Dry skin occurs when the skin’s natural moisture barrier, composed of lipids, proteins, and essential oils, struggles to retain moisture. In winter, this barrier is put under extra stress. Cold air outdoors contains very little humidity, while indoor heating further strips moisture from the skin, creating a double-drying effect.

As the temperature drops, the skin also produces fewer natural oils, making it harder to stay hydrated and supple. This combination of low humidity, cold winds, and reduced sebum production leads to increased flakiness, tightness, and irritation, which is why winter is one of the harshest seasons for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. Here’s a routine that will help you get that smooth, soft skin.

1. Start With a Gentle Cleanse

Using a harsh cleanser in winter can strip your skin’s natural oils, worsening dryness and irritation. Swap your foaming wash for a non-foaming, cream or oil-based cleanser that cleans without harming your skin’s moisture barrier. This is a foundational step in any winter dry skin routine.

2. Hydrating Toner or Essence

A hydrating toner or essence helps prep the skin by balancing pH and giving an extra layer of moisture. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerine, which attract and retain water in the skin, essential in any hydrating skincare routine.

Related Story: The One Ingredient That Dermatologists Swear by For Super Hydrated Skin

3. Add a Moisture-Boosting Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments that penetrate deeper than moisturisers. Choose a hyaluronic acid or niacinamide serum to draw moisture deep into your skin and support barrier repair, a key step in a dermatologist-recommended routine for dry skin.

4. Use a Rich Moisturiser

This is the heart of your dry skin routine. A thicker cream or ointment is better than a lotion in winter because it creates a strong barrier against moisture loss.

Look for ingredients like:
Ceramides – repair skin barrier
Shea butter – deep nourishment
Squalane – mimics skin’s natural oils

Pro tip: Apply while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

UV rays still reach your skin in winter, especially if there’s snow. Even on cloudy days, broad-spectrum SPF helps protect against dryness and long-term damage. Finish your morning routine with SPF 30 or higher. This is an often-overlooked part of a winter skincare routine for dry skin.

6. Seal in Moisture at Night

Nighttime is prime time for skin repair. Apply a richer cream or overnight mask before bed to deeply nourish and replenish moisture. Facial oils like jojoba or almond oil can be added as your final layer for extra protection.

Related Story: The Ultimate Guide to Face-Oils for Every Skin Type

7. Exfoliate Gently (Weekly)

Dead skin build-up makes moisturiser less effective. A gentle chemical exfoliation once a week removes flaky cells and helps your hydrating products penetrate better, just don’t overdo it, as harsh scrubs can make dryness worse.

8. Boost Indoor Humidity

Indoor heating dries out the air, and dry air dries out your skin. Running a humidifier, especially in your bedroom, can maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, supporting your dry skin care routine from the inside out.

9. Avoid Hot Showers

Warm water feels great in the cold, but hot showers strip your skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water and keep showers short to protect your skin’s moisture barrier.

Related Story: How to Prepare Your Skin for Winter, According to a Dermatologist

10. Hydrate From the Inside

Skin hydration isn’t just topical. Drink water regularly throughout the day and include omega-3-rich foods like walnuts or flaxseeds to support a healthy skin barrier from within.

11. Protect Hands, Lips, and Exposed Areas

Hands and lips are often the first to show winter dryness. Keep a nourishing lip balm and a rich hand cream handy, especially after washing, to maintain soft, hydrated skin everywhere.

While a thoughtful external skincare routine can repair and protect the skin barrier, true hydration also begins from within. Diet plays a crucial role in skin health; nutrients like healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and adequate hydration directly influence how well your skin retains moisture and repairs itself. If dryness persists despite good topical care, it may be time to look at what’s on your plate. A personalised approach can make all the difference. Our one-time diet consultation, starting at just ₹299, helps identify nutritional gaps and supports skin health from the inside out, especially during the harsh winter months.