Should I change my routine when indoor heating makes skin dry?

How should I wash and moisturize?

1. 1Wash gently with a cleanser without fragrance. Avoid harsh astringents and vigorous scrubbing, which can remove protective oils. For showers, use lukewarm water and keep them to five to 10 minutes.
2. 2Pat your skin gently rather than rubbing it completely dry. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp; after a shower, aim to do this within three minutes. After washing your face, leave some water on the skin before moisturizing.
3. 3Use a heavier cream instead of a light lotion or gel when those textures are not enough. If you have eczema, thick creams or petroleum jelly are particularly useful choices for locking in moisture after bathing.
4. 4Moisturize every day when your skin feels dry, and reapply during the day as needed. Before bed, apply petroleum jelly to particularly dry areas. Continue wearing sunscreen in winter; colder weather does not remove the need for sun protection.

What should I look for in a moisturizer?

Choose a moisturizer without fragrance. Ceramides and cholesterol can help rebuild the skin's protective barrier, which holds moisture in. If you also have acne, look for "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on the container, meaning the moisturizer is unlikely to cause acne. Dryness is still a reason to moisturize when your skin is oily.235

Should I reduce retinol or exfoliation?

Retinol can become too drying for daily use in winter, so reducing how often you use it can help. Do not respond to every flake by exfoliating more. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, but it can also worsen dryness, especially alongside retinol, prescription retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Never exfoliate over open cuts, wounds or sunburn. Acne treatments including salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids tend to dry and irritate skin; daily moisturizer can help you tolerate them.136

Will a humidifier help?

A humidifier can help when indoor air is dry, particularly in the bedroom overnight. Aim for indoor humidity of 30% to 50%, measured with a humidity meter. Do not exceed 50%: excess moisture encourages mold and other organisms. If windows develop condensation or nearby surfaces become damp, lower the output or reduce use.147

Unplug a portable humidifier before maintenance. Empty its tank, wipe surfaces dry and refill daily; clean it every third day, following the manufacturer's cleaning directions. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning agents. Use water with low mineral content, such as distilled water, especially in ultrasonic or impeller models that can release minerals and microorganisms into the air. Keep steam models away from children. Stop using the humidifier and contact a doctor if respiratory symptoms seem linked to its use.7

When should I get help?

See a dermatologist for persistent dryness or irritation, particularly if skin becomes red and itchy, which can signal eczema or another form of dermatitis, meaning skin inflammation. If you already have eczema and moisturizing, gentler bathing and added humidity are not controlling it, speak with your doctor about further treatment.45