Everyone’s skin gets dry throughout the winter, but you do not have to be fixed to months of flaky skin. Winter skincare explains why skin gets dry during the winter, signs of dry skin, tips on how to maintain a dry skin-free winter and how to cure dry skin on face overnight.
Table of Contents
Why does skin get dry in the winter?
Skin gets dry when it is not protected in and is not hydrated enough. Winter weather acts in a few ways to cause skin dryness. To start, cold air has less moisture than warm air. Because of this, in winter when skin is trying to draw moisture from the air, it is actually drawing moisture through evaporation on the skin’s surface.
Even when someone is inside the moisture in the air is being dried by the heating system which causes further skin dryness. Many individuals also try to get cozy in the winter by taking hot baths and showers. Keeping water on the skin does dry out skin and the hot water is a huge part of the problem.
Cold weather is also very harsh on your skin. Snow, wind , and ice can dry it out and even damage your skin barrier. Sun exposure during the winter can also lead to sunburn, which dries out the skin. In fact, if you live in an area with a lot of snow, the sun reflects off the white expanse, increasing your UV exposure.
What are the Signs of Dry Skin?
There are numerous signs of dry skin to look out for during the winter and also all year round.
- Feeling of tightness or itchiness
- Rough texture
- Flaky or peeling patches
- Fine lines or cracks
- Deeper cracks that may bleed
- Discoloration on the dry patches
- Ashy look and texture
- Sensation of stinging or burning
- Inflammation and irritation
- Possible infection if left untreated
Dry skin can happen anywhere on the body, though it’s most common on the face, hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Dry skin is more mutual in older people since your oil production slows down as you age. Climate and genetics also show a role in the development of dry skin. However, anyone can get dry skin at any point in their life. Read on to discover how to treat dry skin in the winter.
How to Cure Dry Skin on Face Overnight
Overnight skin repair process (skin regenerates faster at night – science-backed)
Step-by-step night routine:
- Gentle cleanse
- Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid + glycerin)
- Thick moisturizer
- Occlusive layer (petrolatum / sleeping mask)
- Ingredients proven to work overnight:
- Ceramides (repair barrier)
- Niacinamide (reduces inflammation)
- Urea (improves moisture retention)
- What to avoid at night:
- Retinoids (for very dry skin)
- Alcohol-based products
How to Treat Dry Skin in Winter?
Choose the Right Cleanser
Cleansing may be the maximum drying step of your skincare and body care routine, but picking a gentle, purifying face cleanser can ease the process. After washing your face, your face should feel clean and refreshed, not tight and stripped of moisture. You should also wash your face in lukewarm, not hot or cold, water. To keep the water from drying your skin, rinse your face quickly and keep showers and baths short.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Dry Skin in Winter
What to include:
Eating healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil)
Foods rich in:
- Omega-3
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Limiting caffeine & alcohol
Wearing breathable winter fabrics
Sleeping 7–8 hours (skin repair cycle)
Moisturize Regularly
To slow the skin’s water loss, it’s important to maintain the oil skin balance. Moisturizing is the best way to do this. In winter, it’s best to use a heavier moisturizer, especially at night. If your skin is very dry, you may add a facial oil or a healing ointment that contains petrolatum and urea.
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin in Winter
| Product Type | Price Range | Discount | Available On | Best For |
| Moisturizer for dry skin in winter | Under ₹100 | Seasonal offers | Amazon, Flipkart | Mild dryness |
| Best lotion for dry skin in winter | Under ₹100 | Festive sales | Nykaa, Amazon | Daily use |
| Best body lotion for dry skin in winter | Under ₹100 | App-only deals | Flipkart, Meesho | Full-body dryness |
Sunscreen Is a Must
Sunscreen Is a Must All year round skin is exposed to UV rays that cause skin aging and neglecting to wear sunscreen causes skin aging as well as skin irritation due to dryness. Wearing sunscreen is especially needed in snow sports because the sun reflects off the snow and can cause sun burns. Dragging the sun screen across the exposed skin on your the face, neck, and hands is a must.
Exfoliate Gently
We know that skin can get dry and lofty, and it can be tempting to take a heavy exfoliant and blast the skin, but this is a skin damaging and a bad solution to the problem. Using a powerful exfoliant in winter is okay, but it must be less frequent. For example, if you were previously exfoliating every day, and now you have to take time to drop it down to 1-2 times in the winter.
Lip and Hand Care
The skin of lips and face gets dried and chapped quickly because they are exposed to the elements a lot. Always apply a lip mask throughout the day and not just at night to help with this. Hand lotion should be applied after every hand wash, and a denser hand cream should be applied at night while sleep. Snow, ice, and wind can dry out your skin and damage your skin barrier. Skin can be exposed to the sun and also be sunburned, which dries out the skin.
Common Winter Skincare Mistakes That Make Dry Skin Worse
Examples:
- Washing face too often
- Skipping moisturizer after cleansing
- Using summer skincare products
- Ignoring hands, neck, and lips
Conclusion
Each winter season comes the inevitable dry skin that annoys us all. Unfortunately, it is also inevitable. Despite the cold weather, inside the home heating, and harsh winter winds, damaging the moisture barrier of our skin, causing skin dryness and irritation.
A routine is important. Changes in your routine such as avoiding hot showers, and, of course, moisturizing will help prevent the skin from cracking and causing irritation from winter’s dry skin. Supporting the skin from within is a great healthy routine change. Paying attention to your skin’s needs will help improve the way the skin looks and also the way that it feels and strengthen it for the long run. With the best care you will be able to enjoy all the seasons with smooth skin and best of all hydrated skin.