Dry Skin in Winters: Causes, Home Remedies & Prevention Tips 

Introduction

Ever noticed how once the temperature drops, your skin starts feeling dry? You’re not alone! That tight, itchy, and sometimes flaky feeling is the unofficial sign that winter has arrived. We all love cozy sweaters and hot drink but what about our skin? It has a much harder time, between the chilly air outside and the central heaters inside, it can feel like a battle just to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable¹.

But don’t worry! This doesn’t mean you have to suffer throughout the winter season. In this blog, we’re going to understand the reasons behind this seasonal dryness and share some easy-to-follow tips that will transform your skin from irritated to smooth and happy again. 

Why Does Skin Get Dry in Winter?

Dry skin, also medically known as xeroderma or xerosis, is often irritating. This condition can be caused by a variety of contributing factors:  

• Environmental factors like extreme cold weather, low humidity and intense sunlight².
• Frequent and prolonged hot showers and use of harsh chemical soap².
• Direct contact with harsh chemicals used for household cleanings².
• Medical skin conditions like allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scabies, bacterial, or fungal infections².
• Other medical conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism and Sjogren syndrome (autoimmune condition causing dry skin, eyes and mouth). 
• Dehydration as a result of excessive sweating combined with insufficient fluid intake².
• Malnutrition particularly deficiency associated with vitamin A, D, zinc or iron².
• Aging, which leads to skin thinning and decreased natural oil production³. 

In the winter season especially, the chilly air outside naturally contains very little moisture, causing the surrounding atmosphere to become quite dry. This lack of humidity aggressively draws water away from the skin’s surface. Because of this constant moisture loss, the skin’s outer protective layer can become temporarily weakened, leading to the familiar feelings of dryness, tightness, and sometimes a flaky or itchy texture. It is essential to keep your skin moisturised throughout the colder months to help seal in hydration¹.

Symptoms of Dry Skin in Winter

When skin lacks adequate moisture, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like^3,4 : 

• Scaling, flaking, or peeling skin 
• Rough skin texture 
• Skin tightness, often exacerbated after bathing 
• Itching (Pruritus) 
• Fine cracks in the skin that may occasionally bleed 
• Redness or inflammation 

While dry skin can affect any part of your body, it is most often noticed on the hands, feet, arms, and lower legs. 

Home Remedies for Dry Skin in Winter

Winter dry skin can be quite frustrating, but there are a few home remedies you can try out to keep your skin moisturised and hydrated during these months: 

1. Oils

Plant-based oils such as coconut, olive and jojoba are packed with natural emollients and fatty acids, making them excellent skin hydrators. They create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss and provide nourishing vitamins and antioxidants to the skin⁵.  Apply the oil 15 to 20 minutes before your shower. Wash it off using lukewarm water and avoid using any harsh chemical soaps. 

2. Aloe Vera 

This natural gel obtained from the aloe vera plant makes the flaky top cells of skin stick together and helps soften dry skin. The amino acids in it also help smooth out any hardened skin cells, while zinc aids in tightening the pores. It thus helps in moisturizing dry skin and improving skin integrity⁶. Aloe Vera gel can be applied both before and after your shower. Use just enough so that the application is not too sticky. You can also use this as part of your night care regimen. 

3. Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal (finely ground and then boiled) contains moisturising, cleansing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for many skin conditions, especially dry skin⁷. Mix this colloidal oatmeal with milk or plain water and apply it 15 to 20 minutes before shower. 

4. Yogurt

Yogurt contains lactic acid, which works as a good moisturiser providing hydration to the skin. It helps lock-in moisture and gives a smooth supple skin⁸. Apply yogurt on your skin before shower and leave it for 20 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water. 

5. Honey and Milk

Honey offers numerous skin benefits such antimicrobial and wound-healing effects and is a popular ingredient in many cosmetic products. Furthermore, it possesses valuable humectant and moisturising properties making it suitable as for application on dry skin⁹. Honey and milk can be combined and used as a moisturising face pack. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off first with lukewarm water.  

6. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a thick, odourless greasy substance derived from petroleum (a mixture of oily liquids found in the earth). It is used topically to prevent skin dryness and to aid in the healing of scrapes and burns¹⁰. Petroleum jelly can be applied to skin immediately after a bath to form a protective barrier that locks in moisture. 

7. Shea Butter 

Shea butter is the fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It supports in fast healing of small wounds, cuts and scrapes. In addition to its role as an anti-inflammatory agent, it also provides natural UV protection and acts as a good moisturiser^11,12. Apply shea butter as a moisturiser immediately after your shower while your skin is still damp to maximize moisture retention. 

