Why skin gets dry in winter and how to treat it properly

Winter is not kind to the skin. Low temperatures, wind, heating, and sudden changes in weather cause skin to dry out much more easily, leading to tightness, flaking, and even irritation. If you notice your skin looking duller every year when the cold weather arrives, you're not alone: it's one of the most common beauty concerns during this season.

The good news is that understanding why this happens will help you choose the best products and habits to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and protected during this time of year.

Dry skin in winter does not appear for a single reason, but for the combination of several environmental factors that directly affect the skin barrier.

1. Cold air contains less moisture

In cold climates, humidity decreases and the skin loses water more quickly. As a result, it feels rougher, tighter, and more sensitive.

2. Sudden temperature changes damage the skin barrier

Going from the cold outdoors to the heat of the heating causes thermal stress that affects the skin's barrier function, facilitating dehydration.

3. Heating dries out the air

Highly heated spaces reduce air humidity, causing a sustained loss of hydration in the skin, especially on the face and hands.

4. Sebum production decreases

During winter, the skin produces fewer natural lipids. With fewer of its own oils, the skin retains moisture less effectively and becomes drier.

5. The wind increases irritation

Cold wind can remove the skin's protective oils and cause redness, cracking, or peeling.

How to tell if you have dry or dehydrated skin in winter

It is important to differentiate between these two concepts, as they do not require exactly the same care:

• Dry skin: lack of lipids. It appears tight, rough, with a tendency to flake.
• Dehydrated skin: lack of water. It looks dull, dry, and with more pronounced expression lines.

They can coexist in winter, but both respond well to a well-formulated routine.

How to treat dry skin in winter: essential tips and tricks

1. Change your routine to more nutritious formulas

Opt for textures that strengthen the skin's protective barrier. Use products with ceramides, shea butter, squalene, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or other nourishing oils. All these active ingredients help the skin retain moisture better and stay comfortable throughout the day.

Dr. Jart+

CERAMIDIN skin barrier moisturizing cream

Face moisturizer

From 32.40 €

WATCH NOW

Neutrogena

DEEP MOISTURE body lotion oil

Body moisturiser

From 4.56 €

WATCH NOW

2. Avoid drying cleaners

Replace gels or highly foaming facial cleansers with gentler formulas. We recommend cleansing milks or makeup-removing oils. Maintaining your skin barrier is a priority in winter.

Collistar

Delicate make-up remover oil

Make-up remover - Make-up remover - Facial cleanser

From 16.45 €

WATCH NOW

La Roche Posay

TOLERIANE dermo-nettoyant visage & yeux

Cleansing milk

From 26.44 €

WATCH NOW

3. Gently exfoliate to improve hydration

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and improves the absorption of moisturizers. Avoid harsh exfoliants that can further irritate your skin.

Nuxe

VERY ROSE gentle exfoliant

Face scrub - exfoliator

From 11.51 €

WATCH NOW

Martiderm

BODY CARE body scrub

Body exfoliator

From 14.39 €

WATCH NOW

4. Add a hydrating serum to your routine

A lightweight serum with hyaluronic acid, panthenol or niacinamide boosts daily hydration and soothes areas sensitized by the cold.

Caudalie

VINOHYDRA hyaluronic serum

Face moisturizer

From 21.27 €

WATCH NOW

Uriage

EAU THERMALE Booster serum with 1.5% pure and natural HYALURONIC ACID

Face moisturizer

From 18.15 €

WATCH NOW

5. Use thicker creams or protective balms

During winter, your skin needs formulas that lock in moisture. Rich, nourishing textures create a barrier that protects against the cold and wind.

Biotherm

BLUE PEPTIDES UPLIFT rich cream

Skin tightening & firming cream - Flash effect

From 62.24 €

WATCH NOW

Origins

GINZING rich energizing cream

Face moisturizer

From 17.55 €

WATCH NOW

6. Don't forget the sunscreen

The sun damages skin even in winter. UV rays are still present and can weaken the skin barrier, increasing dryness. A daily sunscreen with SPF is essential year-round.

7. Humidify your home

A humidifier helps counteract the dryness caused by heating. It's especially useful at night to prevent your skin from losing moisture while you sleep.

8. Internal hydration

Drink plenty of water and choose foods rich in essential fatty acids (avocado, nuts, salmon). Well-nourished skin always shows on the outside.

Dry skin in winter doesn't have to be an unavoidable problem. With the right routine, nourishing ingredients, and a few simple tricks, you can keep your skin hydrated, protected, and radiant even on the coldest days. Listening to your skin's needs and adapting your care to the season is key to a healthy and comfortable complexion all year round.