Keep your complexion looking hydrated and radiant this winter with these expert skincare tips.

When you think of winter skin, adjectives like “dry,” “thirsty,” and “chapped” probably come to mind. But if you love to spend time outside running, biking, walking, or hiking — even in subfreezing temps — your complexion may be in dire condition by the time you make it back indoors. 

“Cold temperatures can lead to dryness and sensitivity of the skin,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “The cold weather and decreased humidity lead to decreased moisture in the skin, causing the skin to become red, dry, and irritated.” Put simply, there’s a price to pay for those bitter winter miles or an incredible day of skiing.

That said, there are plenty of steps you can take to care for your skin before and after you head out for your adventure in the mountains or on icy roads. Keep reading for Dr. Garshick’s top tips for offering your body’s largest organ some R&R after a hard effort.

How to Care for Your Skin During the Winter

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

No surprise here: Moisturizer is a non-negotiable when the temperatures drop. “Using a moisturizer all year round can be important to help maintain healthy and hydrated skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is especially important in the winter months, as moisturizers contain ingredients that help to draw moisture into the skin, such as humectants and emollients that help to soften and smooth the skin.” 

2. Don’t overlook the lips.

“It is important to use an ointment for the lips, such as a petrolatum-containing ointment, which helps to create a protective barrier for the lips, protecting the skin from external irritants,” says Dr. Garshick. Try keeping a lip moisturizer in your gym bag and car, as well as on your bedside table, so that you always have something on hand when dry, chapped lips strike. 

3. Wear just as much sunscreen as you would wear during the summer.

There’s an idea that you need to wear SPF only during the summer months, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. “Even when the weather is cold, you always want to make sure you’re protecting the skin from the sun,” says Dr. Garshick. “Even in the winter months, there are UV rays that can contribute to cumulative sun damage on the skin.” She recommends choosing a full-spectrum sunscreen (read: UVA- and UVB-protectant) that’s at least SPF 30. Make sure to reapply every two hours. 

RELATED: Sunscreen All Year

4. Opt for gentle cleansers.

While you may prefer deeply exfoliating cleansers during greasy summers, winter skin needs a gentler touch. “It is best to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils,” says Dr. Garshick. “Soaps and abrasive scrubs can be irritating on the skin and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to redness and dryness of the skin, so it’s important to use one that is gentle and will leave the skin feeling hydrated.”

5. Place a humidifier in your bedroom or office.

Humidifiers can help quench thirsty skin and hair during the winter months. So, if you find that even your house is dry as a bone, consider investing in one and running it while you sleep, work, or relax. 

6. Remember to prioritize full-body skincare.

Your face isn’t the only part of your body that needs a little extra love in the winter. Once you’ve cleansed, moisturized, and slathered sunscreen on your face, take care to do the same with the rest of your body — including your back, chest, arms, and legs. 

7. Know when to stay indoors.

While there’s something to be said for the resiliency and dedication it takes to head out for a workout regardless of the weather, there’s also strength in knowing when to stay home. The Mayo Clinic recommends opting out of outdoor activities when the thermometer hits 0°F. Your skin (and the rest of your body) will thank you. 

RELATED: Time Outdoors is More Important Than You Know

Shop 

Before snowstorms and freezing temperatures hit your home, stock up on these must-have winter skincare products available in the Equinox Shop.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

The cult-favorite Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen boasts SPF 40, keeping your complexion sunburn-free this winter, and has a velvety smooth, clear finish.

$28; Shop Now

Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist

With Supergoop!’s sunscreen body spray, reapplying SPF has never been easier. Along with ingredients that protect against UV damage, you’ll treat your skin to a dose of vitamin C with every application.

$21; Shop Now

Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Face Cream

Folks with darker complexions will want to add this nourishing moisturizer to their winter skincare routine ASAP. The cream boasts magnolia and African whitewood bark to refine pores, reduce sebum, and hydrate, plus purslane to reduce signs of irritation.

$225; Shop Now

Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

After a long day of snowboarding, this intensive, avocado oil-infused face mask will revive your dried-out, irritated skin. 

$48; Shop Now

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm

Upon application, this rejuvenating balm transforms into an oil and finally a milk to cleanse skin without leaving your face feeling tight and withered. The avocado, olive, and coconut oils make for a soft and supple complexion. 

$77; Shop Now

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

Whisk away the dirt and grime of the day with this oil cleanser, which also removes makeup in a flash.

$35; Shop Now