How do I protect my skin from cold weather?

Can cold weather damage your skin?

Yes. Cold weather can damage your skin barrier, the outermost layer that protects the cells beneath it. Falling humidity and indoor heating take moisture out of the air, leaving skin drier. Signs include tightness, flaking, itching and cracks. Harsh soaps and too much exfoliation can add to the damage, so scrubbing away winter flakes is not the answer.24

Start with how you wash

1. 1Keep showers lukewarm rather than hot, and limit them to five to ten minutes.
2. 2Choose fragrance free soap or body wash. If you have a dry skin condition, use an emollient cleanser, a moisturizing alternative to soap that does not remove your natural oils.
3. 3Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Leave a little water on the skin.
4. 4Apply moisturizer within three minutes to help trap that water. Do this after every bath or shower.

Choose a moisturizer for the area

For a dry body, choose a cream rather than a watery lotion. For your face, a lighter lotion or gel is generally suitable unless your skin is very dry. Ointments are useful for very dry or thickened skin.234

Look for fragrance free moisturizers with ceramides or cholesterol, which help restore the moisture barrier. If your skin is sensitive or you have allergies, avoid botanical ingredients too; fragrance free does not mean allergen free.12

What should I put on my face before going out in the cold?

Use a facial moisturizer to hydrate your skin and help limit moisture loss, plus sun protection. A moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher is one option. Choose the moisturizer's richness around how dry your face feels, rather than automatically using the same heavy cream you use on your body.23

How often should I moisturize in winter?

Apply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry. You could need it two to four times daily or more, particularly in winter. Carry some with you rather than leaving every application until bedtime. You can use a cream during the day and a greasier ointment overnight. Smooth it onto skin rather than rubbing it in.3

At home, turn on a humidifier in the evenings. Switch scented laundry detergent and fabric softener to free and clear versions. These changes address dry indoor air and fragranced products that can contribute to winter dryness.1

Should I wear sunscreen in winter?

Yes. Sun protection matters throughout the year because the risk of skin cancer is not limited to summer. When outdoors, use shade and sun protective clothing as well as sunscreen. SPF protection also helps limit the sun's aging effects.245

When should I change course or get help?

Stop using a moisturizer if it makes your skin itchy or sore. If moisturizer and changes to your washing routine do not help, see a healthcare professional. Cold, dry conditions can worsen existing discoid eczema, which causes circular or oval patches of irritated skin. Seek medical advice if affected patches ooze heavily, develop yellow crusts, or become hot, swollen or painful.236

If you use a prescribed steroid cream, leave at least 30 minutes between applying it and your moisturizer. Do not smoke or go near flames after applying paraffin based moisturizers.3