When winter and the cold hit, it’s not just the temperature that drops. Humidity levels drop too and as a result, our skin becomes dry, itchy, red, flaky, or even cracked. It seems like everyone goes through it!
The good news? With a few simple changes to your routine and habits, you can really protect your skin during winter, prevent irritation and stay comfortable.
Cold outdoor air, dry indoor heating, fluctuating temperatures and hot showers create a perfect storm for irritated skin. This constant back-and-forth weakens the skin barrier ‒ the protective layer that locks in moisture and keeps irritants out. When it’s compromised, water evaporates faster, your skin becomes sensitive and it loses its glow.
That’s why your skin can look and feel very different in winter than it does in summer. Even oily skin can suddenly become dry and uncomfortable. You don’t need to overhaul your routine; just adjust a few key habits.
Here are 11 practical tips to get through winter without sacrificing your skin barrier.
Start by reviewing your facial cleanser. Skip harsh formulas, strong scents, and anything that strips your skin. In winter, your skin needs extra gentleness. Creamy, oily, or “milky” cleansers remove impurities without robbing your skin of its natural oils.
The same goes for your body. You don’t need to lather up from head to toe every day. Dermatologists agree: washing your face, hands, feet, and skin folds once a day is enough. You can rinse your torso, arms, and legs daily, but soap isn’t necessary every time. Less irritation, more comfort.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent dry winter skin is to apply moisturiser immediately after washing while your skin is still slightly damp. This traps water and keeps your skin hydrated longer.
In winter, go for richer creams. Light summer lotions usually aren’t enough. Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea, and repair ingredients like ceramides. Avoid alcohol, dyes, and perfumes, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Certain ingredients are winter heroes. Humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerine draw in water, emollients like coconut or plant oils soften skin, and occlusives like petroleum jelly, beeswax, or shea butter form a protective layer to lock in moisture.
If your skin still feels dry, adding a small amount of occlusive as the last step (often called “slugging”) can make a big difference, especially on hands, lips, or cheeks.
We’ve all done it: coming in from freezing cold and jumping into a steaming hot shower because it feels so good. Unfortunately, water that’s too hot quickly strips your skin’s natural lipids and weakens the skin barrier. As a result, your skin can feel even drier and tighter a few minutes after drying off.
The best option is a lukewarm shower that lasts around ten minutes. As soon as you get out, gently pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing, then apply your cream.
Tip: This applies to your scalp too. In fact, year-round it’s recommended to use lukewarm water when washing your hair. Lukewarm water keeps hair hydrated, reduces frizz, and prevents color from fading, while protecting your scalp from dryness and irritation.
Indoor heating dries out the air, which dries out your skin. A humidifier can literally transform your environment and help your skin stay supple. If you use one, just be sure to clean it regularly to prevent bacteria or mold buildup.
Even in winter, the sun matters. UV rays pass through clouds and reflect off snow. Even on gray days, they can damage skin and weaken the barrier.
A moisturising sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is a great habit, even in winter. For physical protection, a scarf, hat, or other head covering and a good pair of gloves reduce the impact
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface and can make skin dull or rough. But don’t overdo it! In winter, once or twice a week is plenty, and gentle scrubs are best. Coarse scrubs can irritate already sensitive or cracked skin.
If your skin seems inflamed or very irritated, skip exfoliation for a few days or weeks to allow it to heal.
Your comfort in winter also depends on what you wear and how you do things. Rough or synthetic fabrics can irritate dry skin, while cotton and natural fibers are gentler. For your hands, protective gloves can work wonders: warm gloves for going outside, silicone gloves for washing dishes or cleaning. Every little bit counts to limit exposure to cold, hot water, and irritating products.
Even in cold weather, even if it doesn’t seem quite as refreshing as on a hot summer day, drinking water is essential. Drinking enough helps your body, and your skin, function properly.
Omega-3s and antioxidant-rich foods like nuts, fatty fish, colorful fruits, and green veggies also support healthy skin from within.
Keep an eye on your skin year-round. It’s not just about dryness; redness, itchiness, rashes, or spots can signal health issues.
You can even do it from home. The Bonjour-santé membership gives unlimited access to an AI dermatological tool. Upload two photos, and it analyses your skin, helping guide your next steps. With over 80,000 dermatology-reviewed images, it’s over 90% accurate!
If your skin remains red, cracked, or painful, or you notice persistent patches, it may be time to see a professional. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can worsen in winter and sometimes need specialised care.
Bonjour-santé helps you search for appointments for free with doctors or nearby clinics anytime. Plus, the membership gives access to a variety of services to help you get the care you need: automated appointment search, e-consults with Bonjour-santé nurses, virtual consultations with pharmacists, search for appointments with a dermatology or any specialist, and support from liaison nurses to help you find the appointments you need with specialists or for specialised tests.
Winter can be tough on your skin, but with a little care, it can stay soft and comfortable all season. Hydrate, protect, watch your skin, adjust your routine, and most importantly, listen to your skin. Follow these simple tips, and your skin will thank you while you breeze through winter!
