8 Ways To Protect Your Skin During Cold Weather

The colder seasons are here. The days are shorter, your favourite jumpers are back and those common struggles with dry, sensitive skin have returned too.

So why does cold weather affect your skin?

Your skin has a layer of natural oils (sebum) that acts as a seal between your skin cells, keeping everything smooth and hydrated. In colder seasons, that seal can weaken. Cold air, low humidity, harsh cleansers and some skin conditions can all make it easier for moisture to escape. Add indoor heating and you have a recipe for dry, flaky, itchy or even cracked and bleeding skin.

The change in seasons can be especially difficult if you or your loved ones live with an existing skin condition such as atopic eczema. It's the most common type, affecting around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK.[1] The same goes for other conditions such as acne, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis, which can also flare up as the air gets colder.

So the question is, what can you do to take extra care of your skin until spring arrives?

We’ve provided you with some simple actionable changes you can make to help your skin stay calm, hydrated and comfortable during the colder seasons.

1. Avoid Long, Hot Showers

There is nothing more tempting than a long hot bath or shower when it's cold out. But before you jump in, remember that high temperatures can strip your skin of its important natural oils and damage the skin's protective barrier.[2] Instead, opt for warm or lukewarm water when possible. This includes when you wash your face or hands. By avoiding long, hot showers, you can help prevent further drying of the skin, maintain its natural moisture and help with that ‘winter itch’.

Actionable tips:

• Limit showers to under 10 minutes
• Use lukewarm water – this includes when you wash your face or hands
• Apply moisturiser immediately after towel-drying to lock in moisture

2. Choose the Right Moisturiser for Colder Weather

When looking for a moisturiser, keep in mind that what may have worked for you during the warmer months may not effectively combat dryness during the colder ones. Thicker doesn't necessarily mean better when it comes to moisturisers, especially if you're prone to breakouts.

Look for these ingredients:

Ceramides – are natural fats in the outer layer of your skin that help strengthen its protective barrier and lock in moisture. During the colder seasons, skin barrier lipids like ceramides are reduced, so your skin holds less hydration.

Squalane – a lightweight, plant-derived oil that helps prevent moisture loss and keep the skin soft and supple.

Hyaluronic acid – a natural molecule that attracts and holds water in the skin, helping it stay plump, smooth and hydrated.

If your skin is very dry, use a hydrating moisturiser first, then follow with an emollient to lock the moisture in.

Actionable tips:

• Apply within three minutes of washing your face to help trap the water in
• Avoid heavily fragranced products, which can cause irritation
• Apply a hydrating water-based moisturiser first and layer an emollient (thicker oil based) on top to seal in all that moisture

3. Be Gentle with Cleansers and Exfoliants

Your skin can be more sensitive when the weather is colder, so avoid harsh foaming cleansers or strong exfoliants that can strip your natural barrier. Switch to a hydrating cleanser or a milky lotion. If you exfoliate, choose a mild chemical exfoliant (such as lactic acid), as it gently dissolves dead skin cells rather than a scrub, which can irritate your skin.

Actionable tips:

• Avoid alcohol-based toners as they can strip away your skin's natural oils
• Skip retinol or glycolic acid if skin feels tight or sore, as this can cause peeling
• Pat your face dry rather than rubbing so as not to disrupt the surface of your skin
• Reduce exfoliation to once a week so as not to remove natural protective oils

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

You’d be forgiven for thinking sunscreen is just for the hot summer months, but those UV rays don’t take a break during the colder seasons. Even on those bright, chilly days or when it’s snowy, they can still damage your skin.

Actionable tips:

• Use a moisturiser with built-in SPF for convenience
• Reapply if you’re outdoors for several hours
• Cover exposed areas like ears and neck and protect your face and hands

5. Say No To Tanning

It might be tempting to chase that sun-kissed glow in the colder months, but tanning beds and sunlamps expose your skin to harmful UVA and UVB rays. These can speed up ageing, damage skin cells and increase your risk of skin cancer. If you want some colour, a self-tanning lotion or gradual glow moisturiser is a safer alternative.

