Tips to Beat Dry Skin This Winter

Cold air, indoor heat, low humidity and winter wind deplete moisture from your skin, making it look dull, flaky and irritated.

“Skin care is more than cosmetic, especially in winter months when skin is more likely to be irritated by environmental conditions,” said Elizabeth White-Fricker, DO. “It is important to learn how to keep your skin moisturized to prevent severe dryness that can lead to skin conditions that cause discomfort and pain.”

Who is at risk for dry skin?

Some people are at higher risk for developing dry skin, including:

Adults over 40
Anyone regularly exposed to harsh chemicals
People with medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease
People with some skin conditions or certain food allergies
Those who shower, bathe or wash their hands frequently

Skin needs nutrients to stay moisturized, so people with vitamin or mineral deficiencies may have dry skin. People who smoke cigarettes also have a higher risk. Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can speed up how quickly your skin ages.

What are the symptoms of dry skin?

Dry winter skin is often temporary and linked to environmental factors, such as cold weather or low humidity. However, persistent dry skin can lead to:

Cracked skin
Itchy skin
Flaking
Redness
Rough patches
Stinging

How do I treat dry winter skin?

“Combating dry skin usually begins with a few changes to your skincare regimen,” said Dr. White-Fricker. “If your skin is excessively dry, your physician may recommend specially formulated products.”

Winter dryness commonly affects certain areas, such as the elbows, feet, hands and knees. You may want to focus on these areas during your skin care regimen.

You should consider seeing a dermatologist if you have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema.

Staying hydrated is essential for treating dry skin. While keeping your skin moisturized is important, internal hydration is equally important. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. The FDA recommends men drink 13 cups and women drink nine cups of water each day. Talk to your physician about the right daily water intake for you.

Tips to prevent dry skin

Preventing water loss is key to healthy and hydrated skin during the cold winter months. These tips will help you protect your skin.

Tip 1: Shower smart

Baths and showers hasten water loss from your skin. To prevent water loss when you shower:

Use warm instead of hot water.
Limit your bath or shower to 10 minutes.
Close the bathroom door to retain moisture while you bathe.
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for your skin.
Blot your skin with a soft towel instead of rubbing it dry.

Tip 2: Use a moisturizer

Apply moisturizer after a shower or bath while your skin is still slightly damp. Moisturizers trap water in your skin, so applying moisturizer after your skin is dry is not as effective.

Some creams and ointments may be more effective than lotions, which can be irritating. Look for products that include one or more of these ingredients:

Glycerin
Hyaluronic acid
Jojoba oil
Lactic acid
Lanolin
Mineral oil
Shea butter

Humectants such as glycerin, lecithin and sorbitol help attract moisture, while ingredients such as lanolin help seal moisture within the skin.

Tip 3: Protect your hands and lips

Wear gloves when you spend time outside in the winter or anytime your hands get wet, such as while washing dishes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers will also dry out your hands. If you use sanitizers regularly, a high-quality ointment or cream will prevent dryness.

Choose the right lip balm to prevent chapped, dry and cracked lips. Look for a lip balm with healing ointments like petroleum jelly or glycerin. Avoid camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. Even in winter, sunscreen in your lip balm is important to protect the lip's delicate skin from burning.

Tip 4: Avoid irritants

Soaps and products that remove oils from your hair or skin will strip moisture. Use gentle cleansers, including dye- and fragrance-free laundry detergents. Avoid products with retinol, alpha-hydroxy, fragrance and alcohol that will dry your skin, especially on your face. Wear soft clothing made from cotton or silk underneath wool clothing to protect your skin.

Tip 5: Add moisture

Turn on a freestanding humidifier to add moisture to the air. These appliances emit a mist of water and increase the humidity in a room by as much as 60%. Humidifiers are part of some home heating systems. Replace the filter regularly to ensure effective operation.

Tip 6: Eat right

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E and high-quality protein keeps your skin healthy. Avocados, bell peppers, salmon, almonds and sweet potatoes are rich in these nutrients. Also, consider adding foods that contain linoleic, linolenic and lauric acids to strengthen the skin barrier and boost moisture. Linoleic and linolenic acids are essential omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin barrier function.

Lauric acid has moisturizing properties. Foods high in these acids include vegetable fats and oils, nuts and seeds, meats, and eggs. You should also drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy.

Tip 7: Exfoliate

Our skin is constantly shedding. When dead skin cells build up, they can cause dryness. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells. You can use a loofah to scrub your body or shower gels or body washes that contain exfoliants. Skincare products work better on exfoliated skin, so you may want to exfoliate before applying moisturizers or ointments.

Tip 8: Be consistent with your skin care regimen

“Preventing dry skin during the winter means being consistent with your skin care regimen,” said Dr. White-Fricker. “If you wait until your skin is dry or itchy, you may need heavy-duty products to get it back to normal.”

She emphasized that if you consistently take steps to help your skin retain its moisture, you can stop dry skin before it starts.

What to do when you have more than dry skin

Consult your physician if you have severely inflamed, cracked, crusty or extremely itchy skin that does not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) products. Dry skin can be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, such as: