Winter skincare routine for dry skin: a simple guide for cold weather

TUREFF• •0

Cold air outside, central heating inside and hot showers all strip moisture from skin. Many people find their face feels tight, flaky or easily irritated by mid-winter, even if it behaves perfectly in summer. The fix is usually not more products, but gentler ones and a few small changes in habit. This is general information, not medical advice. If dryness, redness, cracking or itching does not settle, or you think you might have eczema, rosacea or another skin condition, see a doctor or dermatologist.

Cleanse gently

Switch to a mild, non-foaming or low-foaming cleanser in cream, milk, gel-cream or balm form.
Use lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water feels lovely and dries skin out.
Many people with dry skin find a splash of water is enough in the morning, saving the cleanser for the evening to remove sunscreen and the day's dirt.
Pat dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.

Moisturise while skin is still slightly damp

Applying moisturiser within a few minutes of washing helps hold water in the skin.

In winter, many people move to a richer cream than they use in summer.
Look for products that combine ingredients which draw water in, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, with ingredients that seal it, such as oils, butters or petrolatum.
Ingredients often described as supporting the skin barrier include ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. You do not need all of them; a simple, fragrance-free cream is a good starting point.
For very dry patches, a thin layer of a heavier ointment at night can help.

Sunscreen still matters in winter

UVA rays, which contribute to skin ageing, are present all year and pass through cloud and glass. Snow also reflects sunlight strongly, so skiers and walkers can burn in the cold.

Keep a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the last step of your morning routine on days you will be outside.
If your usual one feels drying, try a cream formula made for dry skin.
Do not forget lips: a lip balm with SPF is useful in snow and wind.

A simple routine

Morning:

Rinse with lukewarm water, or a gentle cleanse.
Hydrating serum, if you use one.
Moisturiser.
Sunscreen.

Evening:

Gentle cleanse.
Any treatment products you already use, if your skin tolerates them.
Moisturiser, or a richer cream or ointment on dry areas.

Keep it short. A routine you will actually do every day beats a twelve-step one you abandon.

What to cut back on

Harsh exfoliation: scrubs and frequent strong acid exfoliants can make dry, irritated skin worse. Reduce how often you use them, or pause them for a while.
Strong active ingredients: retinoids and some acne treatments can be drying. If your skin is stinging, use them less often and moisturise well, and follow any advice from the person who prescribed them.
Fragrance and alcohol-heavy toners can irritate sensitive or compromised skin.
Long, hot showers and baths.
Changing lots of products at once. Introduce one new product at a time so you know what helps and what irritates.

Habits beyond products

A humidifier, or simply a bowl of water near a radiator, may help in very dry, heated rooms.
Wear gloves and a scarf outside; wind dries skin fast.
Moisturise hands after every wash; hands and lips are often the first to crack.
Drink normally and eat a balanced diet, but do not expect drinking more water alone to fix dry skin.

When to get help

See a doctor or dermatologist if your skin is cracked and bleeding, very itchy, weepy, infected-looking, or does not improve after a few weeks of gentle care. These can be signs of a condition that needs proper treatment. How does your skin change in winter, and what has helped? Share your routine or ask a question in the comments.