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Winter Skin Care: How to Combat Dry Skin, Eczema Flare-Ups, and Other Cold-Weather Skin Issues

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, your skin faces a unique set of challenges. Cold, dry air, indoor heating, and harsh winds can all contribute to skin dryness, irritation, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema. But with the right approach, you can protect your skin and keep it healthy and hydrated throughout the colder months. In this guide, we’ll explore effective winter skin care tips, including how to manage dry skin, prevent eczema flare-ups, and address other common cold-weather skin issues—along with product recommendations and home care remedies.

Authored by the MD Searchlight Team

Source:

Author: Heather Keppler

Why Does Skin Get Dry in Winter?

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why your skin tends to become dry and irritated during the winter months.

  1. Lower Humidity: Winter air is typically much drier than during warmer months. This dry air strips your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and tightness.
  2. Indoor Heating: Whether it’s from space heaters, central heating, or fireplaces, indoor heat can further dehydrate the skin by reducing humidity levels indoors.
  3. Cold Winds: Chilly winds can irritate the skin, causing it to lose moisture more quickly and leading to redness, rough texture, and sensitivity.
  4. Hot Showers: Though it may feel good to take a long, hot shower in the winter, this can actually damage the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness.

Understanding these triggers is the first step in tackling winter skin issues.

1. Combatting Dry Skin in Winter

Dry skin is one of the most common winter skin complaints. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep your skin hydrated and protected:

Use a Rich Moisturizer

The foundation of winter skin care is a good moisturizer. During colder months, your skin needs extra hydration, and a heavier, more emollient-rich moisturizer is ideal. Look for creams or ointments rather than lotions, as these provide a thicker barrier against the elements. Key ingredients to look for include:

  • Hyaluronic acid: Draws moisture into the skin.
  • Ceramides: Help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
  • Glycerin: A humectant that helps to retain moisture.
  • Shea butter: A rich emollient that helps to soften and hydrate the skin.

Recommended Products:

  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and restore the skin’s natural barrier.
  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: A lightweight yet intensely hydrating gel-cream with hyaluronic acid.
  • Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream: A rich, fragrance-free moisturizer with glycerin and sheer butter to lock in moisture.

Apply Moisturizer Right After Bathing

To lock in moisture, apply your moisturizer immediately after bathing, while your skin is still damp. This helps to seal in hydration and keep your skin from drying out too quickly. Focus on areas that are prone to dryness, such as your hands, elbows, knees, and feet.

Use a Humidifier

To combat the dry indoor air caused by heating, consider using a humidifier in your home. Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, preventing your skin from becoming too parched. Keep the humidity levels between 40% and 60% for optimal skin health.

Recommended Products:

  • Levoit Classic 200 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier: A budget-friendly and quiet humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  • Honeywell HCM-350 Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier: Ideal for larger spaces, this model helps keep the air humidified and also reduces bacteria in the air.

2. Managing Eczema Flare-Ups

Winter weather can exacerbate eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), a condition characterized by dry, inflamed, and itchy patches of skin. Cold, dry air, coupled with increased scratching, can lead to flare-ups. Here are tips for managing eczema in the winter:

Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products

Eczema-prone skin is highly sensitive to fragrances, harsh chemicals, and alcohol-based products. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skin care products. Look for gentle cleansers and moisturizers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Products with colloidal oatmeal or neem oil can be particularly soothing for eczema flare-ups.

Recommended Products:

  • Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream: Contains colloidal oatmeal to help soothe irritated skin and improve the skin’s moisture barrier.
  • Vanicream Moisturizing Cream: A non-irritating, fragrance-free formula that’s gentle on eczema-prone skin.
  • CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream: Helps relieve itching with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides.

Keep Baths Short and Lukewarm

Long, hot showers may feel comforting in the winter, but they can irritate eczema and worsen dryness. Instead, take shorter, lukewarm baths or showers. Adding oatmeal baths or bath oils can help soothe the skin and lock in moisture. Afterward, apply an eczema-specific cream or ointment to help protect the skin’s barrier.

Home Care Tip: Add colloidal oatmeal (e.g., Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment) to your bath to relieve itching and inflammation. For even more hydration, you can try adding a few drops of unscented bath oil like Weleda Skin Food Bath Oil.

Use Prescription Medications When Needed

For severe flare-ups, consult a dermatologist about prescription-strength treatments. Topical corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Your dermatologist can recommend a personalized treatment plan for managing your eczema in winter.

3. Protecting Your Skin from Harsh Weather

Exposure to the cold, wind, and sun can all lead to skin irritation. Here are some tips for protecting your skin when you’re outside:

Wear Protective Clothing

When heading outside, make sure to dress in layers to protect your skin. Wear a scarf to shield your face from the wind and cold. Opt for gloves and wool or cashmere sweaters to avoid direct contact with rough fabrics that can irritate the skin.

Recommended Products:

  • Hanes Ultimate Comfort Gloves: Soft, fleece-lined gloves to protect your hands from the cold and wind.
  • L.L.Bean Scarf: A cozy wool scarf to keep your face warm and protected from the elements.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Even in winter, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Snow can reflect UV rays, making you more susceptible to sun damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas of your skin, such as your face, neck, and hands, every morning.

Recommended Products:

  • EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40: A hydrating sunscreen that also offers antioxidant protection.
  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50: Lightweight and moisturizing, perfect for sensitive winter skin.

Avoid Direct Exposure to Wind

Windburn can occur when the cold, dry wind damages the skin’s outer layer. To prevent windburn, cover your face with a scarf or hat when going outside. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, consider using a barrier cream on exposed skin to protect it from the elements.

