Skin and Hair
Dry Winter Skin? What Dermatologists Do for Their Own Skin in Winter 2026
Why does your skin get so dry in winter, and what fixes it? Cold air holds less moisture and indoor heating dries the air even more, so your skin loses water faster. Dermatologists who spoke to Prevention in November 2026 said they switch to a thicker cream, put moisturizer on while skin is still damp, and keep showers short and lukewarm. [1] Small changes like these fix most winter dryness.
Note: that Prevention article includes paid shopping links to one retailer, so this guide uses the advice and skips the product picks.
Short answer
- Switch from lotion to a thicker cream.
- Moisturize on damp skin right after washing.
- Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- Shorter, cooler showers with unscented soap.
- Run a humidifier at night if your heating is on.
Why winter dries you out
New York dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla told Prevention the harsh air leads to "dryness, flaking, tightness, and that 'winter itch,'" especially for people with eczema or sensitive skin. Dr. Mona Gohara added that travel, late nights and sleeping in party makeup make it worse. [1]
What the dermatologists said they do
From Prevention's November 11, 2026 article: [1]
- Thicker cream: Dr. Castilla swaps her lotion for a cream, because creams have more oils that slow water loss.
- Damp skin: apply moisturizer right after cleansing.
- Ingredients: glycerin and hyaluronic acid pull water into skin. Ceramides help the barrier. Dr. Gohara called glycerin and hyaluronic acid "gold standard" humectants.
- Layering: a hydrating serum or a weekly mask can help.
- Body: short, lukewarm showers, and moisturize while damp.
- Lips: balm often, and do not lick your lips.
Shower habits that help
Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal said in September 2026 to avoid very hot water and pick unscented soap, because fragrance can dry and irritate skin. For sensitive or eczema prone skin, she said soap only needs to go on the face, armpits and groin. If you shower more than once a day, use soap only once. [2]
Your winter routine (original)
Face, morning
- Rinse with lukewarm water or a creamy cleanser.
- Hydrating serum with glycerin or hyaluronic acid on damp skin.
- Cream moisturizer.
- Sunscreen. Winter sun and snow glare still count.
Face, night
- Gentle cleanser.
- Any treatment you use, like a retinoid, but cut back to fewer nights if you are flaking.
- Thick cream. On very dry nights, a thin layer of petroleum jelly on top.
Body
- Short, lukewarm shower.
- Pat dry, leave skin a bit damp.
- Body cream within a few minutes.
Easy home fixes (original)
- Humidifier in the bedroom.
- Cotton layers under wool to stop itching.
- Gloves outside so hands do not crack.
- Hand cream after every wash.
- Drink water, though it will not fix dry skin alone.
What to cut back on in winter (original)
- Foaming cleansers that leave skin tight.
- Strong exfoliating acids and scrubs.
- Long hot baths with bubble bath. Dr. Khetarpal said foaming bath products can dry and irritate, so rinse after if you use them. [2]
- Alcohol heavy toners.
When it is more than dry skin
If you have cracked skin that bleeds, a red itchy rash that spreads, or patches that will not heal, it may be eczema or another skin condition. That needs proper treatment, not just more cream.
Winter makeup on dry skin (original)
- Moisturize, then wait a few minutes before foundation.
- Choose cream or liquid products over powders.
- Set only where you get shiny, usually the nose.
- Mist with a hydrating spray if makeup looks flat.
- Remove makeup gently at night with a balm or oil cleanser.
FAQ
Is coconut oil a good moisturizer? It can work on the body. On the face it can clog pores for some people.
Should I exfoliate flakes? Gently and rarely. Moisture usually fixes flakes better than scrubbing.
Do I still need sunscreen in winter? Yes. UV is lower but not gone, and snow reflects it.
Quick takeaway
Winter air and indoor heat pull water out of skin.
Thicker cream on damp skin is the biggest fix.
Short, lukewarm showers with unscented soap.
Cut back on harsh cleansers and exfoliants until spring.