5 tips to prevent dry winter skin

Winter months can be especially tough on the skin as cold air is irritating, and indoor heating makes the air dry.

Your summer skin care routine might include products that can actually increase dryness, so switching up your products during the winter can help you find relief.

If dry skin is still present, it might indicate an underlying condition. A doctor can help with a diagnosis and also prescribe stronger medication to support your skin health. 

Tips for preventing dry winter skin

Some tips for keeping your skin happy during the winter include:

Barriers

A barrier between your skin and the cold winter air can help prevent dryness and irritation. Consider wearing gloves, scarves, and long sleeves that limit skin exposure.

Lip balm can protect this sensitive area from becoming dry and cracked. 

You should also consider wearing sunscreen during winter, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays can still affect the skin. The product should be at least SPF 30 and be a cream instead of a lotion or spray.

You can also apply moisturizer first, followed by sunscreen on exposed skin.

Check your skin care ingredients

Moisturizing is important to prevent dry skin, but remember to check product ingredients. Try to avoid creams, ointments, or lotions that contain:

• retinoids
• alcohol
• fragrance
• alpha-hydroxy acid

Many of these ingredients, along with glycolic or salicylic acid, are common in products for mature-looking skin.

If these are part of your summer routine, try to use them less often or at a lower concentration to prevent dry skin in winter. 

Ingredients that help your skin replenish and retain moisture include:

• jojoba oil
• hyaluronic acid
• lanolin
• petrolatum
• shea butter

You might also consider avoiding “unscented” products, as that isn’t always the same as fragrance-free. Unscented can mean the product contains chemicals that mask or hide odor but can still irritate the skin. 

Improve your indoor air quality

Winter typically means more time spent indoors with heat sources. When you turn on the furnace or fireplace, it can provide some relief from the cold, but it can also cause indoor air to become very dry.

As tempting as it may be, you should avoid sitting next to an indoor heat source during the winter. Extra blankets and clothing can help you keep warm inside instead of turning up the heat. 

Consider using a cool mist humidifier inside to restore the air moisture that heat sources dry up. You can typically find a humidifier with a filter for added air purity.

Placing it in the bedroom may also help you sleep better. Improved sleep can also have positive effects on the skin.

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Choose creams or ointments

Moisturizing the face and body is a key component of winter skin care.

Lotions might be too thin to provide the rich hydration your skin craves. Instead, look for creams or ointments, which are usually thicker.

Consider choosing a product that comes in a tube or a tub instead of a pump, as that’s typically a sign of a heavier moisturizer.

Take a second look at the cleansers you use, too. Choose “gentle” or “moisturizing” instead of harsh cleansers, so that they don’t remove too much hydration from your skin. 

Modify your bathing routine

You don’t have to shower or bathe in cold water, but reducing the temperature can help prevent irritating dry skin.

Choose warm water instead of hot and limit your time under the water. Bathing less frequently and shortening soak times give your skin less exposure to heat and soaps that might worsen symptoms. 

When you exit the shower or bath, try to hold onto that moisture. Pat your skin dry instead of wiping, and apply the rich moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration.

All types of washing can increase the chances of your skin becoming dry, so always have a moisturizer on hand.

You might also apply it after you wash your hands or face or after you use hand sanitizer, to help keep in your skin’s hydration. 

What medications can help? 

Many people find significant relief with at-home measures for dry skin. A doctor might prescribe a topical corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and protect the skin in more severe cases. Severe dry skin can lead to eczema, also known as dermatitis.

If you do have an eczema diagnosis, prescription treatments that you can use in addition to topical corticosteroids include:

• topical janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors like ruxolitinib (Opzelura)
• topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) like tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)
• topical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors like crisaborole (Eucrisa) 

Although eczema is one potential cause of severe dry skin, other skin conditions, like psoriasis, can lead to similar symptoms.

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When to speak with a doctor

You might consider speaking with a doctor or dermatologist if your dry skin doesn’t improve with home treatment.

A skin specialist can offer personalized recommendations. They can also help diagnose any underlying condition that might be the root cause of your dry skin.

Summary

Winter months can put you at higher risk for dry skin. Changing your skin care routine, like choosing rich moisturizers and limiting the use of graceful aging products, can help your skin retain moisture.

An indoor humidifier and outdoor barrier protection can also make a difference. If these measures don’t help, a doctor might prescribe a steroid or other dry skin medication. 

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