Recommended Products:

  • Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion: Offers long-lasting moisture and protection for windburned skin.
  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment: This multi-purpose ointment helps seal in moisture and protect the skin from harsh weather.

4. Preventing and Treating Cracked Hands and Feet

Cold air can lead to cracked, painful skin, particularly on the hands and feet. Here’s how to keep these areas soft and smooth during the winter:

Moisturize Frequently

Hands and feet are often the first areas to show signs of dryness. Apply a thick hand cream with glycerin or lanolin throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. At night, slather on a rich foot cream or ointment, then wear socks to help seal in moisture overnight.

Recommended Products:

  • O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream: Formulated to relieve extremely dry and cracked hands.
  • Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream: Rich in coconut oil and shea butter, this cream helps to hydrate and soften dry feet.

Wear Gloves When Washing Dishes

Repeated exposure to hot water and dish soap can dry out your hands. To prevent cracking, always wear rubber gloves while washing dishes or cleaning. This will help protect your skin from harsh chemicals and keep it hydrated.

Exfoliate Gently

If you notice rough patches on your hands or feet, use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin. This will allow moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can worsen dryness.

Recommended Products:

  • The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Scrub: A gentle yet exfoliating scrub that softens and smooths feet.
  • Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve: A rich cream that helps exfoliate and hydrate hands simultaneously.

5. Winter Skin Care Routine: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simple winter skin care routine to follow for soft, hydrated skin:

  1. Cleanse with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of moisture.
    • Recommended: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
  2. Tone with a hydrating toner (optional), especially if you have dry skin.
    • Recommended: Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera.
  3. Apply serum with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C to brighten and moisturize.
    • Recommended: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
  4. Moisturize using a rich, emollient cream or ointment.
    • Recommended: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.
  5. Protect with sunscreen (even on cloudy days).
    • Recommended: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60.
  6. Exfoliate once or twice a week, but use a gentle method to avoid irritation.
    • Recommended: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

Conclusion

Winter can be a challenging time for your skin, but with the right care and attention, you can combat dryness, irritation, eczema flare-ups, and other cold-weather skin issues. Focus on moisturizing, protecting your skin from the elements, and using gentle, hydrating products to keep your skin soft and healthy. Remember, a consistent skincare routine, along with mindful choices like using a humidifier and dressing warmly, will help you maintain glowing, nourished skin all winter long.

For more tips on winter skincare, consult with a dermatologist to find the best routine and products suited to your specific skin needs.

References:

Frequently asked questions

In the winter, the air becomes colder and drier, which reduces humidity and causes moisture to evaporate from your skin. Indoor heating systems can further dehydrate the air, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture. These conditions can strip your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, tightness, and even irritation. Additionally, colder temperatures and harsh winds can break down the skin’s protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental stress.

To prevent dry skin in winter, it’s essential to moisturize frequently and use richer, more emollient products than you would during warmer months. Use a thick, hydrating moisturizer that contains ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. Also, try to apply moisturizer right after you shower or wash your hands, as this helps lock in moisture. Using a humidifier indoors can also help keep the air from becoming too dry, and drinking plenty of water ensures your skin remains hydrated from the inside out.

Winter can aggravate eczema due to the cold, dry air and reduced humidity. To manage flare-ups, choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skin care products, and avoid harsh soaps that can strip the skin. Colloidal oatmeal baths and applying thick, fragrance-free moisturizers like Aveeno Eczema Therapy can soothe and hydrate the skin. Additionally, consult with a dermatologist about using topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors for severe flare-ups. It's also helpful to wear soft, breathable fabrics and avoid excessive scratching.

Yes, you should still use sunscreen in the winter. UV rays from the sun can damage your skin year-round, and snow can actually reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure. Even when it's cloudy, harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause premature aging or increase the risk of skin cancer. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it to exposed areas like your face, neck, and hands every morning, regardless of the season.

The best moisturizers for winter should be rich, thick, and hydrating. Look for products that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, or glycerin. These ingredients help replenish moisture and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Some top-rated winter moisturizers include: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (contains hyaluronic acid) Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream (contains glycerin and shea butter) For eczema-prone skin, look for fragrance-free options like Vanicream or Aquaphor Healing Ointment.

Hands and feet are especially prone to cracking and dryness during winter due to frequent washing and exposure to cold air. To prevent this: Moisturize regularly with a thick cream like O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream or Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream. Wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning to prevent skin from becoming too dry from hot water and chemicals. Exfoliate gently using a scrub like The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Scrub to remove dead skin, allowing moisturizers to penetrate better. For feet, apply a thick foot cream before bed and wear socks overnight to lock in moisture.

Yes, it’s a good idea to adjust your skincare routine during the winter months to accommodate changes in the climate. Swap out lightweight lotions for thicker creams or oils that provide more intense hydration. You might also want to incorporate hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid before moisturizing. Additionally, avoid hot showers, which can strip the skin of moisture, and opt for lukewarm water instead. Exfoliate less frequently in winter, as over-exfoliation can exacerbate dryness.

Windburn occurs when cold, windy conditions damage the skin, leaving it red, irritated, and sensitive. To prevent windburn: Cover up exposed skin with a scarf, hat, or gloves when you’re outside. Use a barrier cream like Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream on exposed areas to protect your skin from wind and cold. Avoid long exposure to wind, and if you do experience windburn, apply a soothing cream with colloidal oatmeal or aloe vera to calm irritation and reduce redness.
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