Expert Tips to Combat Dry Winter Skin

We spoke to Emilie Fowler. MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, about treating dry skin in the winter.

Winter brings its own set of skincare challenges, with dry air and freezing temperatures creating a nightmare for our skin. Winter air brings a significant drop in humidity levels leading to dry, itchy and irritated skin, often compounded by the dehydrating effects of indoor heating and harsh winds. Dr. Fowler shares her expert advice on why winter skin dryness occurs and how to treat and prevent it effectively.

Why Does Skin Get So Dry in Winter?

The cold, humidity-free weather in the winter creates the perfect storm for dry skin. According to Dr. Fowler: “During winter, the temperature and humidity levels drop, which can lead to a loss of moisture in your skin. Indoor heating can also reduce the humidity in the air, further exacerbating dryness.” Essentially, the combination of colder outdoor air and dry, heated indoor environments are breeding grounds for moisture loss and leave the skin all of your body looking flaky and feeling tight, itchy and uncomfortable.

Additionally, the skin produces fewer of its natural oils in colder temperatures, making it harder for your skin barrier to remain hydrated and healthy. To add insult to injury, wind exposure can also strip the skin of its protective oils, making it more vulnerable.

Moisturize Like You Mean It

This is the time to invest in moisturizer and apply it as much as possible. Dr. Fowler emphasizes that “the mainstay of treating dry skin in winter is moisturizing!” Here are her tips on getting the most out of your moisturizer:

  • Choose Creams Over Lotions
    Creams tend to be thicker and more effective than lotions at retaining moisture. Don’t know the difference? Look for skincare products that come in jars or tubs and contain super-hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
  • Moisturize Immediately After Showering or Bathing
    Apply a moisturizer to damp skin right after bathing to lock in hydration. Dr. Fowler suggests moisturizing at least once daily, but if you are prone to dry skin, or have eczema, you may need to moisturize more frequently — there is no limit on the number of times you can moisturize per day.

Humidifiers Are Your Friend

Using a humidifier in your home — especially in the bedroom when you sleep — can help add moisture to the air, preventing your skin from drying out further in heated indoor environments.

Gentle Cleansers and Targeted Treatments

Use mild, hydrating cleansers instead of harsh soaps that can strip natural oils. For areas prone to extreme dryness, consider overnight treatments with thicker ointments.

Everyday Tips Keep Skin Hydrated in Winter

Your daily habits play a significant role in maintaining hydrated skin during the winter months. Dr. Fowler offers these tips:

Limit Hot Showers

As tempting as a long, hot shower might be on a cold day, Dr. Fowler advises limiting showers to less than 10 minutes and using lukewarm water. “Long, hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils and further exacerbate dry skin,” she explains.

Be Smart About Soaps

Avoid cleansing with harsh, lathering soaps that dry out the skin by stripping it of its natural oils. Dr. Fowler recommends using gentle options like Dove, Cerave or Cetaphil, and only applying soap to areas on the body that can harbor bacteria and odor.

Go Unscented

Fragrances and scented products can irritate sensitive or dry skin. It is tempting to use heavily fragranced laundry detergents, but switching to “free and clear” detergents, as well as unscented soaps and moisturizing creams are much better for your skin.

Use Sunscreen Year-Round

“Even though outdoors you may not feel the warmth of the sun, exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to skin cancer and contribute to signs of aging,” says Dr. Fowler. Don’t skip sunscreen — opt for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Dry Skin

While most cases of dry skin can be managed with proper care, there are times when professional help may be necessary. “Dry skin is common and typically resolves with at-home remedies and lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Fowler. “However, if your skin is unresponsive to at-home remedies, it may be time to see your dermatologist.”

Signs that tell you it’s time to see a dermatologist:

  • Persistent itching, burning or redness.
  • Cracking or bleeding skin.
  • Skin that’s unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments.
  • Signs of infection, such as swelling, pus or warmth around affected areas.

Dermatologists can evaluate your skin to determine whether your symptoms point to an underlying condition such as eczema or psoriasis. They can also recommend prescription-strength treatments and help customize a skincare routine.


How a Dermatologist Can Help Treat Severely Dry Skin

Dermatology providers are experts in all things skin-related and can provide a thorough evaluation to ensure your dry skin isn’t a symptom of a more serious condition. “We can help differentiate dry skin from alternative diagnoses such as eczema,” explains Dr. Fowler. Dermatologists can also prescribe treatments, such as medicated creams, ointments or therapies, to address severe dryness or any other related skin conditions effectively.

Emilie Fowler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Central Florida where she earned her BS in biomedical sciences. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and completed an internship in internal medicine at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. Her residency in dermatology took place at the University of California Los Angeles.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010, Schweiger Dermatology Group began as a single office in Midtown Manhattan with a mission to deliver high-quality dermatologic care without long waits. As demand grew, so did the practice. Today we have over 120 locations across 8 states with more than 400 of the nation's leading providers and were ranked as the number one practice nationally in cosmetic and reconstructive care by Castle Connolly. In 2023, we broadened our expertise by integrating allergy care into our services. We remain committed to offering exceptional medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology as well as comprehensive allergy services, ensuring patients receive expert care in a modern, state-of-the art environment.

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