The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases.
Let’s face it—cold weather can be a bummer. From wearing bulky layers to fighting off colds, there are plenty of reasons to wish winter were over.
Perhaps worst of all, though, is how frosty temperatures seem to suck all the moisture out of your skin, especially if it’s already naturally on the dry side, like mine.
If you’ve been wondering how to combat and treat extra-dry skin during the winter months, just know that we have been, too—which is why we consulted an expert to find out the best ways to combat dry winter skin.
According to Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, a humidifier can help combat cracked, flaky skin.
Whether you experience dry skin in the winter or struggle with it year-round, a humidifier can provide the much-needed moisture your skin has been lacking.
Why is my skin so dry in the winter?
There are several factors that cause skin to feel extra dry during the winter months.
According to Dr. Camp, these factors include cold weather, low humidity levels, and prolonged exposure to hot water and dry air from indoor heating. Together, they create the perfect environment for dryness to manifest.
“With less oil or sebum on the skin’s surface, water can more easily evaporate or escape into the ambient air, a phenomenon referred to as transepidermal water loss,” says Camp.
