Your skin is usually the first part of you that feels the change in season. Central heating and cold winds pull moisture out fast. And by November, plenty of us are dealing with tight, flaky patches that weren't showing up in the warmer months.
The right dry skin treatment now can save you weeks of discomfort later. Here are five practical winter skincare tips to get ahead of it, and how to spot the point where it's worth talking to a pharmacist.
1. Start with the right dry skin treatment
Not all moisturisers work the same way in winter, and the best moisturiser for dry skin this time of year usually isn't the one you reach for in July. Lotions are mostly water, so they're light but don't do much against cold, dry air.1
Creams and ointments contain more oil, and that oil is what actually holds moisture in your skin.2 Ointments are the richest option and work well on very dry patches, though some people find them greasy for daytime use. Creams are a good middle ground for most people.1
Whichever dry skin treatment you pick, timing matters just as much as the product. Smooth it on straight after washing, while your skin's still a bit damp, to lock moisture in rather than let it evaporate.1
A couple of small habits make a moisturiser work harder. Smooth it on in the direction your hair grows rather than rubbing it in, which helps avoid blocking hair follicles.2 If you're using a pot rather than a pump dispenser, dip in with a clean spoon instead of your fingers, since bacteria from your hands can otherwise end up in the tub.2
You genuinely can't overdo it here. Emollients are very safe, and using one several times a day, or reapplying whenever your skin feels tight, won't cause problems.1 Pharmica stocks a range of moisturisers suited to very dry, winter-stressed skin, from lightweight creams to heavier barrier balms.
2. Keep showers short and lukewarm
Dry skin in winter often gets worse before it gets better, and a hot shower is part of why. It's tempting to crank up the heat when it's cold outside, but hot water strips away the natural oils that keep moisture in, leaving skin drier once you step out.4
Try lukewarm water instead, and keep showers under ten minutes where you can. Swap perfumed soap or shower gel for a gentle, fragrance-free wash, or a soap substitute if your skin's especially reactive.4
A soap substitute works a bit differently to normal soap. Mix a small amount in your palm with a little warm water, smooth it over damp skin, then rinse it off and pat yourself dry rather than rubbing.3 It won't foam up the way soap does, but it cleans just as well without stripping your skin.
Your hands are worth extra thought too. Between the cold outside and all the handwashing that comes with winter cold and flu season, they often end up drier than anywhere else. Keep a small moisturiser by the sink and reapply after every wash, not just before bed.
3. Fight back against central heating
Central heating is great for keeping your house warm. Unfortunately, it's not so great for your skin. It lowers the humidity in the air, and drier air pulls moisture out of your skin all day long.4
Once the heating's properly on, this becomes one of the biggest parts of any winter skin care routine - bigger than most people realise. You will most likely need to moisturise more often than you did in summer.3
A humidifier for dry skin can make a noticeable difference, especially in the room you sleep in. If a humidifier isn't a practical option, a bowl of water near the radiator can still help. Try not to sit right up against direct heat either.
A few other small changes add up too. Try not to turn the thermostat higher than you need, since the extra warmth comes with extra dryness. Your skin's better off if you keep the temperature down, but put on an extra layer or two instead to keep warm. Damp towels or washing left to dry on radiators do put a little moisture back into the air as a side effect - this can help somewhat, but also makes it easier for mould to grow in the room because of the moisture.
4. Protect your skin when you head outdoors
Cold wind is just as drying as central heating, maybe more so. It strips moisture from any skin left exposed, which is why hands, lips and faces tend to suffer first.4
Wear gloves on genuinely cold days, keep a lip balm in your pocket, and put on a bit of extra moisturiser before you head out. It might seem unnecessary for a five-minute walk down to the shops, but every bit of exposure does add up over time.
It's easy to assume suncream is a summer-only job, but that's not quite right. UV rays are still around in winter, so a broad-spectrum SPF is still worth applying if you're heading outside for long. Don't forget to put on a lip balm with added SPF as well. It's an area that's frequently forgotten about, but can quickly chap and become painful in cold weather.
This won't apply to everyone but it's worth knowing: any snow or ice on the ground can reflect UV rays back onto your skin, increasing your skin's exposure to them. This is especially the case at altitude as you're physically closer to the sun.6 If you're heading off on a ski trip for instance, make sure you're applying sunscreen regularly and that you're covering any exposed skin.
5. Know when a moisturiser isn't enough
In pharmacy terms, a moisturiser used to treat and manage dry skin is called an emollient.2 Regular emollient use can be enough to keep mild dryness under control and continuing to apply it even after you skin's settled can help keep it moisturised.3
One safety point worth knowing: emollients can make fabric catch fire more easily, even once they've dried in. Keep well away from open flames, lit cigarettes and naked heat sources while wearing one, and wash clothing and bedding regularly if they're in regular contact with it.2
But some signs can mean that a daily moisturiser might not be enough to tackle particularly dry patches. If dryness is affecting your day-to-day life, isn't improving or keeps coming back, or has spread all over your body, you should get it checked rather than sticking with the same routine.5 The same goes for a new rash, lump or swelling you're not sure about.5
Do not keep self-treating something that isn't settling. Your local pharmacist is usually the quickest way to get it looked at, and they can tell you whether an over-the-counter product will do the job or whether you need to see a GP.4
If you do end up seeing a GP, they might prescribe a stronger cream, a different type of emollient, or in some cases refer you on to a dermatologist for a closer look.5 Some dry skin simply needs more than a good moisturiser and a bit of patience.
Pharmica's eczema and dry skin treatments cover creams for flare-ups alongside the everyday basics, and the full skincare range is worth a browse if you're not sure what's behind your skin trouble this winter.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my skin get so dry in winter?
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and central heating dries the air out indoors too. Between the two, your skin loses water faster than it can replace it, which is what leaves it feeling tight, rough or flaky.
What's the best moisturiser for dry skin in winter?
Go for a cream or ointment rather than a lotion. They contain more oil, and that's what actually locks moisture into your skin. Ointments are the richest option and work well on very dry patches.
How often should I moisturise in winter?
There's no fixed number. Apply it whenever your skin feels tight or dry, which is often more than once a day once the heating's on. Emollients are very safe, so you genuinely can't overuse one.
Can a humidifier help with dry skin?
Yes, especially in the room you sleep in. Central heating lowers indoor humidity, and a humidifier puts some of that moisture back into the air, which takes pressure off your skin.
When should I see a pharmacist about dry skin?
If it's affecting your daily life, not improving, keeps coming back, or has spread all over your body, it's worth getting checked rather than sticking with the same routine. The same goes for a new rash, lump or swelling you're not sure about.
Is dry skin in winter a sign of eczema?
Not necessarily. Most winter dryness is just down to cold air and central heating. But if your skin gets very itchy, inflamed, or keeps flaring in the same spots, it's worth asking a pharmacist whether eczema could be behind it.
References
- NHS. Emollients. nhs.uk
- British Association of Dermatologists. Emollient use in skin conditions. bad.org.uk
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Emollients and how to use them. guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
- NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board. Dry skin. blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk
- NHS. Itchy skin. nhs.uk
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (NHS Wales). From slopes to sun loungers: protect your skin this winter. abuhb.nhs.wales
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.