Winter can be challenging for skin health: the cold, dry winter air can disrupt the skin’s barrier and leave skin itchy, dry, cracked, or inflamed. If you’re prone to dry skin, you may be even more susceptible in winter. Wondering how to take care of dry skin in winter? Follow the tips below
Best Supplements for Dry Skin in Winter
If you’re wondering how to care for dry skin in winter, start with supplements containing these four skin-supporting ingredients.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. It supports the production of fatty acids that nourish the skin and prevent dryness. Biotin can help you maintain a supple, hydrated complexion year-round, and it may be especially beneficial during the winter months when your skin is more prone to cracking and flaking.
While biotin is available in foods like eggs, nuts, and seeds, supplementation may be beneficial if you’re not getting enough through your diet. Look for high-quality biotin supplements to support your winter skincare routine.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy, polyunsaturated fat that supports several critical functions and systems in the body, from cardiovascular health to the endocrine system to energy production. These essential fats may also play an important role in supporting skin health.
Omega-3s help regulate oil production in your skin, keeping it hydrated and reducing redness or irritation caused by dry winter air. They also strengthen the skin’s barrier function, preventing moisture loss. Research has found that omega-3 supplementation can help treat or prevent skin conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and skin ulcers. Omega-3 supplementation is even associated with a reduced incidence of skin cancer.
Our bodies don’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids – we can only access these healthy fats through dietary sources. Some of the best food sources of Omega-3s include fatty fish (like salmon), walnuts, and flaxseeds. If you’re not consuming enough omega-3s through diet alone, consider taking fish oil or algae-based omega-3 supplements to give your skin the boost it needs during the colder months.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure and elasticity to your skin. Natural collagen production declines with age, and winter can exacerbate signs of both dryness and aging. Supplementing with collagen peptides can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health, making it an excellent addition to your winter skincare arsenal. Collagen supplements are typically available in powder or capsule form and can easily be incorporated into smoothies, coffee, or water.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that supports skin health by creating a natural barrier that keeps moisture in the skin. Vitamin E levels, like collagen, naturally decrease with age, so finding ways to add vitamin E back into your skincare routine may help during the winter months. Try products like Derma E Vitamin E Skin Oil 14000 IU, a gentle hydrating oil made from simple, pure ingredients in a formulation suitable for all skin types.
Still wondering how to take care of dry skin in winter? Be sure you’re making smart choices about the skincare and beauty products you use. Keep these tips in mind:
- Choose facial cleansers that put moisture into the skin rather than taking it out. Look for products labeled as “gentle” or “moisturizing,” and avoid products containing alcohol.
- Be vigilant about daily moisturizing. If you’re experiencing dry skin this winter, look for moisturizers that include ingredients like dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, petrolatum, shea butter, and oils such as jojoba oil and mineral oil.
- Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your skin from drying out in heated indoor spaces.
- Avoid long, hot showers. Even though tempting, hot showers can strip your skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm showers and moisturize immediately afterward.
- Incorporate beneficial skin oils into your moisturizing routine, too. Products like Mayumi Squalane Skin Oil contain ingredients that support relief for dry, rough, irritated skin and may even support wrinkle reduction.
- Moisturize your hands more frequently, especially after washing. Winter is peak cold and flu season, and hand washing is critical to prevent the spread of illnesses. But frequent hand washing, while necessary, can worsen symptoms of dry skin, especially during the winter. To avoid dry, cracked, and painful skin, be vigilant about applying hand cream or moisturizer after washing. Try Naked Bee Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion to soothe and rehydrate your skin.
Winter can be tough on dry skin, but it doesn’t have to be. By following our tips, you can enjoy healthy, hydrated skin all year round.