Have you ever noticed your skin gets tight, flaky or itchy as the temperature drops? Dry skin might be more common during winter, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle with it. Let’s explore what causes dry skin during the winter months, who’s more likely to suffer from it, and how it can often be managed with a few simple changes.
Why does skin get drier in winter?
As temperatures drop during winter, many of us notice our skin becoming tight, itchy and flaky. Why does winter weather lead to this havoc on our complexion? From the piercing wind to hot showers, several factors work together and can compromise the skin barrier.
Low humidity and cold air
Warmer air is naturally more moist compared to colder air which is ‘drier’. When humidity decreases in autumn and winter, the dry air starts pulling moisture out of your skin. Known as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), this is the main reason for seasonal dehydration.
Central heating
To combat the colder climate, it's tempting to increase the temperature on indoor heating. Unfortunately, heaters further reduce air humidity, creating an artificial environment which causes further skin dehydration.
Harsh wind
A winter wind not only feels uncomfortably cold, it can also physically dehydrate the outer skin later. The wind pulls natural oils (lipids) out, leading to cracked and irritated skin.
Hot showers and baths
To combat the colder weather, many soak in a hot bath or take a steaming shower, but the higher water temperatures can also damage the skin. Hot water can dissolve protective oils on the skin surface, again leading to dehydration.
A compromised skin barrier
The skin is made up of 3 layers with the outermost layer acting as a shield to keep irritants out and moisture in. When the barrier is compromised, be it by cold, wind, or heat, water escapes from deeper skin layers, causing roughness, tightness and itching.
Common causes of dry skin during winter
Whilst temperature extremes and winds are the main causes of seasonal dryness, these aren't the only causes. Age, medical history and your daily habits can all impact how your skin reacts to the cold.
If your skin barrier is constantly compromised, It may be due to:
Aging skin
As we get older, the skin naturally changes in ways which make it more vulnerable:
- Reduced oil production - the skin produces less oil (sebum) making it drier and thinner
- Slower repair - older skin cells repair damage more slowly
- Increased water loss - a thinner skin later makes it harder for the skin to keep moisture in.
Other current skin conditions
If you already have sensitive skin or other skin conditions, the winter can trigger symptoms. People who suffer from eczema or psoriasis flare up when it gets colder. As these conditions already involve a compromised skin barrier, the dry air and wind strip the little remaining moisture, causing further discomfort and inflammation.
Medications
Sometimes, medication can cause skin dryness. Common culprits include:
- Acne treatments - isotretinoin and topical retinoids
- Blood pressure tablets - especially water tablets (diuretics)
Note: if you find your medication is affecting your skin, do not stop taking it. Consult a medical professional for advice on managing side effects.
Overcleansing
To stay clean or manage spot breakouts, you may accidentally strip the skin's natural defences. Common habits to address include:
- Frequent hand washing - using hot water and alcohol based sanitisers, removes essential oils
- Harsh chemicals - many cleansers contain harsh chemicals which can dissolve the fats in the skin barrier.
- Fragrances - perfumes in skincare and cleansing products can irritate already dehydrated skin.
When choosing skincare products for dry skin, it’s often better to opt for moisturising formulations that are designed for dry skin like Aveeno Body Wash.
Signs your dry skin needs extra care
Recognising the early signs of a compromised skin barrier can help you manage the issue before it leads to more serious concerns like painful cracking or skin infection. Whilst occasional dryness is common in winter, symptoms that persist may necessitate a change in skincare or medical advice.
Common Signs Your Skin Needs Moisture
If you see any of the following, it is likely dehydrated and in need of treatment to replenish the lipids in the skin layer:
- Flaking and scaling
- Tightness
- Redness and itching
- Cracking
When to see a GP
Most cases of dry winter skin can be managed at home. If however, you notice the following, you should seek medical advice:
- Persistent dryness - if skin stays itchy, dry or cracked for more than 2 weeks of home treatment.
- Irritation - if dry patches appear in a few different areas of the body
- Deep fissures - if you develop deep and painful cracks in the skin
- Signs of infection - if cracks become red, swollen, painful, or ooze pus, this may mean a bacterial infection is present.
