Winter Skincare for Dry, Tazarotene-Treated Skin
Why Winter Makes Dry Skin Worse
Winter can be ruthless on our skin. The cold air outside and the dry heat indoors strip away moisture, leaving skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. For those using tazarotene—a potent retinoid that increases cell turnover—these effects can be even more pronounced. While tazarotene does wonders for acne and improving skin texture, it also compromises the skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness and irritation.
If you’re noticing that your usual skincare routine isn’t cutting it during the colder months, adding a deeply hydrating moisturizer that supports your skin’s barrier is key to keeping it healthy.
Steps to Combat Dryness and Boost Hydration
1. Layer Hydration Strategically
Proper product layering ensures moisture penetrates deeply into the skin. Start with a hydrating toner or essence, followed by a serum, and cap it all off with a barrier-protecting moisturizer. This “moisture sandwich” traps hydration and prevents water loss.
2. Choose the Right Moisturizer
Hydrating moisturizers that contain ceramides, humectants, and soothing agents are ideal for replenishing and repairing the skin. Look for ones that are lightweight yet effective, so they won’t interfere with your tazarotene treatment.
3. Seal It All in With Occlusives
For extra protection, use an occlusive as the last step at night—like petroleum jelly or a balm—to lock in moisture and prevent overnight water evaporation.
4. Introduce Products Slowly
When using actives like tazarotene, skin can be more reactive. Introduce new products gradually to avoid irritation.
Recommended Products for Tazarotene Users
| Product | What It Does | Key Ingredients | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream | Strengthens barrier, soothes irritation | Panthenol, Madecassoside | $$ |
| Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream | Deep hydration, locks in moisture | Multiple Ceramides | $$$ |
| First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream | Relieves dryness, calms redness | Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter | $$ |
| CeraVe Healing Ointment | Seals in moisture overnight | Petrolatum, Ceramides | $ |
Suggested Winter Skincare Routine
Morning Routine
- Rinse With Water: Skip the morning cleanser and rinse gently with lukewarm water.
- Hydrate: Pat on a hydrating toner like CeraVe Hydrating Toner followed by Snail Mucin Essence for lightweight hydration.
- Moisturize: Apply a layer of Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream for a soothing, non-greasy base.
- Protect: Finish with a nourishing sunscreen like Krave Beauty Beet The Sun to shield your skin from sun damage.
Evening Routine
- Cleanse: Remove impurities with a gentle cleanser like Aveeno Calm + Restore Cleanser.
- Treat: Alternate tazarotene with nights focusing on hydration to give your skin a break.
- Hydrate: Apply Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence to boost water content.
- Nourish: Layer on Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream to repair and lock in hydration.
- Seal (Optional): Add a thin layer of CeraVe Healing Ointment to dry patches for extra protection.
Common Questions About Winter Dryness
Q1. What’s the difference between a barrier repair cream and a hydrating moisturizer?
- Barrier repair creams (like Etude House SoonJung) focus on soothing and rebuilding the skin barrier, while hydrating moisturizers (like snail mucin-based products) focus on adding water content back into the skin. Both are great together.
Q2. Can I use tazarotene every night in winter?
- Most people benefit from spacing out tazarotene use during harsh weather to avoid irritation. Try every other night or less, and alternate with deeply hydrating nights.
Q3. My skin still feels dry after applying moisturizer—why?
- Apply moisturizers while your skin is slightly damp to trap water instead of letting it evaporate.
Q4. Will using an occlusive clog my pores?
- Used sparingly, occlusives like Vaseline or CeraVe Healing Ointment are non-comedogenic. Apply a very thin layer after your moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Final Words of Advice
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. By incorporating deeply hydrating products alongside your tazarotene treatment and protecting your skin barrier, you can keep dryness at bay. Start slow, layer thoughtfully, and listen to your skin—it’s all about balance! Stay warm and moisturized this season.
