Winter skin guide

A Simple Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin in Saskatchewan and Canada

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If your skin feels tight by the time you've scraped the car and come back inside, you're not imagining it. The Canadian Dermatology Association names cold weather as the most common cause of dry skin, because of low outdoor humidity and heating systems that push hot, dry air indoors. A prairie winter gives you both, for months.

The good news: a winter routine doesn't need ten steps. Here's a simple one built around three jobs: cleanse gently, moisturize well, protect.

Step 1: Cleanse gently (lukewarm, not hot)

The CDA notes that warm water removes your skin's natural oils more than cool water, and that rough towelling can disturb the skin's barrier. So keep water lukewarm, use a non-foaming cleanser, and pat dry.

Step 2: Moisturize on damp skin

Apply a rich cream within a couple of minutes of washing, while skin is still a little damp. In winter, creams usually feel more comfortable than thin lotions.

Step 3: Protect, morning and night

Morning: snow reflects sunlight, so a moisturizer with SPF is still worth it in winter. Night: a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your cream on the driest spots helps seal in moisture.

Don't forget lips, hands and body

Hands get washed the most and usually feel it first. Moisturize after every wash and wear gloves outdoors and for wet chores.

Small habits that help

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Sources: Canadian Dermatology Association: Dry Skin; Health Canada: Cool-mist humidifiers.

General cosmetic information only, not medical advice. If your skin is cracked, bleeding, very itchy or not improving, please see a pharmacist, doctor or dermatologist. Prices and availability are set by Amazon.ca and may change.