A winter skincare routine for dry skin has one aim: to keep water in the skin when everything around you is taking it out. Cold outdoor air holds little moisture, and indoor heating dries the air further. Skin that was comfortable in September can be tight, rough and flaky by January.
Why winter is hard on dry skin
- Low humidity increases the amount of water that evaporates from the skin.
- Wind and cold reduce the skin's natural oils.
- Hot showers and baths, tempting in cold weather, strip away more oil.
- Wool and rough fabrics rub and irritate.
Morning routine
- Cleanse lightly. Rinse with lukewarm water or use a cream cleanser. Avoid foaming washes that leave skin squeaky.
- Hydrate. Apply a humectant serum, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, to damp skin.
- Moisturize. Use a rich cream with ceramides or shea butter.
- Protect. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Snow reflects sunlight, and UVA is present all winter.
Evening routine
- Cleanse with a cream, lotion or balm cleanser.
- Hydrate with the same serum, if your skin feels tight.
- Moisturize with a thicker layer of cream.
- Seal very dry patches with a thin layer of an ointment such as petrolatum.
What to change from your summer routine
| Summer habit | Winter swap |
|---|---|
| Gel or foaming cleanser | Cream or lotion cleanser |
| Light lotion | Rich cream, ointment on dry patches |
| Exfoliating two or three times a week | Once a week, or pause if skin is sore |
| Long, hot showers | Five to ten minutes in lukewarm water |
| Moisturizing whenever you remember | Within a few minutes of washing, every time |
Go easy on active ingredients
Retinoids and exfoliating acids can be harder to tolerate in winter. If your skin is stinging or peeling, use them less often, apply moisturizer first as a buffer, or take a break for a couple of weeks. Skin Barrier Care: How to Build a Gentle Routine explains how to let the barrier recover.
Do not forget lips and the skin around the nose
Lips have no oil glands and chap quickly. Use a plain, fragrance-free lip balm or petrolatum through the day and before bed, and try not to lick your lips. A dab of ointment around the nostrils helps when a cold leaves the area raw.
Habits around the home
- Use a humidifier in the bedroom if heating makes the air very dry. Clean it as the maker directs.
- Turn the heating down a little and wear layers.
- Dry off gently and moisturize straight away.
- Wear gloves and a scarf outdoors to shield skin from wind.
- Choose soft fabrics next to the skin, with wool on top.
When dry skin needs medical attention
See a doctor if your skin cracks, bleeds, becomes very itchy or develops red, inflamed patches, or if dryness does not improve with regular moisturizing. These can be signs of eczema or another condition that needs treatment.
Beyond the face
Hands and body dry out in winter too. Dry Hands from Washing: How to Adjust Your Routine covers hands that are washed often, and Winter Body Care: A Routine for Dry Skin gives a winter routine for the body. If you are unsure whether your skin is dry or dehydrated, read Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: Key Differences. For the changes other seasons bring, see How to Change Your Skincare Routine with the Seasons.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Change Your Skincare Routine with the Seasons
- Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin: Key Differences
- Skin Barrier Care: How to Build a Gentle Routine
- Winter Body Care: A Routine for Dry Skin
- Dry Hands from Washing: How to Adjust Your Routine
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Should I change my cleanser in winter?
If your face feels tight after washing, yes. A cream or lotion cleanser removes dirt with less loss of the skin's natural oils.
Is a humidifier really helpful for dry skin?
It can help by adding moisture to dry indoor air, which reduces water loss from the skin. It supports, but does not replace, regular moisturizing.
Can I still use retinol in winter?
Yes, if your skin tolerates it. Use it less often if you notice irritation, always follow with moisturizer, and keep wearing sunscreen.