Your Guide to Healthy Winter Skin

11/29/2024

Cold weather can irritate your skin, causing it to become dry, itchy and flaky. Learn what steps you can take to prevent dry winter skin as the temperature drops.

By Lucie Bandelac, MD, Family Medicine Resident, Nuvance Health Medical Practice

Living in the Northeast, we are no strangers to the cold weather. As the cool air sweeps in, it often leaves our skin feeling dry and itchy. Recognizing signs of dry skin is the first step, but with some helpful tips, you can keep it soft and healthy all winter long.

How to tell if you have dry skin

Some common signs of dry skin include:

Itchiness
Flakiness
Rough patches
Cracks
Stinging/burning when applying lotion

Ways to prevent dry, itchy and flaky skin throughout the winter

1. Use sunscreen to protect yourself against harmful UV rays

Sunscreen is a must, no matter the temperature. Whether it’s 30 or 80 degrees out, we are still exposing ourselves to skin-damaging ultraviolet rays. Spending time outside shoveling snow, going for a walk or building a snowman with your kids? Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed areas, like your face, to protect your skin.

2. Moisturize your skin with a thick ointment to lock in moisture

When your skin feels dry, it’s a sign it’s thirsty! Apply moisturizer whenever your skin is dry and also after a bath or shower. Keep in mind: Not all moisturizers are created equal.

Ointments are thick moisturizers that contain the least amount of water and the highest amount of oil, making them more effective at protecting your dry, itchy skin. Ointments like petroleum jelly work very well at locking in moisture.

Creamcontain slightly more water and less oil than ointment. This is perfect for people who don’t like the greasy feeling of ointment.

Lotions have the highest water content and the least oil.

When choosing a cream or lotion, products with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter or hyaluronic acid are great options because they soak deep into your skin.

Don’t forget about your lips! Use lip ointment to keep them smooth and hydrated to prevent chapping. Lips can become chapped very quickly and easily, so be sure to keep lip balm on you and reapply as often as needed.

Keep a bottle of moisturizer by your sink so you can easily moisturize after taking a shower or washing your hands. You might also find it helpful to keep a small bottle of moisturizer on hand so you can use it when you’re on the go.

3. Stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent dry skin

This is a friendly reminder to drink your water. Hydration is essential year-round, but it’s especially important during the winter when cold air dries out your skin. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to make it easier to stay hydrated while on the go. Staying hydrated from the inside out helps your skin retain its natural moisture and stay healthy.

4. Bundle up before going outside to prevent skin exposure to cold air

Dressing in layers can help protect your skin against the chilly, outdoor elements. Wearing items like a hat, scarf and gloves before heading out on a walk or hike helps keep your body warm and shields your skin from direct exposure to the cold.

Before heading outside, dress according to the weather. If your children are eager to go outside and play in the snow, bundle them up in snow pants and a snow jacket. Lace-up their snow boots to stay warm and protected from the cold air and snow.

5. Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air

Cranking up the heat can make your indoor air quality very dry. This can strip moisture from the air and, in turn, pull moisture from your skin. Consider using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This can prevent your skin from drying out, ease coughing, soothe dry eyes and even help you sleep better at night. If you experience these symptoms for a prolonged amount of time, consider making an appointment with your primary care physician.

Book now with a Nuvance Health primary care provider near me.

6. Eat a healthy diet to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to promote healthy skin

Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high in antioxidants can help your skin stay healthy during the winter. Try adding foods like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, berries and spinach to your weekly meals to ensure your body gets the nourishment it needs.

7. Avoid using products that irritate and dry out your skin

When choosing skincare products, look for options that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free. These ingredients can strip your skin of moisture and may cause a stinging or burning sensation, especially if your skin is already dry and cracked or sensitive. Gentle, hydrating products are your best bet.

How to manage eczema and psoriasis during winter

Winter can be especially challenging for those with eczema or psoriasis as flare-ups become more frequent. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential to maintaining a healthy skin barrier and reducing irritation.

Studies show that limiting bathing to once a day and using thick moisturizers resulted in fewer flare-ups and the need for topical corticosteroids. When choosing a moisturizer, look for one containing glycyrrhetinic acid (a natural anti-inflammatory agent) to soothe eczema- and psoriasis-prone skin and minimize flare-ups.

If you notice a rash on your skin and you are unsure if it’s eczema or psoriasis, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Find a Nuvance Health primary care provider near me.

The bottom line: Dry skin is very common during the winter but is manageable with the right care. Keep your skin healthy by moisturizing regularly, staying hydrated and nourishing your body with healthy foods.

Your guide to healthy winter skin