Winter Skincare: Best Treatments for Dry Boston Weather

Mar 13

6 min read

Boston winters can wreak havoc on your skin with freezing temperatures and dry indoor heating. Here's how to protect your skin and keep it hydrated:

Moisturize Daily: Use products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter to lock in moisture.
Hydrate and Eat Healthy Fats: Drink plenty of water and add omega-3 rich foods like salmon and walnuts to your diet.
Use a Humidifier: Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent moisture loss.
Protect Your Skin Outdoors: Wear gloves, scarves, and hats to shield against cold winds.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen: Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin. Use SPF 30 or higher.

For extra care, consider HydraFacials, injectable treatments, or microneedling with PRP for deep hydration and repair. These treatments can restore moisture and improve your skin's barrier through Boston's toughest months.

Want glowing, hydrated skin all winter? Follow these steps and consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

How to treat dry skin during extreme cold in the winter

How Boston's Winter Weather Damages Skin

Boston winters are tough on skin, thanks to freezing temperatures and drying indoor heat. When the thermometer dips below 32°F (0°C), your skin struggles to retain moisture, leading to the common issues outlined below.

Cold Air and Heating Systems

Cold air constricts blood vessels, weakening your skin's barrier and reducing oxygen flow. On top of that, indoor heating systems speed up moisture loss. Dr. Nazanin Kalani Williams from Elevation Dermatology explains:

"In the winter, decreased moisture in the air and frequent use of heaters causes increased evaporation of water from the skin. This results in dry skin that is more prone to rashes."

Research shows indoor humidity often drops below 40% during the heating season. The combination of freezing outdoor air and moisture-sapping indoor heat makes it harder to keep skin hydrated. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward effective solutions.

Winter Skin Problems

Dr. Ross Zeltser, Chief Resident at the BU/Tufts Residency Program, highlights the issue:

"What happens in the winter in a climate like Boston is that skin becomes dehydrated, causing it to lose some of its protective barrier properties."

This dehydration makes skin feel tight, itchy, and red, leaving it more prone to chronic issues like eczema and psoriasis. The Skin Institute adds:

"Cold air can cause the skin to dry out exponentially, which can lead to many additional issues with the health of your skin."

Simple steps like maintaining indoor humidity between 30-50%, using a humidifier, and keeping hot showers under 10 minutes can go a long way in protecting your skin's natural moisture barrier.

Daily Winter Skin Care Steps

Boston winters can be brutal on your skin, stripping it of moisture and leaving it dry and irritated. To fight back, follow this simple daily routine to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Choose the Right Winter Moisturizer

Protecting your skin during winter starts with picking a moisturizer that works hard to hydrate and lock in moisture. Dr. Mona Gohara, a Board-Certified Dermatologist, explains:

"For deep hydration, it's about combining humectants to draw in moisture, emollients to smooth and soften, and occlusives to lock it all in."

Look for moisturizers packed with ceramides to reinforce your skin barrier and hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Other helpful ingredients to look out for include:

Glycerin to reduce flakiness
Shea butter to seal in moisture
Squalane for lightweight hydration

Avoid products with drying alcohols or synthetic fragrances, as they can worsen dryness during the colder months.

After moisturizing, consider layering with hydrating serums and toners to amplify the effects.

Add Serums and Toners

For an extra hydration boost, apply serums and toners on damp skin. Bena Deva from NYC Luxury Medical Spa highlights the importance of hyaluronic acid:

"Hyaluronic Acid is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the environment and binds it to the skin for an immediate hydration boost."

Here’s a quick sequence for best results:

Start with an alcohol-free toner containing aloe or hyaluronic acid.
While your skin is still damp, apply a hyaluronic acid serum.
Wait about 30 seconds to let the products absorb before adding your moisturizer.

Investing in high-quality serums can make a noticeable difference in maintaining hydration.

Don’t Skip Sunscreen - Even in Winter

Snowy winters in Boston increase UV exposure, as snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays. APDerm emphasizes:

"Sunscreen is a year-round necessity, not just a summer essential."

Here’s why sunscreen is crucial during winter:

UV rays penetrate clouds, even on overcast days.
The ozone layer is thinner in winter, offering less protection.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, and reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors. Opt for moisturizing sunscreens with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to combine hydration with UV protection in the dry winter air.

