Winter Body Care: A Routine for Dry Skin

Winter body care is mostly about holding on to moisture. Cold air carries little water, and heating dries it further. Skin that was comfortable all summer can become tight, flaky and itchy within weeks, especially on the shins, arms, hands and back. The itch even has a name: winter itch. A few seasonal changes prevent most of it.

Why winter dries the skin

• Low humidity outdoors and indoors pulls water from the skin.
• Hot showers and baths, tempting in cold weather, strip natural oils.
• Wind and cold damage the skin barrier.
• Heavy clothing, such as wool, rubs and irritates.
• Skin produces less oil in cold conditions.

The winter routine

Showering

1. Keep showers to five to ten minutes.
2. Use warm, not hot, water. See Hot vs Warm Showers: What to Consider for Your Skin.
3. Swap foaming shower gel for a creamy, fragrance-free body wash or a gentle cleansing bar.
4. Use cleanser mainly on underarms, groin and feet.
5. Blot your skin dry.

Moisturizing

1. Apply moisturizer within a few minutes of drying off.
2. Switch from lotion to a cream or ointment. See Body Lotion vs Cream vs Butter: Key Differences.
3. Moisturize a second time before bed.
4. Reapply to hands after every wash.

Choosing winter products

Summer and winter compared

Protect the areas that suffer most

Hands

Wear gloves outdoors, and rubber gloves for wet work. Keep hand cream at every sink. Dry Hands from Washing: How to Adjust Your Routine has a full routine for hands that are washed often.

Lower legs

Shins have few oil glands and are the first place to flake and itch. Apply a thick cream daily, and avoid tight, rough fabrics directly on the skin.

Feet

Apply cream at night and wear cotton socks. Keep the spaces between the toes dry.

Lips

Use a plain, fragrance-free balm, and do not lick your lips.

Face

Facial skin needs its own adjustments. See Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin.

Around the home

• Use a humidifier, especially in the bedroom. Clean it regularly.
• Lower the thermostat slightly and dress in layers.
• Do not sit close to open fires or heaters.
• Dry laundry and bedding fully, and use fragrance-free detergent if your skin is itchy.

Clothing

• Wear a soft cotton or silk layer under wool.
• Choose loose clothes that do not chafe.
• Change out of wet gloves, socks and clothes quickly.

Sunscreen in winter

UV light is present all year, and snow reflects it. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, such as the face, ears and hands, when you spend time outdoors, particularly at altitude.

Dealing with winter itch

• Moisturize at the first sign of itch.
• Apply a cool, damp cloth.
• Avoid scratching, which damages skin and makes the itch worse.
• Take lukewarm showers.
• Ask a pharmacist about anti-itch products, if needed.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if your skin cracks and bleeds, becomes red and inflamed, or oozes, if itching keeps you awake, or if two weeks of careful care bring no improvement. Eczema often flares in winter and can be treated.

For the principles of caring for dry skin all year, see Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care.

Related on ArniSun

• Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care
• Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
• Dry Hands from Washing: How to Adjust Your Routine
• Hot vs Warm Showers: What to Consider for Your Skin
• Body Lotion vs Cream vs Butter: Key Differences

Sources and further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin
• MedlinePlus: Dry skin: self-care
• Mayo Clinic: Dry skin