If these don’t provide relief or you have intense itchiness, you may need a commercially formulated dry skin moisturizer. If inflammation is present, a cool compress may be used, and a mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone product may be needed³.

Note: Home remedies may help to reduce your dry skin to some extent, but results may vary from person to person. These remedies should not be replaced with any medical advice or treatments for medical condition related skin dryness. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or underlying skin conditions. 

How to Prevent Dry Skin in Winters?

Overcome winter’s harsh effects on skin with essential skincare adjustments to keep your skin hydrated and healthy ^3,2: 

• Limit your shower time to 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Avoid using hot water for bath, instead use lukewarm water. Excessively hot temperatures can wipe off your skin’s natural oily layer and loose moisture. 
• Replace harsh, traditional soaps with gentle, moisturising cleansers that have a lower, skin friendly pH to prevent dryness and itching. 
• Avoid scrubbing vigorously while showering and when drying off, gently pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing. 
• Moisturise frequently (2-3 times daily or as needed) using home-remedies, oil-based creams or ointments, or commercially available moisturisers. Applying them to slightly damp skin right after bath will help to lock-in moisture and prevent water loss. 
• Choose soft, comfortable clothing, avoiding rough fabrics like wool if you have a sensitive skin, and wash them using dye and fragrance-free detergents to prevent skin irritation. 
• Use room humidifiers in the winter to help restore moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying. 
• Maintain skin hydration from inside by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can directly lead to dry skin. 
• Eating foods high in vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants helps your skin hold moisture and increases natural oil (sebum) production¹.

By consistently incorporating these simple, protective steps, ranging from bath time adjustments to daily hydration and moisturizing, you can successfully deal with dry winter skin and maintain a healthy, comfortable skin throughout the season. 

When to Consult a Doctor?

While most cases of dry winter skin can be managed at home, certain symptoms require professional medical attention like³: 

• You experience intense itching that lacks a visible rash. 
• The dryness and itching are severe enough to disturb your sleep. 
• You have open cuts or sores resulting from scratching. 
• Home remedies or self-care measures fail to relieve your dryness and itching 
• Dryness is associated with other skin-related conditions like allergies/eczema 

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if these severe symptoms arise, a doctor can determine if your dry skin requires a treatment or is a sign of an underlying skin condition. 

Conclusion

Dry skin is very common for many people during the winter months; it’s generally considered a normal seasonal reaction rather than a serious concern. It is often manageable with simple care. 

Moisturising regularly and staying well-hydrated are the crucial steps to keep your skin happy. While certain home remedies such as plant and mineral oils, aloe-vera gel, oatmeal, milk and yoghurt can provide relief, it is essential to consult a doctor if you experience any significant discomfort or if your symptoms begin to worsen. A happy skin is a silent sign of your overall well-being, that glows when you nourish it well. Let’s make a dedicated effort every winter to achieve happy, well-moisturized skin. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Stepping Up Your Winter Skin Care Routine | VA Washington DC health care | Veterans Affairs [Internet]. Veterans Affairs. 2023 [cited 2025 Dec 4]. Available from: https://www.va.gov/washington-dc-health-care/stories/stepping-up-your-winter-skin-care-routine/ 

2. Gade A, Matin T, Rubenstein R. Xeroderma [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565884/ 

3. Dry skin – self-care: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000751.htm 

4. Dry skin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000835.htm 

5. Abdalla S, Aroua MK, Gew LT. A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Cosmetic Oils (Virgin Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil): Chemical and Biological Properties and Their Cosmeceutical Applications. ACS Omega. 2024 Oct 25;9(44). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11541506/ 

6. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple D. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology [Internet]. 2008;53(4):163. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/ 

7. Criquet M, Bertin. Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2012 Nov;183. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3508548/ 

8. Feng X, Shang J, Gu Z, Luo X, Chen Y, Liu Y. Lactic Acid Chemical Peeling in Skin Disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. 2024 Apr 1;Volume 17:901–9. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11055559/ 

9. Ediriweera ERHSS, Premarathna NYS. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee′s Honey – A review. AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda) [Internet]. 2012;33(2):178. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/ 

10. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms [Internet]. Cancer.gov. 2025. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/petroleum-jelly 

11. Treesh SA, Saadawi SS, Alennabi KA, Aburawi SM, Lotfi K, Ben Musa AS. Experimental study comparing burn healing effects of raw South African Shea butter and the samples from a Libyan market. Open Veterinary Journal [Internet]. 2020;10(4):431–7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7830171/ 

12. Aegeia Skin Care, LLC – 512736 – 02/17/2017 [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 16]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/aegeia-skin-care-llc-512736-02172017 
13. CDC. Diabetes and Your Skin [Internet]. Diabetes. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/diabetes-and-your-skin.html 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.