Treating dry skin at home
For most, some simple adjustments can help to restore hydration to the skin. This includes switching to emollient-rich moisturisers (like those that contain colloidal oatmeal), lowering the temperature of showers, and protecting the skin from direct wind.
Treatment for Dry Skin
Treating dry skin focuses on repairing your skin’s natural barrier and avoiding further damage. By choosing the right products and adjusting daily habits, you can restore healthy, hydrated skin even in harsh weather conditions.
Upgrade your moisturiser
Three main ingredients are used to provide hydration in moisturisers: humectants, emollients and occlusives.
- Humectants - like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and urea, attract water and help retain moisture in the outer skin layer.
- Emollients - like ceramides work by filling in skin cracks and making skin softer and smoother.
- Occlusives - like shea butter, paraffin, or petroleum jelly, form a protective oily layer on the outside of the skin, reducing water evaporation.
Dry and damaged skin may benefit from products that contain all three types of ingredients, like. If your skin is usually oily but has become dry during the winter, you may be better off with products that contain humectants or lighter emollients.
Products like Cetraben cream or Aveeno cream contain all 3 ingredients and suit those with dry and damaged skin. For those with usually oily skin that dries during the winter, focus on products containing humectants.
For severely dry skin, opt for creams rather than lotions. Creams are more oily, providing deeper hydration.
Opt for a gentle cleanser
Traditional soaps and cleansers contain sulfates and irritating fragrances that can strip natural oils found in the skin. To protect the skin barrier:
- Swap to cream or oil-based cleansers
- Look for soap-free labels such as with Aveeno body wash
- Use medical-grade emollients like AproDerm emollient cream to cleanse without irritation.
Manage your environment
A major cause of dry skin in the home is central heating. To counter this drying effect:
- Use a humidifier - the ideal indoor humidity level is between 40 and 60%
- Pat, don’t rub - after washing pat with a towel. Rubbing can cause micro-tears and further irritation.
- The 3-minute rule - apply moisturizer immediately after washing, within 3 minutes to lock in moisture.
Adjust shower habits
Whilst a hot bath feels great in winter, it can adversely affect dry skin. To protect the skin barrier:
- Keep the water lukewarm, not hot
- Limit bath/shower time to between 5-10 minutes.
When to seek Expert Advice
If your dry skin doesn’t respond to over-the-counter moisturisers and changing up your routine, you may need expert advice from a healthcare professional. They’ll be able to advise you on prescription treatments and diagnose any underlying conditions that require specialist care.
Preventing dry skin in winter
Prevention is always more effective than repair. Making a few adjustments to your daily routing can help you maintain a healthy skin barrier and avoid the discomfort of winter dehydration.
Protect your skin from the elements
Whilst you can’t change the weather, you can control how you are exposed to it. Physical barriers can protect against winds and cold air:
- Layer up: wear gloves, scarves and hats to shield sensitive areas
- SPF: The sun can damage your skin even in winter. Apply SPF daily, even throughout winter months to prevent long-term dryness and sun damage.
Control your indoor climate
Dry heat from radiators is a major cause of winter skin issues.
- Monitor humidity levels - try to maintain humidity between 40% and 60% using a humidifier
- Lower the temperature - avoid keeping heating on high for long times, as this can quickly dehydrate the air.
Your skincare routine
Be consistent in preventing a compromised skin barrier
- Moisturise at least twice daily - targeting high risk areas like hands and face, even if they don't feel dry yet
- Lukewarm showers - Stick to a maximum of 10 minutes with lukewarm water to prevent loss of natural oils.
Internal and external hydration
When cold, we often don't drink enough water, but internal hydration is important.
- Fluid intake - aim for at least 2L of fluid a day
- Alternatives - sugar-free squash or warmer alternatives like herbal teas can count toward daily hydration goals.
Final thoughts
Dry skin is common in the winter as cold air, wind, and indoor heating dry out the skin’s natural barrier, triggering moisture loss. This can cause tightness, flaking, itching, and cracking. The good news is that for most, dry skin can be improved by protecting your skin, switching to gentle cleansers, and moisturising regularly with a thick cream or emollient. If your skin is painful or severely cracked, it’s best to get it assessed by a healthcare professional.