Winter, with its rigid temperature, the biting wind and the heated environments for a long time, represent a real challenge for those who suffer from dry skin. It is in this season that skin dehydration becomes more evident: the skin tends to crack, tighten, peel, causing annoying itching and hypersensitivity to touch. If you also suffer from dry skin in winter, know that there are numerous strategies and treatments to prevent and combat this problem.
Why Dry Skin Gets Worse in Winter
With the arrival of winter, the decrease in atmospheric humidity and prolonged exposure to heat sources (heaters, stoves, fireplaces) further impoverish the skin's hydrolipidic barrier, worsening the situation of the dry skin. This barrier, formed by lipids and hydrating elements, is essential for retaining water in the superficial layers.
Dry air, cold wind and sudden temperature changes are all factors that contribute to increasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The result? More vulnerable skin, prone to redness, cracking, and annoying blemishes. Many people with dry skin see a tangible worsening of their condition, manifesting disorders such as itching, irritation, and in the most extreme cases, eczema and dermatitis.
In this article, we will explore the tips of Laura Busata, Cosmetics R&D Manager of Unifarchus, a leading company in Italy in the production of high quality cosmetic and nutraceutical products. You will discover how to structure a skincare routines specific for the cold season, which products to choose, which eating habits to adopt and how to protect the skin from sudden changes in temperature and dry air.
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Causes of Dry Skin: External and Internal Factors
Climate influence and heated environments
- Reduced humidity: Using heating dramatically reduces indoor humidity, increasing water evaporation from the skin.
- Cold wind: accelerates dehydration, especially if the skin is not adequately protected.
Other external factors (UV, wind, pollution)
- UV: sun rays, even in winter, can damage the skin barrier.
- Pollution: Particulate matter and chemicals in the air irritate the skin, promoting irritation and dryness.
Internal causes (nutrition, hormones, drugs, genetics)
- Diet low in essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6, essential for skin health.
- Hormonal changes: menopause, contraceptives, thyroid hormones.
- Genetics: predisposition to dry skin or atopic dermatitis.
Dry Skin Problems in Winter
Flaking and itching
When skin is extremely dry, the surface layers can peel off, causing scales visible and an annoying itching. This condition can be exacerbated by the use of synthetic or wool clothing in direct contact with the skin.
Redness, irritation and increased sensitivity
Dry skin becomes thinner and more fragile, predisposing to redness and micro-cracks. Many people experience an increase in skin sensitivity, overreacting to aggressive detergents or unsuitable cosmetic products.
Risk of dermatological disorders (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis)
In more severe cases, dry skin can aggravate conditions such as eczema e Psoriasis, with skin plaques and localized inflammation. A correct maintenance routine is essential and, if necessary, a consultation with a dermatologist.
How to recognize dry and sensitive skin
Key Symptoms and Signs
- Sensation of “tight skin” after showering or washing.
- Microflakes or fine lines of scaling, especially on elbows, knees, exposed areas.
- itch and mild irritation.
Differences between dry and dehydrated skin
- Dry skin: constant condition, lack of natural lipids (insufficient seborrhea).
- Dehydrated skin: lack of water in the superficial layers, even oily skin can be dehydrated.
- Substance use and different supplements: dry skin prefers nourishing oils and butters, dehydrated skin prefers water-based formulas and hyaluronic acid.
Advice from Unifarco's expert: Laura Busata's words
Laura Busata, Cosmetics R&D Manager of Unifarchus, confirms that “dry skin” in winter is often linked not only to low temperatures, but also to our daily habits:
“By adopting simple behaviors and using the right products, it is possible to prevent and combat dry skin, keeping it soft, hydrated and protected even during the coldest season.”
Hydration and maintenance of the hydrolipidic film
Il hydrolipidic film protects the skin from external aggressions and maintains moisture. The expert suggests using cleansers non-aggressive, creams with hyaluronic acid, Panthenol and allantoin, capable of soothing and restoring the skin barrier.
