Should I switch to a cream cleanser in winter?

What should I look for in a winter cleanser?

Look for a facial cleanser labeled gentle and moisturizing, preferably fragrance free. Those descriptions matter more than the word cream, which is a texture, not a winter qualification. For dry, sensitive skin, fragrance free is a better label to look for than unscented: unscented products can contain ingredients that hide odors and irritate skin. Avoid harsh soaps and drying alcohol containing products.14

For a dry skin condition, an emollient cleanser is another option. Emollient means moisturizer, and these cleansers can replace regular soap without removing your natural oils. Choose a product intended for washing rather than assuming any thick moisturizer is a cleanser.5

How should I wash my face in winter?

1. 1Wash once daily if your skin tends to be dry, rather than automatically washing twice. If your skin is not dry, twice daily is an option.
2. 2Dampen your face and neck with warm water. Use a small amount of gentle cleanser and massage gently, without a scrub or vigorous rubbing.
3. 3Rinse, then gently pat your skin rather than rubbing it dry.
4. 4Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to trap existing moisture. Do not wait until your face has dried completely.

How should I change my skincare routine when winter starts?

Start with your cleanser and moisturizer. A light lotion that worked in warmer weather can be insufficient in colder, drier conditions, so move to a cream if dryness develops. Keep showers warm rather than hot and limit them to five to ten minutes. A bedroom humidifier can help; aim for indoor humidity between 30% and 50%, and clean the humidifier regularly.124

Reduce the frequency or strength of drying cosmetic products containing retinol, glycolic acid or salicylic acid if they become too drying in winter. Avoid trying to scrub away every flake, because excessive exfoliation can increase dryness. Keep using broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, applying it after moisturizer.12

Moisturizer for skin that is flaky but still oily in winter

Use dryness to guide moisturizer choice rather than assuming oily skin needs no moisture. As general dry skin care, look for fragrance free products containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid or ceramides. A cream is an option when lotion is not enough. For flakes, moisturizers containing lactic acid or urea are options, but sensitive skin needs caution with these exfoliating ingredients.235

Should I use a richer moisturizer at night in winter?

Yes, if your skin needs more moisture. Creams are less greasy and easier to spread than ointments; ointments suit very dry skin and nighttime use. Reapply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry, not only at bedtime.5

When does dryness need more than a cleanser change?

Stop using a moisturizer that makes your skin itchy or sore. Tell a dermatologist if products cause burning, stinging or irritation, or if dryness persists despite gentler cleansing and moisturizing. If you have a prescribed dry skin treatment plan, follow it and report problems. For a topical steroid, leave at least 30 minutes between applying the steroid and your emollient.345