How to Take Care of Dry Skin in Winter

When temperatures drop and indoor heating kicks in, your skin can quickly go from comfortably hydrated to dry, itchy and tight. Cold, dry air outside, combined with warm, low-humidity conditions indoors, strips skin of its natural moisture. In this guide, we explain why dry skin in winter happens, how to recognise it, and how to relieve it with smart daily habits and high-quality products.

Understanding the root causes of winter dryness is the first step to restoring skin comfort. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening below the surface when your skin starts to feel dry and tight.

What Causes Dry Skin in Winter?

Winter’s climate is the primary culprit behind dry skin. Several environmental and lifestyle factors combine to strip the skin of moisture during this season, including:

Dry Air & Indoor Heating

Cold outdoor air holds less moisture than warm air, pulling hydration from the skin. Once indoors, heating systems further reduce humidity levels, depleting your skin’s moisture barrier.

Hot Water Exposure

Long, hot showers or baths feel comforting in winter but can strip away the skin’s natural oils. This leaves it vulnerable to dehydration and irritation, often leading to the classic "winter itch".

Cleansers that Strip your Skin

Many cleansers contain sulphates or alcohol, which can be harsh on the skin—especially in winter. Sulphates are surfactants that help cleansers foam, but they also strip away the skin’s natural oils, weakening the moisture barrier. Alcohol can have a similarly drying effect, disrupting the skin’s protective layer and leading to tightness, flaking, and increased sensitivity. This makes the skin more vulnerable to the drying effects of cold air and indoor heating.

Wind & Cold Temperatures

Harsh winds and freezing temperatures damage the outermost skin layer, accelerating water loss and increasing sensitivity, flakiness, and redness.

What Are the Signs of Dry Skin?

Tightness & Flakiness

You may experience a tight, rough sensation, especially after cleansing or exposure to cold weather. Flaky patches often develop on cheeks, legs, and arms.

Redness & Irritation

Dryness can cause itchiness, sensitivity, and a flushed appearance. Scratching can cause micro-tears, leading to further sensitivity and discomfort.

Dullness & Uneven Texture

When skin lacks moisture, dead skin cells build up, causing a lacklustre appearance and uneven tone.

Increased Sensitivity

Products that usually suit your skin might suddenly feel irritating. This is a sign your moisture barrier is compromised.

How to Take Care of Skin in Winter

Once you know the causes, it’s easier to take proactive steps to restore moisture and comfort. Here’s how to support your skin all season long:

Switch to Gentle Cleansers   

Use a gentle cleanser that’s free from sulphates, alcohol, and parabens. These formulations are less likely to disrupt your skin’s natural lipid barrier, which helps retain moisture and shield against environmental stressors.

Rethink Your Bath Routine

Take short, warm showers or baths under 10 minutes. Overexposure to hot water can damage your skin’s lipid barrier.

Soak with Mineral-Rich Bath Salts

Using a mineral bath soak can help relieve itchiness and replenish minerals. Choose blends with Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, and Pink Himalayan salt for added benefits. Soaking in mineral-rich salts softens the skin, enhancing absorption of moisturisers and oils applied afterwards.

Apply Moisturiser to Damp Skin

Moisturise immediately after your bath or shower while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. Use products rich in natural oils and emollients like shea butter to soften and protect the skin. Our Hydrating Body Lotion includes nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera juice, shea butter, and grapeseed oil to deliver deep, lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue.

Add a Facial Mask or Oil

Use a hydrating mask with hyaluronic acid, like our Watermelon Face Mask, two to three times a week to boost moisture levels. For daily nourishment, apply a Facial Oil—morning and night—to lock in hydration, support the skin barrier, and keep dryness at bay. As with any new product, patch test facial oils before use—especially if your skin is already dry or reactive.

Gently Exfoliate

Once a week, use a mild exfoliant—like a sugar scrub or fruit enzyme—to remove dead skin cells and improve product absorption. Over-exfoliating can further dry out winter skin, so limit scrubs to once weekly. Our Vanilla Latte Body Scrub with coffee grounds exfoliates while boosting circulation, while Raspberry Chia and Coconut scrubs offer gentle sloughing for sensitive skin.

Seal in Moisture with Body Oils

After applying lotion, layer with a body oil to lock in hydration and deliver essential nutrients. Our Body Oils, rich in plant-based emollients like jojoba and grapeseed oils, help soothe winter irritation, enhance elasticity, and leave skin feeling soft and nourished. Use daily after showering to maintain skin softness and elasticity.

Dress Smart

Wear breathable layers and avoid itchy fabrics like wool against bare skin. Choose soft cotton or silk for base layers.

Apply Sunscreen Daily

Even on grey or overcast days, UV rays can penetrate the skin and worsen dryness. Protect your skin year-round by applying a broad-spectrum SPF each morning.

Healthy, Hydrated Skin—All Season Long

Taking care of dry skin in winter is about more than just applying moisturiser. It involves understanding the environmental stressors that dry out the skin and making consistent adjustments to your routine. With the right habits and a few smart product choices—like gentle cleansers, facial masks, Hydrating Body Lotion, nourishing oils and exfoliating scrubs—you can maintain healthy, hydrated skin throughout the season. Don’t forget your lips and hands—use a gentle lip scrub like our Vanilla Coconut Lip Scrub and apply a nourishing balm and hand cream regularly to prevent cracking and discomfort.