Choice of detergents and targeted treatments
To prefer detergents based on sugars and milk proteins, silk proteins, calendula and soothing substances. After cleansing, immediately apply an emollient or nourishing product, to “trap” moisture and ensure comfort to the skin.
Food supplements and functional products
The expert of Unifarchus remember that a good diet, rich in essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6) and vitamins (A, E, C) is essential. Also recommend the use of nutraceutical supplements on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, if the diet is unable to cover all needs.
Winter Skincare: How to Structure It for Dry Skin
Daily gentle cleansing
- Morning: a pH-neutral cleanser, preferably with softening ingredients (aloe, calendula).
- Sera: thorough removal of make-up with a cleansing milk or make-up removing oil, followed by a warm rinse and nourishing cream.
Light and regular exfoliation
- Gentle scrubs based on vegetable microgranules once a week.
- Enzyme peels or low-impact chemicals (low concentration AHAs) to eliminate dead cells without irritating.
Deep Hydration: Creams and Serums
- Nourishing creams with shea butter, vegetable oils (argan, almond) or ceramides, to be applied on damp skin.
- Serums based on hyaluronic acid and antioxidants (vitamin C, E) to enhance the hydrating effect.
Sun protection even in winter
- SPF 15-30: UVA/UVB rays do not disappear with the cold, they contribute to skin aging and chronic dryness.
Specific cleansers for dry skin: tips and ingredients
Formulas based on sugars and nutrients
Detergents containing gentle surfactants, derived from sugar (e.g. decyl glucoside), less aggressive and capable of respecting the lipid film.
Calming ingredients (calendula, oats, proteins)
The presence of calendula, milk proteins, colloidal oatmeal or silk proteins provides comfort and helps reduce redness and itching. For example, I recommend using a rice tonic, perfect for calming and soothing the skin.
Avoid harsh sulphates and excessive fragrances
Sulphates (SLS, SLES) are irritants and can aggravate dry skin, while excessive fragrances can cause unwanted reactions in sensitive skin.
Post-shower treatments: hydration and nourishment
Moisturizing creams with hyaluronic acid and ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid: retains water in the superficial layers of the epidermis.
- Ceramides: restore the skin barrier, preventing evaporation and loss of hydration.
Vegetable oils and butters (shea, sweet almond, jojoba)
- Shea butter: known for its emollient and nourishing properties, excellent after the shower.
- Almond oil: delicate, ideal for light massages on still damp skin.
Panthenol and allantoin for sensitive skin
Both ingredients have soothing and regenerating effects, recommended for particularly chapped or irritated areas. Post-shower treatments: hydration and nourishment
Moisturizing creams with hyaluronic acid and ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid: retains water in the superficial layers of the epidermis.
- Ceramides: restore the skin barrier, preventing evaporation and loss of hydration.
Vegetable oils and butters (shea, sweet almond, jojoba)
- Shea butter: known for its emollient and nourishing properties, excellent after the shower.
- Almond oil: delicate, ideal for light massages on still damp skin.
Panthenol and allantoin for sensitive skin
Both ingredients have soothing and regenerating effects, recommended for particularly chapped or irritated areas.
Daily and Weekly Routine: Practical Examples
Morning: cleansing, serum and protective cream
- Cleanse your face with a gentle product.
- Apply a hydrating serum (with hyaluronic acid).
- Use a day cream with SPF and nourishing ingredients.
Evening: make-up removal, gentle cleanser, nourishing cream
- Remove make-up with cleansing oil or milk.
- Wash with a cleanser specifically for dry skin.
- Apply a richer night cream or hydrating balm.
Weekly masks and scrubs
- Scrub light once a week (avoid irritation).
- Hydrating face mask or soothing (based on aloe, calendula, panthenol) 1-2 times a month.
Influence of the environment and home temperature
Humidifiers and room ventilation
- Humidifier: maintains an adequate level of humidity (40-50%), reducing the sensation of tight skin.
- Ventilation regular: prevents accumulation of excessively dry or stagnant air.
Avoid overheating of rooms
Excessive heating (over 22°C) dries the air, worsening skin dehydration. It is better to maintain moderate temperatures (18-20°C).
