Winter Skin Care: Tips from a Dermatologist

3 days ago

3 min read

Dry skin in winter is a very common skin problem, especially when the humidity in the air drops and the skin quickly loses moisture. Strong wind, indoor heating and temperature changes also raise the risk of dry skin and flare-ups of chronic skin conditions. Adjusting your skincare and caring for your skin properly during this season helps protect the skin barrier and reduce irritation.

Why does skin get dry in winter?

Dry air: Low humidity is the main cause, making water evaporate from the skin faster.
Strong wind: Wind blowing on the skin draws moisture out of its outermost layer.
Indoor heating: Using a heater indoors lowers the humidity in the air even further.
Rapid temperature changes: Rapid changes in temperature, such as stepping from a warm room into the cold air, put stress on the skin.

Common skin problems in winter

Dry, cracked skin: Skin feels tight and less elastic, and in some areas deep cracks may form that become swollen and sore.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema): In people prone to eczema, symptoms flare up in winter, with red, swollen rashes, oozing and intense itching.
Flaking and facial redness: Even people without eczema may have more scaling or shedding of skin cells, and rosacea or facial redness may flare up as well.

Adjusting your skincare in winter

Use a richer moisturizer: Switch to a richer, thicker moisturizer such as a cream or ointment instead of a thin lotion.
Use humectants: Add humectants (ingredients that draw in moisture) such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and panthenol, applied to skin that is still damp.
Use occlusives: Layer an occlusive (an ingredient that seals moisture in) such as petrolatum and ceramides on top.
Adjust your environment: Wash your face less often and add a humidifier at home to raise the humidity in the air.

Bathing and skin care tips

Take short, warm showers: Bathe in warm (not very hot) water for no more than 10-15 minutes, because very hot water and long showers strip the skin of its natural oils.
Choose gentle products: Wash with a soap-free gentle cleanser and avoid regular bar soap, which removes the skin's natural oils.
Moisturize while skin is damp: After bathing, pat the skin until it is just damp and apply cream or lotion right away while the skin is still moist to lock in moisture.

Diet, hydration and sun protection

Nutrition and water: Drink enough water, at least 8 glasses a day, and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and olive oil.
Cut back on dehydrating drinks: Reduce coffee and alcoholic drinks, as they may cause the body to lose moisture.
You still need sun protection: Even when it is cold and cloudy, up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so apply sunscreen every day. Choose a formula with moisturizing components or a lightweight formula.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need sunscreen in winter? Yes. Even when it is cold and cloudy, up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, which puts you at risk of skin aging and skin cancer. Apply sunscreen every day and choose a formula with moisturizing ingredients or a lightweight texture.

What kind of cream should I use for dry skin in winter? Switch to a richer moisturizer such as a cream or ointment, combined with humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid and occlusives such as petrolatum and ceramides, applied while the skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

Why does eczema flare up in winter? In winter, humidity in the air is low and the skin barrier is weaker, so people prone to eczema develop red, swollen rashes, oozing and more intense itching. Regular moisturizing and avoiding very hot water help reduce flare-ups.

Do hot showers in winter really dry out the skin? Yes. Very hot water and overly long showers wash away the skin's natural oils, making the skin even drier. Take warm showers of no more than 10-15 minutes and apply cream right after bathing while the skin is still damp.

Winter skin care focuses mainly on preserving moisture and the skin barrier. If dry skin does not improve even after adjusting your care, or you have a red, swollen or severely itchy rash, consult a dermatologist at Siam Dermatology, call +66 61 448 7000 or contact us on LINE @siamderm.

Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026