How to Protect Your Skin in Winter | Dry Skin & Eczema Tips

Dean Cranney

4 days ago3 min read

When winter rolls around, your skin often feels the brunt of the cold, dry air. If you’ve ever dealt with chapped lips, flaky skin, or worsening eczema during colder months, you’re not alone. The combination of freezing temperatures, indoor heating, and low humidity can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it vulnerable to irritation, redness, and cracking.

So, how can you keep your skin healthy and hydrated all winter long? Let’s break down doctor-approved tips to protect your skin from the harsh winter elements.

Why Does Cold Weather Cause Dry Skin?

Winter air lacks humidity, meaning it pulls moisture from your skin. The problem worsens with exposure to:

✔️ Cold winds that damage the skin barrier

✔️ Indoor heating that creates an artificial dry environment

✔️ Hot showers that strip the skin’s natural oils

This combination makes it harder for your skin to retain moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

1. Hydrate Your Skin From the Inside Out

💧 Drink plenty of water – Even though you might not feel as thirsty in winter, your skin still needs hydration.

🥑 Eat healthy fats – Omega-3s found in fish, nuts, and seeds help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier.

🍵 Switch to herbal teas – Green tea and chamomile tea have skin-friendly antioxidants.

A close-up of a glass of water with ice cubes on a wooden winter-themed table — *Hydration starts from within—keep your skin glowing even in winter*

2. Use a Rich, Fragrance-Free Moisturizer

One of the best ways to prevent dry, cracked skin is by using the right moisturizer.

🔹 Choose thick, occlusive creams like those containing ceramides, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.

🔹 Avoid lotions with alcohol or fragrances, which can dry out and irritate sensitive skin.

🔹 Apply moisturizer immediately after showering while skin is still damp to maximize absorption.

A jar of fragrance-free moisturizer with a small spatula next to it — *A thick, hydrating cream is your winter skincare best friend*

3. Skip Hot Showers & Harsh Soaps

As comforting as a steaming hot shower may feel in winter, it’s one of the worst things for your skin.

🔥 Why? Hot water strips away your skin’s protective oils, making dryness and irritation worse.

🔹 Stick to lukewarm showers (under 10 minutes).

🔹 Use gentle, non-foaming cleansers instead of harsh soaps.

🔹 Pat (don’t rub) skin dry with a soft towel.

A person gently patting their face with a white towel in a well-lit bathroom. — A person using a soft towel to pat their face dry with a caption: *“Pat dry—don’t rub—to keep moisture locked in*

4. Protect Your Skin From Wind & Cold

🧣 Cover up exposed skin with scarves, gloves, and hats to shield from windburn and moisture loss.

🧤 Wear breathable fabrics—avoid wool directly on the skin if you have eczema or sensitive skin.

a person thrilled with her hat and gloves — Cover up exposed skin with scarves, gloves, and hats

5. Manage Eczema & Sensitive Skin in Winter

If you have eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, winter can be brutal on your skin.

✔️ Use a humidifier in your home to maintain moisture levels.

✔️ Apply petroleum jelly on sensitive areas to prevent chapping (lips, hands, elbows).

✔️ Wear cotton gloves at night with moisturizer for deep hydration.

✔️ Limit dairy and sugar intake—both can trigger eczema flare-ups.

Close-up of hands applying a thick white moisturizer — *Eczema-prone skin? Opt for barrier-protecting creams*

Final Thoughts: Happy Skin All Winter Long

With a few simple changes, you can keep your skin hydrated, soft, and irritation-free all winter. The key? Moisturize often, protect your skin from the elements, and avoid harsh products.