Dry skin in winter is one of the most common skincare concerns; especially for people with sensitive skin. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating all work together to pull moisture from the skin, leaving it tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. The good news: winter doesn’t have to mean suffering through a compromised skin barrier. With a few thoughtful habits (and a simpler routine than you might expect), you can keep your skin calm, hydrated, and resilient all season long.

What Causes Dry Skin in Winter?

When temperatures drop, humidity drops with it. The air around you becomes drier, which increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL); a scientific term for the way moisture escapes from the skin. Indoor heating, wind exposure, and long hot showers all accelerate this process.

The result: a weakened skin barrier. When the barrier becomes compromised, your skin loses hydration faster than it can replenish it, leading to dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

That’s why winter skincare isn’t about adding more steps; it’s about choosing the right steps.

7 Tips for Taking Care of Dry Skin in Winter

1. Stay Hydrated (Inside and Out)

Hydration starts with your body, but internal hydration alone won’t “fix” dryness. Instead, think of it as a supportive foundation—your skin still needs topical moisture to stay soft and comfortable in cold weather.

How to hydrate internally:

• Drink water consistently throughout the day
• Add herbal tea or warm water if you find cold drinks unappealing in winter
• Consider electrolyte powders if you’re exercising, drinking coffee, or struggling with hydration
• Add soups and smoothies to your meal prep routine to get extra fluids in your diet

How to hydrate topically:
Look for moisturizers with humectants and barrier-strengthening ingredients, such as:

• Cholesterol
• Fatty acids
• Ceramides
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Squalane
• Glycerin

These help draw in water and keep it in the skin; an essential during the colder months.

2. Use a Humidifier to Restore Moisture in the Air

Humidifiers are one of the simplest, most effective ways to support dry winter skin. Because indoor heating pulls moisture from the air, running a humidifier adds it back; helping your skin to hold onto hydration more easily.

Aim for:

• Bedroom humidity around 40–60%
• Running it overnight so your skin benefits during its natural repair cycle

This is especially helpful if you have sensitive, eczema-prone, or reactive skin.

3. Choose Products That Focus on Barrier Repair

Barrier repair is the heart of winter skincare. When your barrier is strong, your skin retains moisture, feels more comfortable, and becomes less prone to irritation.

Look for ingredients like:

• Ceramides (restore the lipid barrier)
• Cholesterol (supports skin’s natural structure)
• Fatty acids (fortify the barrier)

A minimalist routine is incredibly powerful here—too many actives or too many products often disrupt the barrier more, especially in winter.

Night C.A.P. was designed with this exact need in mind: an 8-in-1 overnight cream rich in barrier-supportive ingredients that keep the skin calm, hydrated, and protected while you sleep.

4. Try Slugging (But Make It Winter-Safe)

Slugging, the practice of sealing in your moisturizer with an occlusive layer, can be beneficial in winter when your skin needs help holding onto moisture. But it works best when done thoughtfully.

Winter-safe slugging tips:

• Only apply on top of a well-formulated moisturizer
• Avoid it if you’re breakout-prone
• Keep it to 2–3 nights per week, or use it as a spot treatment on particularly dry areas like the nose or around the mouth
• Choose gentle occlusives (such as squalane or jojoba oil) rather than heavy, pore-clogging formulas (such as coconut oil or mineral oil)

Slugging is about supporting your barrier, not smothering it.

5. Switch to Lukewarm Water (Not Hot)

Hot showers feel amazing in winter, but they strip away your skin’s natural oils. This accelerates dryness, flaking, and barrier damage.

A simple adjustment, washing your face and body with lukewarm water, can make a major difference. Your skin will hold onto hydration more effectively, and you’ll see less tightness after cleansing.

6. Simplify Your Routine to Avoid Over-Exfoliation

Winter is not the time for aggressive exfoliation. Many people unknowingly worsen dry winter skin by overusing acids, retinoids, and scrubs.

Instead:

• Exfoliate gently, no more than 1–2 times per week
• Prioritize barrier repair over strong actives
• Keep your routine short and consistent

Minimalist routines often work better in winter; less irritation, fewer steps, and more barrier protection.

7. Don’t Skip Nighttime Moisturizing

Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, making your nighttime routine especially important in winter. A richer, ceramide-rich cream helps trap moisture, reduce flaking, and replenish your barrier overnight.

Look for formulas designed to multitask so you don’t overload your skin with products that compete or irritate. A single product that hydrates, strengthens, and soothes is often more effective than a seven-step nighttime routine, especially for sensitive skin.

When to Seek Additional Support

If your skin becomes extremely dry, itchy, or inflamed, you may be experiencing eczema, dermatitis, or a compromised barrier that needs professional attention. This is common in winter and nothing to be embarrassed about. A dermatologist can recommend targeted treatments and help you adjust your routine.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple This Winter

Taking care of dry skin in winter doesn’t require an overwhelming routine. The key is consistency, barrier repair, and choosing habits that support your skin rather than stress it.

A minimalist, nourishing routine can make winter skincare not just manageable—but calming, predictable, and effective.