Dry, tight or flaky skin often becomes much more noticeable once the weather turns colder. A moisturiser that felt perfectly adequate in summer may suddenly seem to do very little, while hands start cracking, lips become sore and areas of eczema or sensitivity begin to flare.
Winter creates several problems for the skin at once. Cold weather, wind, lower humidity and indoor heating can all make it harder for the skin to hold onto water.
The good news is that a few fairly simple changes can make a noticeable difference.
Why does skin become drier in winter?
The outermost layer of the skin acts as a barrier, helping to keep water in and irritants out.
During winter, lower humidity means there is less moisture in the surrounding air. Cold wind can add further irritation, while indoor heating creates a dry environment indoors too.
As the skin barrier becomes less effective at holding onto water, the skin may start to feel tight, rough or itchy. Fine flaking and cracking can follow, particularly on areas that are washed frequently or exposed to the weather.
This is why winter dryness is not simply about being outside in the cold. Your skin can spend much of the day moving between cold air outdoors and warm, dry environments indoors.
Should I change how I wash my skin in winter?
Often, yes.
Long, hot showers can make dry skin worse because they remove some of the oils that help support the skin barrier. Warm or lukewarm water is usually kinder, particularly if your skin already feels tight or itchy.
Try to keep showers reasonably short and avoid scrubbing the skin aggressively.
Soap and heavily fragranced shower products can also be drying for some people. If your skin is becoming irritated, a gentle cleanser or emollient wash may be more comfortable.
You do not need to make the skin feel completely stripped or squeaky clean for it to be properly cleansed.
What type of moisturiser works best in winter?
The best moisturiser is one rich enough to keep your skin comfortable and that you are happy to use regularly.
Lotions are light and easy to spread, but drier winter skin may benefit from a cream or ointment because these provide a stronger barrier against water loss.
Timing helps too. Apply moisturiser soon after washing, once you have gently patted the skin dry, to help trap moisture in the skin.
If your skin becomes dry again later in the day, reapply rather than waiting until the next shower. People with very dry skin or eczema may need emollients several times a day, and more frequent use is often needed during winter.
Do I still need sunscreen during winter?
Yes, but how much protection you need depends on the UV exposure rather than the temperature.
Cold or cloudy weather does not mean ultraviolet radiation has disappeared. In the UK, the UV index is usually lower in winter, but protection still matters when UV levels are high enough, particularly if you spend long periods outdoors or are around reflective surfaces such as snow.
When sunscreen is needed, NHS guidance recommends at least SPF 30 with good UVA protection.
Sunscreen is especially relevant if you are also trying to prevent pigmentation or premature skin ageing, or if you use skincare treatments that make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
What can I do about dry hands, lips and heels?
These areas often need slightly different care.
Hands take a lot of punishment in winter because they are exposed to cold weather and frequent washing. Applying a hand cream after washing and wearing gloves outdoors can help reduce cracking.
For dry lips, use a simple lip balm regularly and try to avoid repeatedly licking them, which can make dryness worse.
Heels and other areas of thicker skin often benefit from a richer cream or ointment used consistently rather than occasional moisturising. If the skin becomes very thick or cracked, products designed specifically for dry feet may be more useful.
The aim is not to scrub dry skin away aggressively. That can create more irritation and damage the barrier further.
Can winter make eczema or other skin conditions worse?
Yes.
Eczema often becomes more troublesome in winter because dry air and changes in temperature can weaken an already vulnerable skin barrier. Rosacea may flare with cold wind or rapid temperature changes, while some people with psoriasis also notice seasonal worsening.
If you already have a skin condition, this may be the time of year when your usual routine needs adjusting.
For eczema or very dry skin, regular emollient use is particularly important. Ordinary soaps and shower gels can make dryness worse, so an emollient or soap substitute may be useful.
If a condition that is normally well controlled suddenly becomes much more inflamed, itchy or painful, speak to your GP or dermatologist rather than simply adding more cosmetic skincare.
When is dry winter skin more than just dryness?
Most winter dryness improves with gentler washing and regular moisturising.
Speak to a healthcare professional if the skin becomes very painful, develops deep cracks, repeatedly bleeds or is not improving despite regular emollient use.
Redness, increasing warmth, swelling, oozing or crusting can suggest infection and should also be assessed.
Persistent severe itching deserves attention too, particularly if there is no obvious dry skin or rash explaining it.
Winter skin usually needs more protection, not more products
When skin becomes dry in winter, the answer is rarely to add several new active ingredients.
Gentler washing, shorter lukewarm showers and a richer moisturiser used regularly will make more difference for most people than exfoliating or layering multiple treatments.
Think of winter skincare as supporting the skin barrier while the environment is working against it.
If your skin stays sore, cracked or inflamed despite doing that, it is worth getting it checked rather than assuming you simply need an even heavier moisturiser.
About the author
Dr Anjali Mahto is a London-based Consultant Dermatologist and cosmetic skin expert, specialising in acne, rosacea, and advanced non-surgical treatments. She is the bestselling author of The Skincare Bible and is known for combining evidence-based dermatology with a holistic, patient-focused approach to skin health.
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