Winter Skincare for Dry Skin: Expert-Recommended Tips

Dry skin isn’t uncommon during winter. But why does it happen, and what’s the best winter skincare for dry skin? Below, we share expert insights and tips to help you moisturize, strengthen, and protect your skin.

We’ll discuss signs of dry skin, how to stop your skin from drying out, a simple skincare routine, and the best skincare ingredients for dry skin.

Signs of Dry Skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the following signs indicate dry skin:

• Dehydration - Dryness can cause noticeable fine lines and itchiness
• Flaky skin and rough texture - Dry skin starts flaking off, resulting in a rough skin texture
• Cracks and bleeding - Cracks form in the skin and may start to bleed
• Excessive itchiness - More itchiness than usual can cause pain or discomfort
• Skin infections - If your skin’s outer layer cracks and/or flakes off, germs can get in the skin and cause infection, which might look like skin discoloration or swelling

Why does skin get dry in winter?

Cold air, wind, and low humidity strip moisture from the skin, which is why it gets dry in winter, explains Dr. Hannah Kopelman, Dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at DermOnDemand.

“When we go inside, the dry heat from radiators or central heating systems can dry out skin even more,” says Dr. Kopelman. “Many people also enjoy taking hot showers in winter, but the hot water can actually remove natural oils your skin needs to stay hydrated.”

How to stop skin from drying out in winter?

The best winter skincare for dry skin includes using a humidifier, taking short baths and showers, staying hydrated, and wearing gloves. Below, we’ll discuss how you can do this to prevent or treat dry skin.

Use a humidifier 

Most people use a heating system during winter, which dries out the air and your skin. Dr. Kopelman suggests also using a humidifier to counteract this and moisturize the air. 

Consider using a humidifier in your office, bedroom, or anywhere you’re inside with heat for long hours. 

Keep showers short

“Although long, hot showers are appealing during winter, they can cause or worsen dry skin,” says Dr. Kopelman. Instead, opt for one daily shower for five to ten minutes at a lukewarm temperature.

When showering, you can also use a moisturizing soap, like Oakwell Cosmetics Brown Ale & Oats Beer Soap, which has healing oats and other natural ingredients to hydrate the skin.

Take minimal baths

Like showering, long, hot baths can dehydrate the skin, so don’t take them too often during winter.

If you want to enjoy the occasional bath during winter, stick to one to two short baths per week. To keep your skin from drying out in a bath, consider using Oakwell Cosmetics Baths Salts or Herbal Beer Bath Tea, which helps relax the body and hydrate the skin. 

Moisturize after showering/bathing

After you shower or bathe, apply lotion or moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Dr. Kopelman recommends moisturizing while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.

While many lotions contain hydrating ingredients, Dr. Kopelman suggests using a lotion with occlusive ingredients, like petrolatum, which form a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.

Wear gloves 

According to Dr. Kopelman, wearing gloves outside during winter is a simple way to help keep your hands from drying and cracking, especially if you'll be outdoors for an extended time.

You can even wear silicone gloves when washing dishes since overwashing and warm water can strip natural oils and dry the skin out.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water is crucial year-round, but it can especially benefit dry skin in winter, says Dr. Kopelman. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

Howard E. LeWine, MD, suggests drinking 15.5 cups of water for men and 11.5 cups for women daily. This can also include eating hydrating fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, celery, and tomatoes.

Adopt a winter skincare routine

If your skin becomes dry during winter, it’s important to change your skincare routine. 

Dr. Kopelman recommends applying the following for your daily winter skincare for dry skin:

• Gentle face wash with natural ingredients and ceramides, which are fatty molecules that protect the skin barrier
• Hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin for hydration
• Thick moisturizer with ingredients like squalane or shea butter for added moisture
• Sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to protect the skin against UV rays (even in winter!)
• Moisturizing body wash that’s cream-based for extra hydration
• Body lotion with natural ingredients, including hydrating oils to keep your skin from drying out

How to Choose Skincare Products for Dry Skin in Winter

When choosing products for your winter skincare, Dr. Kopelman recommends looking for the following ingredient categories:

• Humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid and glycerin) - Pull and retain water, keeping the skin moisturized
• Emollients (e.g., ceramides and shea butter) - Soothe and soften the skin
• Occlusives (e.g., petrolatum, oils, and dimethicone) - Form a protective layer on the skin and lock in hydration

“If you have sensitive skin, calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or aloe vera can also be beneficial,” explains Dr. Kopelman.

Oakwell Cosmetics for Winter Skincare for Dry Skin

Oakwell Cosmetics is a skincare brand that uses natural, gentle ingredients, including beer hops and barley, which contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties the skin loves. All products are also paraben, silicone, and cruelty-free. 

The following Oakwell Cosmetics products are great for managing dry skin during winter:

• Brown Ale & Oats Beer Soap - A soap bar made with healing oats and olive, coconut, and castor oil to soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin
• Peppermint Hop Lip Balm - A protective lip balm made with hydrating oils and a touch of menthol to lock in moisture, provide long-lasting hydration, and protect against harsh environmental conditions 
• Beer Body Lotion - A nourishing blend of beer ingredients, shea butter, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture
• Herbal Beer Bath Tea - A restorative blend of hops, malted barley, and eucalyptus that cleanses, hydrates, and minimizes dry, flaky skin
• Calming Beer Bath Salts - A soothing blend of Epsom salt, sea salt, barley, hops, colloidal oatmeal, and essential oils to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin while relaxing joints and muscles

Winter Skincare for Dry Skin: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful for managing your dry skin in winter. While keeping your skin hydrated helps most people prevent or alleviate dry skin, you can consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.