A winter skin care routine for dry skin comes down to six swaps: shorter, warmer showers, a gentler cleanser, a thicker cream applied on damp skin, more moisture in the air, gloves and soft clothes, and sunscreen that stays in your morning routine. Dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) back each one.
This guide builds on our year-round skin care routine for dry skin. It shows only what to change when the weather turns cold and dry. Treat it as general guidance rather than medical advice.
Table of contents
- Why does dry skin get worse in winter?
- What should a winter skin care routine for dry skin include?
- How should you wash your skin in winter?
- Which moisturizer works best in cold weather?
- Do you still need sunscreen in winter?
- How do humidifiers, gloves and clothing change your routine?
- What should you stop using on dry skin in winter?
- How can you prevent dry skin in winter with a simple daily routine?
- When should you see a doctor about winter dry skin?
- What are some good skin care routines for dry skin in winter?
- What can you use for dry skin in winter?
- Winter skin care routine for dry skin: the short version
Why does dry skin get worse in winter?
Cold air carries less moisture, so your skin gives up more of its own. The AAD’s page on dry skin causes says the air holds less moisture when outdoor temperatures fall, and that living in a cold, dry place dries the skin too (checked 25 October 2026). MedlinePlus, reviewed in October 2024, also lists dry indoor air from heating systems and bathing too often or too long as causes.
So winter dryness has three parts: dry outdoor air, dry indoor air and hot water. The swaps below tackle each one. For other triggers, see what causes dry skin.
What should a winter skin care routine for dry skin include?
Keep the steps you already have and change six habits. The table shows each swap and the reason, based on the AAD’s tips for relieving dry skin (last updated January 2026).
| Habit | Summer or year-round | Winter swap | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showers | Any length, any heat | 5 to 10 minutes, warm water, bathroom door closed | The AAD says long, hot showers can dry your skin |
| Cleanser | Whatever you like | Gentle, fragrance-free, used only where needed | The AAD says dry skin is damaged skin |
| Moisturizer | Light lotion | Cream or ointment, applied on damp skin | Creams and ointments give skin more moisture than lotions, according to the AAD |
| Air at home | Nothing | Humidifier in the bedroom | Dry skin needs moisture, and the AAD suggests running one overnight |
| Hands and clothes | Bare hands, any fabric | Gloves outside, loose cotton next to skin | Cold, dry air and wool can irritate dry skin |
| Sun | Sunscreen on sunny days | SPF 30 or higher every morning | The AAD still advises broad-spectrum sun protection |
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, “Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin” (updated January 2026) and its dry skin causes page (long, hot showers); both checked 25 October 2026.
How should you wash your skin in winter?
Choose warm water over hot, and keep each shower between five and ten minutes. The AAD also suggests closing the bathroom door to help hydrate your skin, and patting dry instead of rubbing.
Pick a gentle cleanser labelled “fragrance-free.” The AAD notes that “unscented” products can contain chemicals that hide other smells, and these can irritate dry skin. Use just enough to lift dirt and oil, skip the heavy lather, and wash only the areas that need it. If you need help choosing, read our guide to the best face wash for dry skin.
Which moisturizer works best in cold weather?
A cream or ointment usually beats a lotion. Check the label for ingredients the AAD names, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum, shea butter, jojoba oil, lanolin or mineral oil.
When you apply it matters as much as what you apply. The AAD advises putting moisturizer on while your skin is still damp after a shower or bath, after every hand wash, and any time skin feels dry. The NHS adds that emollients can be used as often as you like, ideally at least three or four times a day, and work best straight after washing (reviewed 24 October 2023).
For the body, see body lotion for dry skin. For hands, which crack first in cold weather, see best hand lotion for dry skin.
Do you still need sunscreen in winter?
Yes, sunscreen stays in a winter skin care routine for dry skin. The AAD advises a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, plus shade and sun-protective clothing, and it does not limit that advice to summer. Make it the final step each morning.
How do humidifiers, gloves and clothing change your routine?
Add moisture to the air and cover exposed skin. If you use a portable humidifier, the AAD suggests placing it in your bedroom and running it while you sleep, and cleaning it regularly to prevent mold.
Wear gloves outdoors and when washing dishes, because the AAD says gloves protect dry skin from cold, dry air and from getting wet. Choose loose-fitting cotton clothing. The AAD says tight clothes can rub dry skin, and wool or polyester against the skin can irritate it.
What should you stop using on dry skin in winter?
Check labels for three things the AAD wants dry skin to avoid: alcohol (hand sanitizer is the exception), fragrance (deodorant soaps included) and retinoids. If a doctor prescribed a retinoid, ask them before you stop it.
The AAD also says to ask a dermatologist before using anti-itch creams, because many contain ingredients that can make dryness and itch worse. For more gentle options, see our guide to dry skin remedies.
How can you prevent dry skin in winter with a simple daily routine?
Here is a simple winter skin care routine for dry skin, split into morning and evening.
Morning
- Rinse with warm water or use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser where needed.
- Pat dry and apply cream while your skin is damp.
- Finish with SPF 30 or higher.
- Put on gloves and loose cotton layers before you go out.
Evening
- Take a short, warm shower with the door closed.
- Pat dry and apply cream or ointment right away.
- Keep a clean humidifier going in the bedroom overnight.
- Reapply cream to your hands after washing them.
When should you see a doctor about winter dry skin?
See a board-certified dermatologist if your skin stays dry even with a steady winter skin care routine for dry skin. The AAD says very dry skin may be linked to a medical condition such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease, and its causes page also names diabetes and thyroid disease. If the condition goes untreated, the dryness and the condition itself can both get worse.
Also tell a doctor if any product, including moisturizer, burns, stings or irritates your skin. Our guide to dry skin treatment covers what care can look like.
What are some good skin care routines for dry skin in winter?
Start with the six swaps in the table: shorter, warmer showers, a gentle cleanser, cream on damp skin, a humidifier, gloves and loose cotton, and daily sunscreen. Keep it simple and change one habit at a time, so you can see which change helps your skin most and keep what works.
What can you use for dry skin in winter?
Begin with a fragrance-free cream or ointment that contains an ingredient from the AAD’s list, a gentle cleanser and a clean humidifier. Steer clear of alcohol, fragrance and retinoids on dry skin unless a doctor tells you otherwise, and see a dermatologist if the dryness does not improve.
Winter skin care routine for dry skin: the short version
- Shower for five to ten minutes in warm water.
- Cleanse gently with a fragrance-free product, only on areas that need it.
- Apply cream or ointment while your skin is damp, and again whenever it feels dry.
- Keep a clean humidifier going in the bedroom overnight.
- Wear gloves and loose cotton, and keep using SPF 30 or higher.
- See a dermatologist if dryness lasts or any product stings.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team from the sources named above. We do not claim medical review of this article.
This article is for information only and does not replace a doctor’s advice. If your skin is red, sore, cracked or not improving, talk to a doctor or dermatologist.