By mid-November, much of north and central India wakes up to chilly mornings and dry air. For many people, the first sign of winter is not the cold itself but tight, itchy skin, cracked heels and chapped lips. Dry skin is common and usually harmless, though eczema often flares up now.
The good news is that most winter dryness responds to a few simple habits. Here is what dermatology and health bodies such as the Mayo Clinic, the NHS and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advise.
Why skin dries out in winter
Skin holds on to water with the help of natural oils on its surface. Cold, low-humidity air pulls moisture out, and some of our winter habits make it worse. Long, hot baths strip away those oils. Room heaters and blowers dry the air indoors. Harsh soaps and woollen clothes can irritate skin that is already stressed.
Change how you bathe
A steaming hot bath feels good on a cold morning, but it is one of the main reasons skin dries out. The Mayo Clinic suggests:
- Bathe once a day, for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use lukewarm water, not hot.
- Choose a cleansing cream or gentle shower gel over a harsh bar soap, and use it only where needed, such as the underarms and groin.
- Skip loofahs and pumice stones on dry patches. Rinse well and pat yourself dry instead of rubbing.
If you have a dry-skin condition such as eczema, NHS guidance from Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital advises avoiding regular soap altogether and using an emollient wash in its place.
Moisturise at the right time
Timing matters more than the price of the bottle. Both the Mayo Clinic and the AAD recommend applying moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp, within a few minutes of bathing or washing your hands. This helps trap water in the skin.
The texture you pick also makes a difference. According to the NHS, lotions are thin and spread easily but moisturise the least. Creams absorb quickly and suit daytime use. Ointments are thick and greasy but the most moisturising, which makes them a good choice for very dry skin and for night use.
Useful ingredients to look for, according to the Mayo Clinic and the AAD, include:
- Glycerin, urea and ceramides
- Shea butter, cocoa butter and fatty acids
- Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) or mineral oil for very dry areas like heels, elbows and knuckles
Smooth the product on gently in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing it in hard, as the NHS advises. Reapply whenever skin feels tight. The NHS says emollients are very safe and are hard to overuse.
Small winter habits that help
- Keep sunscreen on. Winter sun still carries UV rays. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more on the face, neck, ears and hands all year.
- Go easy on strong actives. The AAD suggests using retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid products less often in winter, since they can add to dryness.
- Pick soft fabrics. Cotton next to the skin is kinder than wool, which can irritate even healthy skin.
- Add moisture to the air. If you run a heater for long hours, a humidifier, or even a bowl of water kept safely in the room, can make the air less harsh.
- Soothe itch gently. A clean, cool, damp cloth can calm an itchy patch. Try not to scratch.
A safety note for heater and diya season
Winter in Indian homes also means room heaters, angithis and lamps. The NHS warns that emollients, including paraffin-free ones, should be kept away from fire, flames and cigarettes. Clothing and bedding that have soaked up emollient can catch fire easily, and washing does not fully remove the build-up. Keep a safe distance from flames after applying thick creams, especially older family members who use them heavily.
When to see a doctor
Most winter dryness improves within a week or two of better habits. See a doctor or dermatologist if:
- Self-care does not help, or the dryness keeps getting worse
- Itching is strong enough to disturb your sleep
- Skin cracks, bleeds, oozes or shows signs of infection
- You suspect eczema, psoriasis or another skin condition
Please note: This guide is for general information only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a doctor or dermatologist before starting any new treatment, particularly for children, older adults or anyone with an existing skin condition.
Based on information from Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic (dry skin overview), NHS, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and American Academy of Dermatology.
Featured image: Ray Best Through the lens, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
