Last updated: October 28, 2026
Cold air outside and dry, heated air inside can leave your skin tight, flaky and itchy. The good news is that small changes to how you wash, moisturize and protect your skin make a real difference.
This guide brings together dermatologist-backed tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to keep your skin comfortable all winter, and explains when dry skin needs a dermatologist’s help.
Signs your skin needs extra care in winter
Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed, according to the AAD. You may notice:
- Tightness after washing
- Rough, flaky, dull or ashy-looking patches
- Itching
- Cracked skin on the hands or heels, and chapped lips
Dermatologist tips for winter skin
1. Keep showers and baths short and warm
Limit showers and baths to 5 to 10 minutes in warm, not hot, water. Closing the bathroom door helps keep the air humid. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
2. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
Look for cleansers labeled “gentle” and “moisturizing” and avoid ones with alcohol, which can dry the skin. For your body, creamy liquid, gel or mousse cleansers labeled fragrance-free are good choices. Use just enough to clean, without building a thick lather.
3. Moisturize while your skin is still damp
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer right after bathing, while your skin is still damp, to trap moisture in. Reapply after washing your hands and whenever your skin feels dry. Take time to massage it in gently.
4. Switch to a richer moisturizer
Light lotions may not be enough in cold, dry weather. The AAD suggests creams, oils or balms for the face and ointments or creams for the body. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient, and if you have eczema, products with petrolatum, shea butter or silicones can help. For what to look for in each product, see our guide to the best products for dry winter skin.
5. Protect your lips and hands
Use lip balm or petroleum jelly to keep lips hydrated. Wear gloves outdoors and when washing dishes, and carry a non-greasy hand cream to apply after each hand wash.
6. Run a humidifier
Adding moisture to the air helps dry skin. A humidifier in your bedroom, running while you sleep, is a simple option. Clean it regularly to prevent mold.
7. Choose soft, loose clothing
Tight clothes and fabrics like wool can rub and irritate dry skin. Loose cotton clothing, or a cotton or silk layer under wool, is gentler.
8. Keep wearing sunscreen
UV rays reach your skin year-round. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, especially your face, every day.
9. Stop anything that stings or burns
If a product burns, stings or irritates your skin, stop using it and tell your dermatologist.
How to treat dry skin on your face
Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body. To ease dry skin on your face:
- Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, moisturizing cleanser, using your fingertips rather than a washcloth.
- Apply a cream or balm moisturizer right after washing, while your skin is still damp.
- If your skin feels raw, ask your dermatologist whether to pause exfoliating or strong anti-aging products for a while.
- Use sunscreen every morning.
For more on building a simple routine, see our skin care tips.
When dry skin may be a skin condition
Sometimes very dry skin is a sign of an underlying condition such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis or kidney disease, according to the AAD. Without treatment, both the dryness and the condition can get worse. Our guide to winter skin flare-ups explains how cold weather affects eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and hives.
See a board-certified dermatologist if your skin stays dry despite these tips, cracks or bleeds, or anything you apply burns or stings. Your dermatologist may recommend a prescription moisturizer or a short course of medicine to calm inflammation. Learn more about atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and hives, or read our guide to moisturizers and skin care for eczema.
Struggling with winter skin? Book an appointment at Trillium in Chapel Hill, Smithfield or Burlington. Call 919-710-8100 or schedule online.
Frequently asked questions
Cold, dry air outdoors and heated air indoors pull moisture from the skin. Long hot showers, harsh cleansers and rough fabrics can make it worse.
Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, moisturizing cleanser, apply a cream or balm moisturizer while your skin is still damp, and use sunscreen every morning. Stop any product that stings or burns.
Richer products than in summer. Dermatologists suggest creams, oils or balms for the face and creams or ointments for the body, applied right after bathing.
Yes. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin every day, all year.
Yes. Adding moisture to the air helps dry skin. Running a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep is an easy option. Clean it regularly to prevent mold.
If your skin stays dry despite good care, cracks or bleeds, or reacts to everything you apply. Very dry skin can be a sign of a condition such as eczema or psoriasis that needs treatment.
About Dr. Weiss
Stefan C. Weiss, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, the medical director of Trillium Clinic and an adjunct professor of dermatology at Brown University. He trained at Duke University School of Medicine and Stanford University Medical Center, has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed abstracts, posters and manuscripts, and has over two decades of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to treat dry skin: dermatologist tips for relief.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Your winter skin survival kit.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Face washing 101.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs.
This article is for general education and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. A board-certified dermatologist can tell you which treatment is right for you.
