As the air turns cold in the mornings and evenings, skin dryness starts to become a concern.

“My skin feels tight even though I use both lotion and emulsion.”

“It felt moisturized in the morning, but it’s flaky by the evening.”

“I’m using the same skincare as last year, but it’s not enough this year.”

Do you ever feel this way?

Especially in your 40s, you might be noticing skin changes that didn’t bother you before.

When dryness becomes a concern, you naturally want to buy more skincare products that seem to have high moisturizing power, don’t you?

However, there are some things you should check before doing that.

In fact, your daily face washing, how you take baths, and the timing of your moisturizing can all be related to skin dryness.

In this article, we have summarized five habits to revisit for autumn and winter dryness prevention, based on information introduced by dermatology experts.

1. Why does my skin feel dry even when I moisturize?

The surface of your skin has a “barrier function” that prevents moisture from escaping and protects it from external irritants.

This function is related to moisture in the stratum corneum, intercellular lipids, and sebum.

However, when moisture and sebum are lost due to dry air, hot water, or over-washing, your skin can easily become dry.

Also, skin changes due to aging are one of the factors related to dryness.

In other words, even if you use skincare products, you may not feel sufficiently moisturized depending on your skin condition and daily habits.

Therefore, here are the five things you should revisit first.

2. Are you rubbing your skin too much when washing your face?

When washing your face, do you find yourself using too much pressure in an attempt to thoroughly remove dirt?

Actually, rubbing more than necessary can cause irritation to your skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face gently with your fingertips using lukewarm water.

It is also important to pat your skin dry with a towel after washing, rather than rubbing it vigorously.

Points to Revisit

  • Wash with lukewarm water, not hot water

  • Do not scrub vigorously

  • Check if products with strong cleansing power are causing irritation

  • Gently pat your skin dry with a towel after washing

If your skin feels tight, try reviewing not just your moisturizing products, but also how you wash your face.

3. Is your bath water too hot?

When it gets cold, you want to take a long, hot bath, don’t you?

However, water that is too hot or long baths can be a burden on dry skin.

The AAD suggests using water that is not too hot and limiting baths or showers to about 5 to 10 minutes as a measure against dry skin.

Of course, bathing time varies depending on your lifestyle and physical condition.

However, if you are concerned about dry skin, it might be worth considering lowering the water temperature slightly or avoiding long baths.

Since it is the cold season, you want to be mindful of your bath temperature.

4. Is your moisturizing timing too late?

After getting out of the bath, you dry your hair, get dressed, and look at your smartphone.

Before you know it, has some time passed before you moisturize?

When it comes to dry skin care, the timing of moisturizing is also important.

The AAD recommends applying moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp after washing your face or bathing.

Moisturizers work to prevent the loss of moisture from the skin.

Therefore, it is a good habit to moisturize as soon as possible after washing your face or bathing.

Easy-to-adopt tips

  • Keep moisturizing products on the bathroom vanity

  • Have them ready in a place where you can use them immediately after bathing

  • Layer moisturizer as needed on areas prone to dryness

Before adding new cosmetics, another method is to review the timing of when you apply what you are currently using.

5. Are you finishing your moisturizing routine with just lotion?

Do you think that using plenty of lotion is enough to moisturize your skin?

While lotion plays a role in replenishing moisture and hydrating ingredients, it may not be enough on its own if your skin is very dry.

The AAD notes that for dry skin, cream or ointment-based moisturizers may be more suitable than lotion-type products.

However, heavy creams do not suit everyone.

How you choose products also changes depending on your skin type, the season, and your preference for how they feel.

Ingredients to look for in moisturizing items

Ceramides

A type of intercellular lipid present in the stratum corneum, this ingredient is involved in skin moisture retention and barrier function.

Hyaluronic acid

It has the property of retaining moisture and is used as a moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics.

Glycerin

One of the most representative moisturizing ingredients, it has the property of attracting moisture.

Vaseline

It is used to cover the surface of the skin and suppress the evaporation of moisture.

These are not products where the inclusion of just one ingredient will guarantee an improvement in dryness.

The overall formulation of the product and its compatibility with your skin are also important.

It is not that expensive cosmetics are necessarily better; choosing products that suit your skin and that you can continue to use without strain is what is important.

6. Pay attention to your room environment during the heating season

Autumn and winter are seasons when you need to be concerned not only about the outside air but also about indoor dryness.

Using heating can sometimes lower the humidity in the room.

The AAD also recommends the use of a humidifier as a measure against dry skin.

However, when using a humidifier, it is important to keep it clean.

Also, since raising the humidity too much can lead to condensation and mold, adjust it according to your indoor environment.

Rather than relying solely on moisturizing cosmetics, you should also review the environment surrounding your skin.

7. Consult a dermatologist for this kind of dryness

Even if you think it is just dryness, there may be other skin problems involved.

In particular,

  • it does not improve even with moisturizing

  • persistent intense itching

  • redness or eczema

  • pain or irritation when applying cosmetics

  • cracking or bleeding

In such cases, rather than continuing your skincare routine based on your own judgment, we recommend consulting a dermatologist.

Depending on the condition of your skin, you may need treatment in addition to moisturizing.

Summary: For Autumn and Winter Dryness, Revisit Your Habits Before Adding More Products

When you are concerned about dry skin, you might want to look for new skincare products.

However, if you look back at your daily skincare routine, you might find some surprising habits that could be improved.

The points introduced this time are:

  1. Do not rub your skin too hard when washing your face

  2. Avoid water that is too hot and long baths

  3. Moisturize promptly after washing your face or bathing

  4. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin condition

  5. Pay attention to indoor dryness as well

These are the five points.

None of these are special beauty treatments.

You likely know most of them, but when it comes to doing them every day, it is easy to forget.

Before buying something extra for your skin, try reviewing your current skincare routine.

Isn’t that also one way to combat dryness in autumn and winter?

Do you change your skincare routine when autumn and winter arrive?

If you have anything you are conscious of for dryness prevention, please let us know in the comments.

Read also

Dry skin in autumn and winter: Could your daily habits be the cause? 7 moisturizing measures recommended by dermatologists

Pore care: Which ingredients should you choose after all? Comparing blackheads, enlarged pores, sebum, and dryness by concern

References

*This article introduces general skincare information and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of specific skin conditions.