Cristina Villegas, head of dermatology: “Many people associate skin problems with the cold”
Winter, wind, heating, and dry air test the skin’s protective capacity, making it more sensitive. Here’s what you can do to combat dry skin.
As winter settles in, our skin goes through a series of changes that—while not always serious—can be uncomfortable and hard to ignore.
The skin is a living barrier that constantly reacts to its surroundings, and during the colder months, dropping temperatures, harsh winds, indoor heating, and dry air all put its protective abilities to the test.
One of the most common winter complaints is dryness. Cold weather reduces the skin’s natural moisture levels, and heated indoor spaces only make things worse. That’s why it’s so common to notice tightness, rough patches, or flaking. When the skin loses water more easily, it also becomes more sensitive, itchy, and reactive—even to products that normally cause no issues.
Dermatologist Cristina Villegas, head of the Dermatology Department at Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, explained in an interview with the Spanish outlet 65ymás: “In winter, the skin loses more water, which weakens the skin barrier and makes it more vulnerable to irritants. Indoor heating lowers humidity levels, and certain wool fabrics can create direct friction. Add sudden temperature changes, and the feeling of tightness and itching intensifies. All of this can lead to flare-ups of eczema on the hands, face, neck, or skin folds.”
Skin conditions tend to worsen
Dermatologists consistently observe that many skin conditions worsen during the winter. Atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis often flare due to dryness and ongoing irritation. Lips and hands—constantly exposed to the elements—are especially prone to cracking if not properly protected.
But as Villegas points out, the cold isn’t the only culprit: “We see an increase in dermatology visits during the winter months. Many people blame the cold alone, but the real issue is closely tied to dry indoor environments, inappropriate clothing, and certain daily habits, such as very hot showers or using harsh soaps.”
Adjusting your routine for winter
Because winter brings its own set of challenges, skincare routines need to adapt. Dermatologists generally recommend switching to richer moisturizers, shielding the skin from cold and wind, and avoiding long, very hot showers. And even though the sun feels weaker this time of year, sunscreen is still essential.
With a few simple adjustments to your daily routine, it’s entirely possible to keep your skin healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months.
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