We wish, we wish, with all our hearts, for the sun to come out, before our balayage falls apart. Even though our spirits are gearing up for spring, the weather forecast isn't. That means our beauty routines still have weeks of fighting with crisp air. And we don’t know about you, but we’re feeling the dull strands and dry skin of 2022.

So we called Dr. Iris Rubin, a dermatologist and founder of the hair care brand SEEN, for tips on keeping our cool while it’s hella cold.

What does winter weather do to our skin?
Winter means drier air and colder temperatures, and both have an impact on the skin and scalp. “Winter itch” is common, and is due to dry skin. Eczema can also flare in the winter. Just like the skin can get dry, the scalp can as well, and that can lead to itching and flaking.

What products should we add or remove for a good winter skincare routine?
It’s best to avoid harsh cleansers, which can dry out the skin, and the same goes for shampoos with cleansers that can potentially dry out the scalp and hair. Also, moisturizers can be your best friend!

What ingredients should we like and dislike if we have dry skin?
Consider going sulfate-free for your skin and hair, since sulfates can be drying and irritating. For dry skin, ceramides are great because they reinforce the skin’s barrier and help prevent moisture from escaping. Skin-soothing ingredients like bisabolol—which is in SEEN shampoo, conditioners, and styling cremes—can provide relief for irritated skin and scalps.

What’s the best way to treat eczema during winter?
Use a mild soap, avoid hot showers, and be sure to use a great moisturizer with ceramides. Also, many people don’t realize it, but hair care products can leave residue on your skin for hours, even rinse-off products since they cascade down your face and body. So make sure your hair care is eczema-friendly with the National Eczema Seal of Approval.

Are there any trending skincare fads we should stay away from?
People often ask me about scalp scrubs. If your scalp is red, flaky, or itchy from dryness, irritation, or eczema, a scrub could potentially add to the irritation, making matters worse.

When is it time to see a dermatologist about our dry skin or dry scalp?
It’s best to see a dermatologist if your dry skin doesn’t improve after switching to gentler cleansing products and using moisturizers on your skin. A flaky, itchy scalp can also be due to other causes than dryness, including dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema. Seeing a dermatologist can help to make the proper diagnosis and give you the best treatment options.