In winter, many people notice the same thing. The skin starts to feel tight, itchy and flaky. Hands crack, lips become sore and the skin feels dry again soon after a shower. This is common, and it does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Winter is a hard season for skin, so care can also be a little gentler and richer.
If you want quick relief#
Often the biggest help comes from three things. Shorten hot washes, moisturise right after washing and protect the skin outdoors. When these become routine, many people notice a difference within a few days.
Change the winter routine, not just the cream#
In winter, skin often needs a different rhythm than in summer. A richer cream alone does not always help if washing, time outdoors and dry indoor air keep stripping the skin. The best change is usually a whole winter routine. Wash with lukewarm water, apply cream immediately after washing, wear gloves outside and use protective gloves for wet chores.
If the skin cracks before moisturiser becomes part of the routine, care starts from behind. Prevention is easier than repairing broken skin. For many people, hands and lips should start getting moisturised as soon as the weather turns colder, not only once the skin is already sore.
Why skin dries out in winter#
Cold outdoor air is dry and heated indoor air dries the skin further. Hot showers and frequent washing also remove some of the skin's own protection. Then the skin surface loses moisture more easily, and small irritants start to feel larger.
For some people, the dryness is stronger. The background may be atopic skin, age, lots of handwashing or a medicine that makes the skin more sensitive. Often, though, the cause is simply a mix of everyday factors.
A routine that usually works#
Washing#
Lukewarm water and a mild cleanser are usually the best winter choice. Long hot showers feel good for a moment, but they can increase dryness because the skin is left less protected afterwards. When you wash, it is often enough to cleanse the sweaty and dirty areas. The whole body does not need to be soaped every time.
Moisturising#
Apply cream immediately after washing while the skin is still slightly damp. That often feels better and calms the skin faster. For dry hands and feet, many people need a much richer product in winter than in summer.
If the skin is sensitive and reddens easily, a fragrance-free cream is often the safest choice. If the skin is thick, rough and flaky, a mild urea cream can help soften the surface. If the skin is cracked and broken, a very rich cream or a cream that forms a protective film often feels best.
Protection#
Gloves outdoors and protective gloves for housework reduce drying more than many people expect. If your hands crack easily, night-time care can be important. A rich cream and cotton gloves can help a lot in just a couple of nights.
Areas that dry out easily#
Lips#
Lips dry out easily because they do not have the same oil glands as the rest of the skin. A lip product used often, especially before going outdoors, is usually the simplest solution. If the lips keep getting sore, lip licking and strongly flavoured products can make the cycle worse.
Hands#
Hand problems often relate to washing and to cold air and wind hitting the skin directly. Hand cream right after washing is the key routine. If you only remember cream occasionally, keep one tube by the sink and another by the front door.
If the hands crack, a rich cream at night and, if needed, a small protective dressing over the crack can speed healing.
Heels and soles#
The heel skin is thick and many people still get dryness there quickly. A urea foot cream can soften the skin, and a rich cream at night under a sock helps keep moisture in. If a heel cracks deeply or bleeds, it is worth calming it early so walking does not become painful.
If the soles itch, sting or show clearly bordered flaking, a fungal problem can sometimes be behind it. In that case cream alone may not be enough.
Atopic skin in winter#
Atopic skin dries easily, and winter can worsen symptoms fast. Regular use of a basic emollient is often the most important thing. If the skin becomes inflamed and starts to redden or itch strongly, it should be assessed. If you have previously been told to use a medicine cream, use it according to the guidance you received.
When to contact healthcare services in Finland#
Contact healthcare services if the skin becomes clearly red, warm or oozing. Assessment is also important if cracks are deep, painful or repeatedly start bleeding, or if the itching is so strong that sleep is disturbed for weeks.
Seek assessment as well if the rash spreads quickly or your general condition worsens.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: