When temperatures drop, many people notice their skin becoming dry, itchy or irritated. Winter air has less humidity, and indoor heat pulls even more moisture from your skin. The result? A disrupted skin barrier that can leave you uncomfortable all season long.

In this article, Nebraska Medicine dermatologist Georgeanne Cornell, DO explains how cold weather affects your skin, and what you can do to protect it.

How cold weather affects your skin

Dry winter air leads to:

• Reduced moisture in the skin, which makes it easier for your skin to crack or itch.
• Increased water loss from indoor heating.
• Weakened skin barrier, making irritation more likely.

If you have naturally dry skin or conditions like eczema, winter can make symptoms worse.

9 tips for cold weather skin care

1. Keep showers warm, not hot.

“Hot water may feel great, but it can strip your skin and worsen dryness,” says Dr. Cornell. “Choose warm showers or baths instead. After bathing, pat your skin dry to leave a little moisture behind and immediately apply a thick moisturizer to lock it in.”

2. Choose the right moisturizer.

Lotions that come in pumps are often too thin for winter skin. Look for:

• Creams (thicker formulas that typically come in a tub or jar).
• Ointments (like plain petroleum jelly) for very dry, cracked or irritated skin.

“Creams and ointments create a strong barrier and help your skin hold moisture,” says Dr. Cornell. “Aquaphor® is another popular and effective option, but some people react to the lanolin in it.”

3. Take extra care of your hands.

Frequent handwashing, cold air and harsh soaps can make hands especially dry in winter.

To heal dry hands:

• Use the same thick creams or ointments you use on your body.
• Try occlusion at night: apply a thick layer of ointment, then put on cotton gloves before bed.
• Switch to gentle, hydrating soaps.

Often, an overnight moisturizing treatment can be just as helpful as applying moisturizer throughout the workday.

4. Use sunscreen year-round.

The sun still affects your skin in cold weather. Apply sunscreen daily, especially on the face.

5. Adjust your face products.

“Winter is a good time to scale back on harsh or drying skincare ingredients,” says Dr. Cornell. “Even if you tolerate them well in the summer, they may irritate your skin more when the air is dry.”

Consider cutting back on:

• Retinols.
• Glycolic acid.
• Salicylic acid.
• Other exfoliating acids (like alpha hydroxy acids).
• Products with heavy fragrance.

You may need to use these products only a couple of times per week — or pause them until spring. Overusing harsh or drying ingredients in winter can worsen irritation or cause peeling.

6. Try hydrating ingredients

“Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that helps the skin hold onto water,” says Dr. Cornell. “It’s fine to use in winter but remember that many hyaluronic acid serums are thin. You may still need a thicker cream on top for a stronger barrier.”

Some people like shea butter for very dry skin. It can be soothing on the body but avoid it on the face if you’re prone to clogged pores.

7. Consider a humidifier.

A humidifier can add moisture back into dry indoor air, which helps keep your skin hydrated. It’s not essential for everyone, but it can be especially helpful if you struggle with winter dryness year after year.

8. Choose gentle soaps.

Mild, hydrating cleansers are best. Options include:

• Dove® hydrating bar or body wash.
• Vanicream® cleanser.

Avoid soaps that strip the skin or strongly scented products.

9. Adjust acne routines in winter.

Acne treatments can dry skin. So winter may require tweaks:

• Reduce retinoid or benzoyl peroxide frequency.
• Consider gentle face washes instead of harsh scrubs.
• Ask your dermatologist if a prescription topical antibiotic in a lotion base might help — it’s often less irritating.

“Pay attention to how your skin reacts,” says Dr. Cornell. “If your acne medications make your winter dryness worse, adjust the frequency or try a gentler option.”

When to see a dermatologist

Sometimes the skin barrier needs extra support, especially in harsh weather. It may be time to see a dermatologist if you’re trying these steps but are still dealing with:

• Cracked, painful or inflamed skin.
• Persistent eczema flares.
• Dryness that doesn’t improve.
• Acne that gets harder to control in winter.

A dermatologist can:

• Confirm whether you’re dealing with eczema, dermatitis or another condition.
• Prescribe topical steroids or anti-inflammatory creams to quickly calm irritation.
• Recommend a winter-specific skincare routine.
• Help you prepare before winter if dryness is a yearly issue.