Actionable tips:

• Skip the tanning beds and reach for a self-tanner instead
• Keep your skin hydrated before and after applying fake tan to prevent patchiness

6. Check Your Skin Regularly

It’s always wise to regularly check your skin from head to toe. Look out for any new moles, changes in colour or size, or dry patches that don’t heal. According to Cancer Research UK, early detection is key when it comes to skin health. 86% of melanoma skin cancer is preventable, so don’t ignore anything that looks unusual.[3]

Actionable tips:

• Use a mirror (or ask a partner) to check hard-to-see areas like your back
• Take a photo of any moles you want to monitor, placing a ruler beside it to track any changes in size or shape
• Speak to your pharmacist or GP if you notice any changes that concern you

7. Supplement With Vitamin D

During the summer, our bodies naturally produce vitamin D through sun exposure, which supports both skin and immune health. Because sunlight is limited during the colder seasons, many of us don’t get enough vitamin D. You can top up naturally with oily fish, eggs and fortified cereals, but sometimes this isn’t enough, so for an extra boost, you can add a vitamin D supplement to your routine.

Actionable tips:

• Adults are advised to take 10mcg (400 IU) of vitamin D daily during autumn and winter, according to the NHS4
• Try setting a reminder to take your supplement with breakfast or pairing it with a source of healthy fat (like avocado or yoghurt) to aid absorption

8. Stay Hydrated

When it’s cold, you can easily forget to drink enough water – but your skin still needs moisture from the inside out. Research shows that in the winter months your skin can lose moisture more quickly than in summer. And when you’re dehydrated, your skin barrier weakens, causing dryness, itching and irritation to worsen. So try including warm drinks like herbal teas or hot water with lemon into your day and stay hydrated without adding to the chill.

Actionable tips:

• Aim for 6–8 glasses of fluid a day,[6] choosing warm or room-temperature drinks where possible
• Include hydrating foods such as soups, stews, cucumber or citrus fruits to boost fluid intake
• Limit excess caffeine and alcohol, which can increase dehydration

FAQs: Looking After Your Skin In Cold Weather

Q. My skin always feels sore and sensitive in winter. What should I use?

A. Great question! If your skin tends to react easily, stick with fragrance-free and lanolin-free products. These are much gentler and less likely to cause redness, itching or flare-ups.

Q. My hands and lips get so dry they crack! What can I do?

A. This can be a common problem when the seasons change. But you can combat it. Try an overnight deep-moisturising treatment for those extra dry spots – like your hands, feet, elbows and lips. Pop cotton gloves or socks on for the night to really help it soak in!

Q. Why does my skin feel drier indoors during winter?

A. Let’s slowly turn to stare at the central heating units. When the air inside is too warm and dry, it pulls moisture from your skin. Try to keep your home at a steady, comfortable temperature instead of blasting the heat. 

Q. Do humidifiers actually help with dry skin?

A. Yes! They add moisture to the air, so they can most certainly help keep your skin hydrated. Just make sure to clean them regularly – otherwise, mould and bacteria can build up.

Need A Bit More Support With Your Skin?

If your skin’s being extra sensitive, or you’re managing a condition, get some tailored advice. Have a quick chat with your GP or one of our UK-registered pharmacists – they’ll help you find the right treatment for your skin. A little bit of expert guidance can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and comfortable, even through the colder months.

We also offer a range of prescription and over-the-counter treatments for common skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, acne, psoriasis and rosacea – all available through our online service.

Sources

1. National Eczema Society. Information and advice [Internet]. Available from: https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/
2. Ogawa E, et al. Seasonal Changes in Transepidermal Water Loss, Hydration and Skin Surface pH. J Clin Med. 2022;11(2):298. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/2/298
3. Cancer Research UK. Melanoma skin cancer statistics [Internet]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer
4. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
5. Tanaka M, Sano K, Abe T, et al. Seasonal variation in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss: A pilot study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:1201–1209. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9168018/
6. NHS. The Eatwell Guide [Internet]. London: NHS; 2022 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/