How to combat dry skin in winter
As temperatures drop and winter settles in, many people face a common seasonal struggle: dry, uncomfortable skin.
Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can make skin feel tight, flaky, and even itchy. To keep skin soft and healthy through winter, it helps to understand what causes dryness and adopt a few strategies to lock in moisture and nourishment. Here are some of the tried-and-tested ways you can combat dry skin this winter.
Understand the causes of winter dry skin
Cold temperatures and low humidity levels in winter are major factors that strip the skin of its natural oils, essential for keeping it hydrated. This means that if you live in one of the cooler cities in the US, the fluctuating winter weather can weaken the skin’s barrier, making it harder to lock in hydration.
Central heating worsens this effect by lowering indoor humidity, leaving skin prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.
Adjust your skincare routine
Adapting your skincare routine to include hydrating, gentle products is one of the best ways to protect skin in winter.
Start with a mild cleanser that preserves your skin’s natural oils, followed by a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture. A rich moisturizer with ceramides can further support the skin barrier.
You should also try to incorporate some anti-aging skincare products in your routine to soften fine lines at the same time.
Optimise indoor environments
Beyond skincare products, your indoor environment plays a significant role in skin health. Winter heating reduces air moisture, which can make skin even drier. Using a humidifier to keep indoor humidity around 60% helps support skin hydration, while maintaining moderate indoor temperatures, instead of depending on space heaters, keeps air from becoming overly dry.
Modify your daily habits
Although a hot shower in chilly weather might be tempting, this can strip your skin of natural oils. Limiting showers to 5–10 minutes and using lukewarm water helps preserve moisture and applying moisturizer right after bathing locks in hydration.
Protect your skin outdoors
Protecting your skin from cold winds and UV rays is essential for combating winter dryness. Wearing gloves, scarves, and other protective clothing helps shield exposed areas from harsh weather.
You should also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. UV rays can penetrate the clouds and still damage skin – even in the winter. With one in five Americans developing skin cancer each year, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Keep your skin soft and healthy in winter
Winter’s cold, dry conditions can make it challenging to keep skin hydrated, but understanding the causes of dryness and adjusting your skincare and daily habits can help maintain soft, healthy skin.
From humidifying indoor spaces to choosing the right products and protecting skin outdoors, with the right care and preparation, your skin can look and feel its best all season long.
