Do I need a richer moisturizer when the temperature is near 0°C?

Why cold weather changes what your skin needs

Cold, dry air makes it harder for skin to retain moisture. Indoor heating also dries the air, so staying inside does not necessarily solve the problem. Wind and prolonged cold exposure add to dryness on exposed areas.23

Which texture should you choose?

For combination skin, apply the richer moisturizer to dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas too. Skin holds less moisture with age, so a cream becomes more useful. Choose a texture you are comfortable applying regularly; severity of dryness, tolerance, cost and availability all matter.15

How to use a richer moisturizer

1. 1Wash gently with a fragrance free cleanser and lukewarm water. Keep showers to five to ten minutes and avoid scrubbing.
2. 2Pat skin gently, leaving it damp. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing; after a shower, aim for within three minutes to trap water before it evaporates.
3. 3Smooth moisturizer over dry areas rather than rubbing vigorously. If using a tub, remove the product with a clean spoon rather than your fingers.
4. 4For dry skin, moisturize two to three times a day, or as often as needed. A cream in the morning and an ointment overnight can make the textures easier to live with.

What if you are spending time outside?

Apply a thicker moisturizer to exposed skin before going out, and carry some for reapplication. Protect exposed areas with a scarf, hat or face covering, and wear gloves. A thicker moisturizer helps with cold weather dryness, but it has not been hired to replace your scarf. For dry indoor air, a bedroom humidifier can help; aim for humidity between 30% and 50%.3

What should you avoid while your skin is dry?

Choose fragrance free products, especially for sensitive skin. Useful moisturizing ingredients include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and petrolatum. Do not exfoliate dry, peeling skin to remove the flakes: exfoliation strips moisture and can worsen dryness. Cut back on alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid products during cold weather if they irritate your skin. If you use a prescribed topical steroid, keep moisturizer application at least 30 minutes before or after the steroid. With paraffin based emollients, do not smoke or go near flames after application.1234

What should improve, and when should you get help?

Regular moisturizing helps retain water, support the skin's protective barrier and reduce itching. Dryness can improve when contributing factors are controlled, though a tendency to dry skin can persist. Stop using a moisturizer that makes skin itchy or sore. See a clinician if home care does not help, itching disrupts sleep, or scratching causes open cuts or sores. Worsening pain, cracking, bleeding or stinging also warrants an appointment; simply buying a thicker cream is not the next step.1456