How to Keep Your Skin Alive During an Atlantic Winter
1/16/20263 min read
If you live anywhere near the Atlantic coast, you already know winter isn’t just cold—it’s personal. The wind doesn’t politely pass by; it cuts straight through you. The salt air dries your skin out by noon, the heat inside finishes the job by dinner, and somehow the sun still manages to burn your face on a February walk. Ask me how I know.
After years of trial, error, flaky cheeks, and hands that felt like sandpaper, I’ve finally figured out what actually keeps skin moisturized, calm, and intact through an Atlantic winter. Spoiler: it’s less about having a ten-step routine and more about using the right staples consistently. None of the suggestions will feel new. They aren't. What I'm here to tell you is which of the millions of products actually works.
First Rule: Gentle Cleansing (Stop Stripping Your Skin)
Winter is not the time for harsh cleansers. I learned this after spending one season wondering why my face felt tight and angry before I’d even left the bathroom. A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser is essential—something that cleans without making your skin feel like it’s two sizes too small.
Think creamy or milky formulas. If your face doesn’t feel calm immediately after washing, it’s not the right one. The CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash has been my go-to for almost 4 years now. I alternate it with Garnier Micellar Water and I still feel dewy in the coldest of days.
Moisturizer: Thicker Than You Think You Need
Atlantic winters demand a heavy-duty moisturizer. This is not the season for lightweight gels or “oil-free” anything. You want creams with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid—things that actually lock moisture in.
I keep one thick moisturizer for mornings and an even heavier one for nighttime. Yes, I look shiny before bed. No, I do not regret it. These creams are not new and yes, everyone knows them. Its because they work:
Don’t Forget the Body (Especially Hands & Elbows)
Your hands take the worst of it—cold air, constant washing, gloves on and off. I keep hand cream everywhere: by the door, in my bag, beside the bed. Same goes for elbows, knees, and anywhere that starts feeling rough.
If you’re waiting until your skin cracks to moisturize, you’re already too late.
My all time favorite (also because its unscented and allows me to use my perfumes) is Lubriderm Unscented Lotion. Or the Shea Better 24 hour moisturizing lotion from EOS (surprised)! And how can we mention moisturized hands & feet without mentioning O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream and O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream. They might make you feel rugged but you know what... that's the Atlantic coast for you!
Lip Balm Is a Survival Tool
Not optional. Not “nice to have.” Mandatory.
A good lip balm with beeswax, lanolin, or shea butter will save you from the cracked-lip misery that hits the moment the wind picks up. Apply it before going outside, before bed, and anytime you think, “I’ll be fine.” You won’t be. Though not as pretty or fashionable, the Blistex Lip Medex Stick will save you day to day, month to month, year to year. I will die on this hill. My staple for 15 years with a stick in every bag, every jacket, car pocket and even in my husband's pockets. You can not go wrong with this.
Now of course there are the ones that work and smell great as well. Burt's Bees are a classic (also good on the budget) along with e.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm which come in 10 different colors.
For repair overnight lip masks work great. My 2 favorites are: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask & TATCHA Kissu Lip Mask
Yes, You Still Need Sunscreen
This one surprises people, but the Atlantic sun reflects off snow and water, and winter wind makes sun damage sneakier. A simple daily SPF—nothing fancy—protects your skin from long-term damage and redness.
I use one that layers easily under moisturizer and doesn’t feel heavy. That’s the key. Whether you have dry skin, acne prone or sensitive skin, sunscreen is an absolute must. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer with SPF 50 is my personal favorite. I have extremely dry skin and this keeps me hydrated without feeling flaky. But try these if you have a different type:
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin
d'alba Piedmont Italian White Truffle Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
The Real Secret: Consistency
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: the products don’t work if you don’t use them regularly. Atlantic winter skin care isn’t glamorous. It’s repetitive, practical, and a little boring—but it works.
When your skin stays moisturized, calm, and comfortable through February, you realize something important: surviving winter here is about preparation, not perfection.
And once you’ve figured it out, you won’t mess around again.