How to Treat Dry Skin in Winter (Dermatologist Tips)

When winter rolls in, our skin often pays the price. Cold winds outside, dry heated air inside, and long hot showers can all strip your skin of its natural oils. The result? Tightness, flakiness, and that uncomfortable “itchy sweater” feeling that no amount of tugging can fix. But don’t worry—dermatologists have studied this seasonal struggle in depth, and the good news is that with a few smart adjustments, you can keep your skin soft and healthy all season long.

Why Winter Makes Skin So Dry

Think of your skin barrier as a brick wall. The bricks are your skin cells, and the mortar is made of natural oils that hold everything together. In winter, cold air has very little humidity, and indoor heating pulls moisture out of the air even more. Add to that the temptation of long, hot showers and harsh soaps, and your “mortar” starts crumbling. This leaves tiny cracks that let water escape—what dermatologists call transepidermal water loss. That’s why your face, hands, and legs often feel like sandpaper this time of year.

Dermatologist-Approved Fixes

The good news? You don’t have to live with parched, itchy skin. Dermatologists recommend a few simple but powerful habits to restore and protect your barrier:

1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

Foamy, fragranced cleansers may feel refreshing, but in the winter they often make dryness worse. Instead, look for creamy or oil-based formulas that cleanse without stripping away your natural oils. Your skin should feel soft—not squeaky—after washing.

You may find what you need within our Cleansers Collection.

2. Moisturize Right After Cleansing

Timing is everything. Within 2–3 minutes of stepping out of the shower, apply a generous layer of moisturizer to lock in water before it evaporates. Dermatologists suggest thicker creams or ointments rather than lotions—bonus points if they contain ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or petrolatum, all of which act like reinforcements for your skin barrier.

You may find what you need within our Moisturizer Collection.

3. Rethink Your Shower Habits

We all love a steaming shower on a cold morning, but hot water strips away lipids fast. Try lukewarm showers instead, and keep them under 10 minutes. Shorter, gentler showers = happier skin.

4. Add Humidity Back Into the Air

A small change that makes a huge difference: run a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom or office. Bringing indoor humidity up even a little helps prevent your skin from drying out overnight or during long work days.

5. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Yes! Even in winter! UVA rays, one of the main reasons for premature aging, cut through clouds and glass year-round. A daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on your face and hands will not only protect your skin from cancer risk, but also keep dryness and premature wrinkles at bay.

Discover Forever Dew Sunscreens Collection.

6. Dress and Care Smarter

Rough wool sweaters and scratchy scarves can rub your skin raw. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics underneath, and always moisturize your hands right after washing. Skip heavily fragranced products if you’re prone to irritation.

When It’s Time to See a Dermatologist

If your skin is still painfully dry, cracked, or itchy despite these changes, you may be dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. A dermatologist can tailor treatments to your skin and prevent things from getting worse.

___

Winter dryness doesn’t have to be inevitable. By making small but intentional changes—like swapping your cleanser, moisturizing while skin is damp, and keeping humidity levels comfortable—you can keep your skin soft and glowing even when temperatures drop. Think of it as giving your skin the same care you’d give your favorite sweater: protect, repair, and treat it gently, and it’ll last you through every season.