How to Combat Winter Dryness: Expert Tips for Hydrated Skin

Your skin may not care about the holidays, but it definitely reacts to the season. Cold air outside, low light, extra stress; it all shows. At Chicago Skin Clinic, patients often come in asking how to combat winter dryness when their usual routine starts falling short. This time of year, your skin needs a little more support to stay comfortable, clear, and calm. And the sooner you start, the better it feels. Below are some of our expert tips for hydrated skin this winter.

Why Winter Wreaks Havoc On Your Skin

Cold air outside and dry heat indoors work together to zap moisture from your skin. There’s less humidity in the air during the winter months, and your skin can’t hold on to hydration as easily. Windy days, hot showers, and harsh fabrics only make things worse. The result is dry skin that feels uncomfortable and may even lead to irritation or flare-ups or certain skin conditions. 

Update Your Skincare Routine For Winter

What works in the summer might not cut it in December. Winter is a good time to switch to gentler, more hydrating skincare products. Start by replacing any foaming or gel cleansers with a cream-based or hydrating option. These tend to clean without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

Moisturizer is where the real magic happens. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, or squalane. You may want to use a thicker cream rather than a lightweight lotion, especially at night. Adding a facial oil on top can help lock in that hydration.

It’s also helpful to reduce the use of harsh exfoliants. Overdoing it with scrubs or strong acids can make dryness worse. If you exfoliate, aim for once a week and follow with plenty of moisture. 

For personalized skincare advice, schedule an appointment with our Chicago dermatology team!

Humidifiers For Dry Skin

The air in your home gets very dry in the winter, especially when the heat is constantly running. That lack of moisture continuously pulls water out of your skin, even while you sleep. Using a humidifier is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help.

Place a humidifier in your bedroom or any room where you spend a lot of time. Keeping the air more humid helps maintain your skin’s hydration levels and supports a healthy barrier. If you’ve been waking up with dry, tight, or itchy skin, a humidifier can make a noticeable difference. Pairing a humidifier with a good nighttime moisturizer makes for a skin-friendly winter duo. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. 

Hot Showers Can Make Dry Skin Worse

When it’s freezing outside, stepping into a steaming hot shower feels amazing, but it might be drying your skin out even more. Hot water strips away natural oils, weakening the protective barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.

Try to keep your showers lukewarm and limit them to 10–15 minutes. Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing, and moisturize right away while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap water in the skin and keeps it hydrated longer.

Sunscreen Is Essential 

Sunscreen might not be the first thing you think of when the skies are gray, but UV rays are still at work in the winter. Snow and ice can also reflect sunlight and increase your exposure during outdoor activities.

Daily sunscreen is important for protecting your skin and preventing UV-induced dryness. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and reapply as needed if you’re outdoors. Tinted sunscreens that you can incorporate into your skincare or a moisturizer-SPF hybrid can make winter sunscreen application easier if you’re prone to forgetting this crucial step. 

Don’t Forget Your Lips & Hands

When you’re focused on dry skin, it’s easy to overlook your lips and hands. However, these areas are often the first to show signs of winter damage. They’re exposed, have thinner skin, and don’t produce much oil, which makes them more vulnerable in cold and dry conditions.

Give these spots some extra care by choosing the right products. For lips, use a balm that includes ingredients like shea butter or lanolin to protect and soften. For hands, a thick hand cream or a quality lotion for dry skin can help restore the skin’s barrier. Reapply throughout the day and after washing your hands or spending time outside.

At night, layer on your hand cream or lip balm before bed to help your skin repair itself while you sleep. You can also wear cotton gloves or use a hand mask or a lip mask as part of your bedtime routine to lock in hydration.

Know It Might Not Be Just Dry Skin

If your skin stays persistently red, flaky, or inflamed, it may not be seasonal dryness alone. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis often flare up in the winter. These issues can mimic regular dryness but need different care strategies.

At Chicago Skin Clinic, our board-certified dermatologists can help diagnose the difference between typical dry skin and an underlying condition. If over-the-counter moisturizers aren’t doing the trick, or your skin feels itchy and irritated no matter what you do, it may be time to schedule a visit.

We also offer professional treatments and prescription-strength products that support your skin through every season.

Don’t Let Dry Skin Take Over This Season

Winter may be tough on your skin, but with the right habits and support, you don’t have to spend the season feeling dry or uncomfortable. From small changes in your routine to targeted treatment options, you’ve got plenty of ways to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long. If you’re dealing with stubborn dryness or are unsure what your skin needs right now, the team at Chicago Skin Clinic is here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation and get personalized care that fits both your skin and the season.

Posted by Chicago Skin Clinic