Protect yourself from the wind with scarves and suitable fabrics
Cotton or breathable clothing can prevent further chafing and irritation. Scarves create a physical barrier against the wind on your face.
Choosing the right clothes to protect dry skin
Cotton and natural fibre fabrics
Cotton clothing allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of irritation from contact with synthetic fabrics.
Limit the use of wool in direct contact
Wool can scratch and irritate the skin. If you like wool, wear a layer of cotton or silk underneath, avoiding direct contact.
Avoid irritating synthetic materials
Synthetic fabrics promote sweating and can irritate already dry, sensitive skin.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips for Dry Skin in Winter
Drink enough water and fluids
A hydrated body also reflects benefits on the skin. Increase the consumption of water, herbal teas, hot infusions.
Balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins
- Omega-3 and 6: blue fish, dried fruit, flax seeds, extra virgin olive oil.
- Vitamins: fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, E for skin elasticity.
Reduce hot showers and heat stress
Water that is too hot strips the skin of its protective sebum. Better to take short, warm showers. Avoid drastic temperature changes that stress the skin barrier.
Products and active ingredients effective against dry skin
Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol
- Hyaluronic acid: holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. A must for dehydrated skin.
- Panthenol (Provitamin B5): promotes skin renewal, calming redness and irritation.
Vitamin E and ceramides
- Vitamin E: powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and maintains elasticity.
- Ceramides: natural components of the hydrolipidic film; integrating them helps restore the barrier.
Vegetable butters (shea) and natural oils (argan, rosehip)
- Shea butter: nourishing, regenerating, ideal for rough areas (elbows, knees).
- Argan oil: rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, excellent for massage on still damp skin.
Table of the most suitable active ingredients
| Active principle | Benefits | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid | Deeply hydrating | Serums, moisturizers |
| Panthenol (B5) | Soothing, restorative | Creams, balms |
| Ceramides | Barrier restoration | Nourishing emulsions, lotions |
| Vitamin E | Antioxidant, protective | Oils, enriched creams |
| Shea Butter | Nourishing, emollient | Body creams, lip balms |
Complete anti-dryness routine scheme
- Morning:
- Gentle cleanser
- Light toner (alcohol-free)
- Hydrating serum (e.g. hyaluronic acid)
- Day cream with SPF
- Sera:
- Make-up remover / Cleansing oil
- Gentle cleanser
- Regenerating serum or Panthenol
- Night cream nourishing or night balm
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Dry Skin in Winter
- Very long showers with boiling water: they further stress and dehydrate the skin.
- Don't use sunscreen: UVA rays exist even on cloudy winter days.
- Skip humidifying the rooms: Dry indoor air worsens skin condition.
- Choosing products that are too aggressive: promoting reactions, redness and itching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about winter and dry skin
Usually not, because in winter you need a more nutritious intake. You should switch to richer formulas.
1 time per week, preferably with gentle scrubs or enzyme peels to avoid irritation.
It depends on the severity of the dryness, but most dry skin types also need a cream to seal in moisture.
It is a help but not a magic wand. Good internal hydration must be combined with suitable topical skincare.
Better still, a specific cleanser. Micellar water may not completely remove impurities and may leave residue to rinse off.
Conclusions
Winter and dry skin are a common combination, but not an inevitable one: with targeted strategies and the right products, it is possible to keep the skin soft, supple and well-hydrated even during the coldest months. The key is a properly set up skincare routine, which includes gentle cleansers, nourishing creams and serums, and daily habits (such as internal hydration, moderate temperatures at home and the use of humidifiers) capable of preventing dehydration and the formation of cracks.
We have learned the importance of a non-aggressive cleansing, of the use of emollient and hydrating active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, panthenol, shea butter) and protection physical (suitable clothing, scarves, creams with SPF) to support the skin in a period in which dry air and low temperatures are dominant. By adopting these simple measures, you will be able to face the winter with healthy skin, free from discomfort, redness and sensation of tension. Experiment, listen to your skin and customize the routine according to your needs. Winter will no longer be an enemy of your skin!
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