A good winter skincare routine is mostly about what you stop doing: fewer harsh products, shorter hot showers and more moisture sealed in at the right moment. This guide gives you a simple morning and night routine for dry skin, built on advice from the American Academy of Dermatology and practising dermatologists.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your skin is painful, cracked or itchy, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Why Skin Gets Drier in Winter
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and heating then dries out indoor air even further. Add long, hot showers, which strip away the skin’s natural oils, and it is easy to see why skin feels tight, flaky or itchy from November onward. The fix is not a long list of products. It is a handful of habits done consistently.
The Quick Version of a Winter Skincare Routine
- Cleanse gently with a fragrance-free product.
- Keep showers short, 5 to 10 minutes, and lukewarm rather than hot.
- Apply moisturizer within a few minutes of bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp.
- Choose a cream or ointment over a thin lotion.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning.
- Use a humidifier if your indoor air is very dry.
Your Morning Winter Skincare Routine
Step 1: Rinse or cleanse gently
If your skin is very dry, a splash of cool water is often enough in the morning, with a proper cleanse once a day at night. If you do use a cleanser, pick a gentle, hydrating, cream-based or fragrance-free one that will not strip your skin.
Step 2: Moisturize on slightly damp skin
Pat your face lightly instead of rubbing, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp. A thicker cream locks in more moisture than a light lotion, so it is worth swapping to a richer formula for the colder months.
Step 3: Finish with sunscreen
Ultraviolet rays reach your skin even on grey, cold days. Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on any skin that is not covered, including the face, neck, ears and hands. Creamy formulas feel more comfortable than sprays on dry skin. You can also apply moisturizer first and sunscreen over it.
Step 4: Protect your lips
Apply a lip balm that suits you. If a balm stings or tingles, switch to a different one. A balm with sunscreen gives the lips extra protection when you are outdoors.
Your Night Winter Skincare Routine
Step 1: Remove makeup and sunscreen
Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid very hot water, which can irritate dry skin further.
Step 2: Pat dry
Blot your skin with a soft, clean towel instead of rubbing it.
Step 3: Moisturize straight away
Apply your cream immediately, while the skin is still damp. This is the single most important step in the routine, because moisturizer traps the water that is already in your skin.
Step 4: Treat dry patches with an ointment
For rough spots, such as elbows, knees, hands or lips, a thicker ointment like petroleum jelly seals in moisture better than any lotion. Use a small amount and gently massage it in.
In the Shower and on Your Body
Your face is only part of the story. Warm rather than hot water protects the skin, and so does keeping your time under the shower to 5 to 10 minutes. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, pat yourself dry and apply body moisturizer within a few minutes of stepping out. If you shave, do it at the end of your shower, when hair is softer, and follow with a gentle moisturizer.
Hands and Lips
- Hands: Apply hand cream after every wash. Wear gloves outdoors in cold weather.
- Lips: Keep a balm in your bag and reapply through the day.
Ingredients to Look For and Ingredients to Be Careful With
| Look for | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Glycerin | Draws water into the skin |
| Shea butter | Softens and seals in moisture |
| Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) | Forms a protective layer that locks moisture in |
| Lanolin | Helps hold water in the skin |
| Mineral oil | Creates a barrier that reduces water loss |
| Ceramides | Support the skin’s natural barrier |
| Be careful with | Why |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Can irritate dry, sensitive skin |
| Alcohol-heavy products | Can dry the skin further |
| Deodorant soaps and harsh bars | Too strong for dry skin |
| Strong exfoliating acids | Pause them if your skin is very dry or irritated; some gentle lactic acid moisturizers can be an exception |
Do You Need a Humidifier?
If your home is heated, a humidifier in the bedroom or at your desk can make a noticeable difference. Dermatologists commonly suggest keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
Winter Skincare for Different Skin Types
- Very dry skin: Choose richer creams or ointments, cleanse once a day and moisturize several times through the day.
- Combination or oily skin: You still need moisturizer in winter. Choose a lighter, fragrance-free cream and use your thicker product only on the dry areas.
- Sensitive skin: Keep your routine very short, choose fragrance-free products and add only one new product at a time, so you can tell what causes a reaction.
A Quick Label Checklist
When you are standing in front of a shelf of products, look for these on the label:
- “Fragrance-free” on the cleanser, moisturizer and body wash
- A cream or ointment texture instead of a thin lotion
- Broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher on your sunscreen
- Gentle, hydrating cleansers that do not leave your skin feeling squeaky
If Your Skin Is Cracking or Stinging
Stop using anything that stings, including strong exfoliants and fragranced products, and switch to a plain petroleum jelly or a thick fragrance-free ointment on the affected area. Keep showers short, and pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it. If it does not improve within a couple of weeks, or if it becomes very sore, see a dermatologist.
Makeup Over Dry Winter Skin
Dry skin tends to make makeup look patchy. Moisturize first and give the cream a few minutes to settle before you apply foundation or concealer, and choose a hydrating base instead of a very matte one. Take your makeup off before bed and follow it with your night moisturizer.
Common Winter Skincare Mistakes
- Taking long, hot showers. They feel good, but they strip natural oils.
- Applying moisturizer to completely dry skin. You get better results when your skin is still damp.
- Using lotion only. Creams and ointments hold more moisture.
- Skipping sunscreen. UV exposure does not disappear in winter.
- Over-exfoliating. Dry skin needs gentleness, not scrubbing.
- Trying too many new products at once. It makes it hard to find the one that irritates you.
A Simple Winter Skincare Routine at a Glance
| Time | Steps |
|---|---|
| Morning | Rinse or gentle cleanse, moisturizer on damp skin, SPF 30+ sunscreen, lip balm |
| Night | Gentle cleanse, pat dry, moisturizer straight away, ointment on dry patches, lip balm |
| Shower | 5 to 10 minutes, lukewarm water, body moisturizer within a few minutes |
When to See a Dermatologist
See a board-certified dermatologist if your dryness does not improve with these steps, or if the skin is very itchy, cracked, red or painful. These can be signs of a condition such as eczema, and a dermatologist can build a routine that fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Skincare
Do I need a different skincare routine in winter?
Many people do. A winter skincare routine usually means a richer moisturizer, gentler cleansing and shorter, cooler showers, while sunscreen stays on the list all year.
What is the best moisturizer for dry skin in winter?
A thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment usually works better than a light lotion. Look for ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, ceramides or petrolatum.
Should I wash my face twice a day in winter?
If your skin is very dry, cleansing once a day at night and simply rinsing with cool water in the morning is often enough.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin every day, even when it is cold or cloudy.
How often should I moisturize in winter?
Several times a day if your skin feels dry, and always after bathing and after washing your hands.
What humidity level is best for dry skin?
A level of about 30 to 50 percent is a commonly recommended range for indoor air.
Keep your winter skincare routine simple, stay consistent for a few weeks and adjust from there. Want more skin advice? Browse our Skin and Beauty sections, and read about the glow-boosting benefits of strawberries for skin.
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