The skin around your eyes isn’t a fan of frigid temperatures or plummeting humidity levels. It’s naturally thinner, making it more vulnerable to the moisture-zapping effects of winter. A lack of moisture can cause crepiness around the eye area and make fine lines and wrinkles more visible. The simple solution: Set sights on a hydrating eye cream—preferably with brightening benefits—to help replenish moisture and illuminate the eye area.

Did you know exfoliating dry, winter skin can help your skin look healthier? Sloughing off surface level dryness provides a near instant gratification: skin feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable (read: feels less tight). It can also enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare products, like serums and moisturizers. However, too much exfoliation can compromise your skin barrier, which is important in the winter months. “Your barrier acts as a protective shield against the elements and plays a vital role in retaining moisture,” says Schmalenberg. Exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliant helps remove dull, dry skin to reveal fresh a skin barrier.

If your skin is sensitive or you’re experiencing dryness from the effects of winter, you may want to avoid exfoliating altogether. Your skin barrier needs time to bounce back before introducing exfoliation.

Did you know exfoliating dry, winter skin can help your skin look healthier? “Your barrier acts as a protective shield against the elements and plays a vital role in retaining moisture,” says Schmalenberg. While too much exfoliation can compromise your skin barrier, exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle exfoliant helps remove dull, dry skin to reveal fresh a skin barrier. sloughing off surface level dryness can even provide near instant gratification: skin feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable (read: feels less tight). It can also enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare products, like serums and moisturizers. If your skin is sensitive or you’re experiencing dryness from the effects of winter, you may want to avoid exfoliating altogether.

Sometimes, we’re so focused on our facial skin, we neglect the rest of our body. Skin below the neck is just as susceptible to winter’s moisture-depleting wrath. Similar to your facial moisturizer, look for a body cream containing emollient ingredients, like Ceramides, Plant Butters, and hydrating Plant Oils. “Emollients are like protective blankets for your skin. They create a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents water from escaping,” says Schmalenberg. One of the most beneficial times to slather on an emollient-rich moisturizer is straight out of the shower. “Applying a moisturizer while your skin is still damp helps to trap additional moisture and leaves skin optimally hydrated,” adds Schmalenberg.

There’s nothing better than a steamy shower on a sub-zero day. But did you know hot water can strip skin's natural oils and disrupt its moisture barrier, which can lead to dry skin? “Prolonged exposure to hot water can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, which are responsible for retaining moisture,” says Schmalenberg.  The solution? Turn down the temp (to about lukewarm) and make it quick—your skin will thank you.

There’s no question about it: winter challenges your skin’s resilience. Dry skin is almost inevitable—but adjusting your skincare routine can help. “Adapting your routine to the evolving needs of your skin ensures it remains resilient throughout the colder months.” says Schmalenberg. You can easily mitigate winter's unfavorable effects just by making a few simple changes. You can also tap an Origins skin expert, who can help you create a more personalized winter regimen.  One thing is certain: taking care of dry winter skin is like an insurance policy for spring. Why? You’ll emerge with a healthy-looking, fresh-faced complexion.