Derms Say These 5 Genius Products That *Aren’t* Skin Care Will Keep Your Skin From Drying Out This Winter

If you live in the Midwest or East, chances are you’ve got your heater cranked up on high to combat the cold season. Who can blame ya? Temperatures are dipping below 30°F, which calls for us to turn the thermostat even higher to stay warm.

Problem is, while warm and toasty, all that dry heat practically turns your house into one, giant fruit dehydrator, only it’s your skin that gets the brunt of it. We’ve all been there—your face is parched the moment you wake up, even though you slugged it the night before. That’s dry heat for you.

Sure, heavy moisturizers and hydrating serums help, but skin care isn’t the only way to treat dehydrated winter skin. Dermatologists say that simple lifestyle changes and additions around your home can help add moisture back into your body and keep it there for the long-haul. Combined with your regular moisturizers and skin-care routine, your face can survive winter in one, healthy piece.

5 genius ways to hydrate your skin that aren’t skin care

A humidifer

Carepod, One Humidifier — $222.00

Originally $250, now $222

The most obvious way to make all that dry heat a little more bearable? A humidifier. Per derms, humidifiers are actually super beneficial to have in the home because they release steam into the air, delivering moisture to your skin and the environment. “Moisture is essential for proper functioning of the top layer of skin, the stratum corneum,” says dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD. “Without a moist top layer, the skin cannot perform its most basic function of providing a healthy barrier to protect the body from the outside environment.”

This one from Carepod will do the trick, releasing the cleanest, most refreshing steam while you go about your day. It’s FDA-cleared for therapeutic home use, proven to reduce the spread of allergens and other grossness you don’t want to be breathing in. Unlike other humidifiers, it skips the filter and can be sterilized in a simple wash, ensuring you get nothin’ but clean steam. Your face and lungs will thank you.

A silk pillowcase

Quince, Mulberry Silk Pillowcase — $40.00

Here’s an excuse to sleep like royalty in some silk sheets (they’re better for your hair and skin). “Cotton pillowcases can potentially absorb moisture and hydration from skin and hair leaving the skin dehydrated and increasing the appearance of fine lines,” Marnie Nussbaum, MD, previously told us. “Silk helps the skin stay hydrated as opposed to cotton which is an absorbent material.”

Silk’s slippy surface helps with everything from wrinkle- and acne-prevention, to de-frizzing hair while you snooze. “Silk allows the hair to move easily over the pillowcase without friction, thereby keeping its style in pace,”Dr. Nussbaum said. “It also allows the hair to keep its natural oils and prevents frizz and dehydration.”

Snag this mulberry silk beauty from Quince for just $40 and get your beauty rest—literally.

A water softener

AquaBliss, High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter — $35.00

Ever step out of the shower and feel like your skin is thirstier than before you washed off? That’s probably due to hard, high-mineralized water. From causing build-up in hair to being less efficient at getting the day’s gunk off your body, hard water is a dry skin no-no. “For people who have underlying sensitive skin and a form of eczema called atopic dermatitis, they will get a worsening of their rash and increased skin itching when washing in hard water,” Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, the founder of Dr. Loretta, previously told us.

Good news is, a water softener can quickly turn your shower into a spa-like experience. This small-but-mighty softener will go to work, removing chlorine, calcium, and other sediments from your water to leave your skin and hair softer and more hydrated. Yes, please.

Plenty of water

Stanley, Adventure Quencher 32 oz. Tumbler — $40.00

This is your friendly reminder to drink enough water—hydration from the inside goes a long way in staving off dry skin, nails, and hair. If you need some motivation, get Stanley’s trendy, efficient water tumbler that’ll keep your water cool and fresh wherever you roam. (You know, the one that you’ve seen all over TikTok.)

Aside from the double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps cold things cold and hot things hot, it’s got a convenient rotating lid that can go from full-mouth use to straw sipping in the seconds. The tapered bottom also fits in your cup holders, so there’s no awkwardly trying to stuff it between your legs or letting it roll around the passenger seat while you drive.

Non-irritating laundry detergent

Seventh Generation, Concentrated Laundry Detergent - Free & Clear — $13.00

Feelin’ itchy? It might not actually be from dried out skin. If you’ve got especially sensitive skin, check your laundry detergent, which might be the culprit for discomfort. Board-certified dermatologist Erum N. Ilyas, MD, previously told us that ingredients like fragrance, dye, and surfactants (cleansing agents) can trigger the itchy-scratchies.

“Benzyl benzoate has been added to some laundry detergents to particularly target dust mites that have been demonstrated to not completely be removed by the laundry cycle. This ingredient has been associated with skin reactions,” she said. “Preservatives in detergents may be left behind on textiles from incomplete rinse or they may even be meant to do so to help retain the fragrances in the product after the wash.”

Do your due diligence and check the label. Look for brands like Seventh Generation and Ecos that use natural, plant-based ingredients and phrases like, “Free & Clear”, which signifies it’s formulated sans any fragrances, dyes, or artificial brighteners.

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