How do I stop my skin getting dry in winter after washing my face?

What should I do each time I wash?

1. 1Use lukewarm water rather than hot water.
2. 2Cleanse gently with a mild soap free cleanser. Avoid scrubbing.
3. 3Pat your face with a towel rather than rubbing. Leave your skin slightly damp.
4. 4Apply moisturizer straight away to help retain that water. General guidance after bathing is to apply it within three minutes; use the same prompt approach after washing your face.

Should I wash my face less often in winter?

Reduce unnecessary washing if your face gets dry after cleansing. Frequent washing, particularly with very hot water, makes skin drier. The useful change is fewer drying exposures, not abandoning cleansing altogether. If you have eczema and your doctor has given you a washing routine, follow that plan rather than changing it on your own.5

What cleanser should I use for dry winter skin?

Choose a mild, fragrance free cleanser made for dry skin, preferably a soap free one. Avoid scented soaps and harsh astringents. If you have eczema, soap and perfumes can cause immediate stinging or itching and trigger a flare. A cleanser that irritates your skin is one to avoid, not something to persevere with.235

Look for "fragrance free" rather than "unscented": unscented products can contain fragrance to cover other smells, so the absence of a smell is not much of a detective.2

Should I use moisturizer right after washing my face?

Yes. Apply moisturizer while your face is damp instead of waiting until it feels tight. Moisturizers soften dry skin and help restore its protective barrier. Use moisturizer in the morning and before bed, as well as after washing, and reapply to dry areas during the day. Keep using it once your skin feels better rather than reserving it for another bout of dryness.246

Choose a moisturizer intended for the face. A lotion can suit mild dryness; a cream gives more protection against water loss for moderately dry skin. An ointment gives the strongest barrier for very dry, scaly areas, but feels greasier. Richer moisturizers are useful in cold weather, and drugstore options can be just as effective as expensive brands, leaving the luxury budget out of the plumbing.167

Does hot water make dry skin worse?

Yes. Hot water removes protective oils and can increase itching. Keep face washing lukewarm. If you wash your face in the shower, keep the shower lukewarm too and limit it to five to 10 minutes.34

What if my face is still dry?

Do not scrub away flakes or increase exfoliation: exfoliating can remove moisture and oils. Retinol, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can also contribute to winter dryness. For prescribed products, discuss changes with your prescriber. If indoor air feels dry, a bedroom humidifier can help; aim for humidity between 30% and 50%.3

Stop using a product that causes irritation. Contact a doctor if a cream makes your skin look worse, or if dryness persists or keeps returning despite moisturizing. Yellow crusting needs medical advice because it can indicate infection. If you already use a prescribed topical steroid, leave 20 to 30 minutes between moisturizer and steroid unless your clinician directs otherwise.456