Ah, winter. The season of cozy sweaters, hot coffee, and skin so dry it could be classified as a form of drywall. Every year, my face, arms, and legs decide to stage a full-scale rebellion against moisture, but this year has been particularly brutal (specifically here on the east coast).
My face got so dry that it was flaking daily, like I couldn’t even wear makeup because it started pilling on my skin, it was truly awful. See evidence below.
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I eventually had to go to the dermatologist, where I was prescribed triamcinolone acetonide (yes, I triple-checked the spelling), a steroid cream that DID HELP but can’t be used long-term (because it’s a steroid, more on that at the end of the post if you’re interested).
So, I embarked on a mission to fix my skin without a prescription and shockingly, I found some things that actually work. If you’re also suffering from winter skin that makes you want to rip your own limbs off, allow me to introduce you to my saviors:
1. DRMTLGY Physical Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44
If your skin has reached the level of dryness where foundation looks like it’s physically rejecting your face, this is for you. My skin got so bad this winter that makeup would pill on contact, which is wild and new to me. I literally cried over it a few times and I’m semi-embarrassed to admit that because this should be my biggest problem but here we are.
Enter this DRMTLGY tinted moisturizer. It’s lightweight, has a little bit of sheen and color so it gives me just enough oomph to look alive, and (bless) actually moisturizes while protecting with SPF 44. It has a dewy finish that makes my face look fresh instead of like a shedding snake. Honestly, 10/10 would recommend.
And PS I also absolutely recommend their Luminous Eye Corrector undereye concealer too – yes, their targeted ads got me and I caved. It’s super moisturizing so it’s great for aging skin.
2. Levoit Humidifier with Aroma Pad
I’ll be honest, I was not a big humidifier person before this but now I am. I refuse to suffer through another season of this, which is why this Levoit humidifier is my best friend. Not only does it keep the air in my bedroom from turning my skin into parchment paper, but it also has an aroma pad for essential oils.
I’ve been adding this Santal oil, which makes my apartment smell like a very expensive hotel lobby. The Edition in Miami comes to mind. Think: rich, mysterious, and like you belong in a cashmere robe sipping an overpriced cocktail. For me, self-care isn’t just about skincare, it’s also about the vibes – and this setup delivers.
3. CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Let’s talk keratosis pilaris—aka those tiny, annoying bumps on the backs of your arms and legs. They’re not the end of the world, but they are annoying. My legs also get so dry and itchy in the winter that I genuinely consider scratching them off.
This CeraVe SA Moisturizer has been a game-changer. It’s packed with salicylic acid to exfoliate and smooth out rough patches without being harsh. I mix it with a nicer-smelling lotion (because it’s unscented and I like a nice scent!), and my skin has never felt softer. Goodbye itchy, bumpy limbs. Hello smooth and supple.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Triamcinolone Acetonide Long-Term
While triamcinolone acetonide is great for calming inflammation and rescuing your skin from full-blown dryness-induced chaos, it’s a steroid—meaning it’s not meant for long-term use. Prolonged use can thin the skin, cause discoloration, and even lead to something called steroid-induced dermatitis, oral thrush, and adrenal gland problems. Basically, it’s a short-term fix, not a forever solution—hence why I went on the hunt for alternatives that actually keep my skin hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Winter skin is relentless, but you don’t have to accept your fate as a walking dust cloud. With a hydrating tinted moisturizer, a humidifier that doubles as an aromatherapy machine, and a body lotion that smooths out every last bump, you can fool your skin into thinking it’s summer—even if it’s 20 degrees outside.