Med Spa Treatments for Winter Skin

Boston winters can be brutal on your skin. When your daily skincare routine isn't cutting it, professional treatments can step in to provide much-needed hydration and repair. These treatments work alongside your regular skincare to combat dryness and help maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion.

Deep Moisture Facial Options

HydraFacial treatments are a popular choice for tackling winter dryness. They cleanse, exfoliate, remove impurities, and infuse the skin with nutrient-rich serums to restore moisture. Boston Plastic Surgery highlights the benefits:

"HydraFacial restores a healthy glow without the use of harsh abrasives, chemicals, or heat - thus making it the ideal treatment for sensitive skin during the dry winter months."

The cost of a HydraFacial typically ranges from $150 to $300 per session, with monthly treatments recommended throughout the colder months.

Injectable Moisture Treatments

For deeper, longer-lasting hydration, injectable treatments like Skinvive and Profhilo are an excellent option. These treatments focus on improving skin quality rather than adding volume. Dr. David Shafer, a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, explains:

"The major breakthrough with Skinvive is that it is made with crosslinked HA, so it's much heartier and the hydration lasts for six months."

Results often appear within four weeks, and the effects can last between six to nine months with minimal downtime.

Microneedling and PRP Benefits

Microneedling paired with PRP therapy is another effective way to rejuvenate winter skin. Dr. Emily Johnson from Glamour MD notes:

"Combining microneedling with PRP therapy not only enhances hydration but also significantly improves overall skin texture, making it an ideal treatment for winter skin concerns."

This combination is backed by science. A January 2023 study published in the found that patients who underwent microneedling with PRP saw a 50% improvement in skin hydration and texture compared to microneedling alone.

Key benefits include:

Better absorption of skincare products through micro-channels
Increased collagen production for improved moisture retention
Enhanced skin repair from PRP's natural healing factors
Smoother texture and greater elasticity to withstand harsh winter weather

At Beauty By Katherine in Boston, treatments are tailored to address individual winter skin concerns. Personalized plans are created during consultations, and regular sessions throughout the season, paired with proper aftercare, can help maintain hydration and keep your skin glowing all winter long.

Daily Habits for Better Winter Skin

Boston winters can be tough on your skin, but simple daily habits can help combat the drying effects of cold weather. Pairing these practices with professional treatments ensures your skin stays hydrated and healthy all season long.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy Fats

Hydration starts from the inside. Studies show that drinking an extra 2 liters of water daily improves both surface and deeper skin hydration. Adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your diet is also key, as noted by the Linus Pauling Institute.

Here are some foods to include for a boost:

Omega-3s: Salmon, mackerel, and walnuts
Omega-6s: Flaxseeds and sunflower seeds
Healthy oils: Extra virgin olive oil for maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier

Use a Humidifier at Home

Celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau recommends:

"Using a humidifier in your home will minimize moisture evaporation from this delicate area."

To get the most out of a humidifier, aim for indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Devices like the Vicks V3700 or Vicks V745 are great options. Follow these tips for best results:

Use distilled water to avoid mineral buildup
Clean the device regularly to prevent bacteria
Place it in your bedroom for overnight hydration
Use a hygrometer to track and maintain proper humidity levels

Protect Your Skin Outdoors

Cold winds can strip your skin of moisture in no time. Shield yourself by wearing gloves, scarves, and hats when heading out. These simple items create a barrier against harsh winter air and help your skin retain its natural moisture.

Conclusion: Your Winter Skin Care Plan

Keeping your skin healthy during Boston's chilly winters requires a mix of professional treatments, consistent daily care, and smart lifestyle adjustments. Here's how to cover all the bases:

Professional Treatments

Consider treatments like microneedling combined with hyaluronic acid to restore hydration and strengthen your skin barrier. According to the Classy Cosmetic Clinic:

"Microneedling with hyaluronic acid is perfect for combating dryness and dullness caused by cold weather and indoor heating".

Daily Skincare Routine

Hydration is key when the temperature drops. Look for products with:

Hyaluronic acid for long-lasting moisture
Ceramides to repair and strengthen your skin barrier
Occlusives (like petroleum jelly) to seal in hydration effectively

Environmental Protection

Keep your indoor humidity levels between 40–60% and wear weather-appropriate clothing outdoors. Using a humidifier and shielding your skin from cold winds can help minimize moisture loss and irritation.