Caring for Winter Skin: A Dermatologist Approved Routine

This article has been medically reviewed by Naana Boakye, MD, MPH

Brr––it’s cold out there! As the seasons change, so does our skin. Research tells us that melanated skin is more prone to the drying effects of cooler, drier temperatures because Black skin has fewer water-retaining ceramides which causes it to lose moisture faster. Because of this, it’s common to see an uptick in dry skin conditions like eczema and cradle cap during the winter months. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you keep dryness at bay and your littlest love’s skin soft and hydrated all winter long with these Dermatologist-approved tips!

Bathe with warm water.

Keep an eye on the temperature of your baby’s bath water, especially during the Fall and Winter months. Short, warm (rather than hot) baths are essential to maintaining moisture in the skin and managing skin conditions that can have seasonal triggers.

💡PROUDLY Tip: In addition to bathing your littlest love with warm water, consider using a gentle, plant-based wash formulated with a neutral pH. The higher the pH, the tighter, drier, and more subject to infection baby’s skin will be.

Follow up with two (or three!) moisturizers.

One hydrating product may not do the trick. Begin with a lotion followed by a balm or oil to really lock in that moisture.

Add moisture to your space.

Fluctuating between cold and warm environments (moving from the cool, dry outside air into a warm home too frequently) can make baby’s skin even more susceptible to dryness. Grab a humidifier to add moisture back into your space.