Winter is here, and with it comes all the cozy vibes we love – hot cocoa, fluffy blankets, and snow-dusted mornings. But along with the charm of the chilly season, there’s one less-than-ideal guest that tags along every year: dry skin. If your skin feels tighter than your favorite pair of skinny jeans after a holiday feast, you’re not alone. Cold air, low humidity, and blasting heaters all team up to zap your skin’s moisture, leaving it rough, itchy, and just plain uncomfortable.

The good news? You don’t have to suffer through months of dull, flaky skin. By tweaking your skincare routine and using a few simple hacks, you can keep your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing all winter long. Whether you’re struggling with chapped hands, a flaky face, or overall dryness, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to combat dry skin this winter.

Before we get to the fixes, it’s helpful to know why your skin throws a tantrum every time winter rolls around. The main culprit? Lack of moisture.

During the winter months, the air is much drier than in the warmer seasons, both outside and indoors. When the air around you lacks humidity, it draws moisture away from your skin. On top of that, we crank up heaters to stay warm, which only adds to the dryness.

Cold weather also shrinks your skin’s blood vessels, slowing circulation. This makes it harder for your skin to get the nutrients it needs to stay plump and healthy. Add in harsh winds and those extra-long, super-hot showers (we get it, it’s freezing), and you’ve got a recipe for dry, irritated, and unhappy skin.

Building a Winter-Proof Skincare Routine

The best way to fight dry skin is to give it the hydration it’s craving and protect your moisture barrier. Your skin’s moisture barrier is like a shield that keeps water in and harmful stuff (like bacteria and allergens) out. When it gets damaged—which happens often in winter—your skin struggles to hold on to hydration.

Here’s how to tweak your skincare routine to help your skin stay smooth and soft no matter how cold it gets.

1. Switch to a Gentler Cleanser

Cleansers are great for removing dirt and oil, but many of them can strip your skin of its natural moisture if they’re too harsh. During the winter, swap out any foam or gel-based cleansers for something creamier or hydrating.

Look for cleansers that are fragrance-free and packed with soothing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or aloe vera. If your face feels squeaky clean after you wash it, that’s actually a bad sign—it means your skin’s natural oils have been stripped away.

2. Double Down on Moisturizer

Winter is not the time for lightweight moisturizers. You’ll need a richer formula to lock in hydration and repair your skin barrier. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or squalane. These work wonders for keeping your skin soft and supple.

If your skin is extra dry, consider layering up. Start with a hydrating serum, then apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to seal everything in. Don’t forget your neck, which often gets ignored but dries out just as much as your face.

3. Exfoliate... But Carefully

Flaky skin might tempt you to grab the closest scrub and exfoliate like your life depends on it. But overdoing it can damage your skin’s barrier and make things worse. Instead, opt for a gentle exfoliator like a lactic acid serum or a konjac sponge.

Exfoliating once or twice a week is enough to slough off dead skin cells without going overboard. This allows your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively and keeps your skin feeling smooth.

Small Lifestyle Tweaks That Make a Big Difference

Your skincare routine can do a lot, but some of the best hacks for combatting dry skin involve simple changes to your environment and habits.

4. Use a Humidifier

One of the main reasons your skin gets dry in winter is because the air around you loses moisture. A humidifier can fix that! By adding humidity back into the air, a humidifier helps your skin stay hydrated and less flaky.

Keep one in your bedroom while you sleep, and you’ll wake up with skin that feels fresher and less dry.

5. Shorten Your Showers (and Turn Down the Heat)

Nothing feels better than a steaming hot shower when it’s freezing outside, but here’s the bummer news: hot water strips your skin of its natural oils. Keep your showers warm, not scalding, and try to limit them to 10 minutes max.

After you shower, pat (don’t rub) your skin dry and apply moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration.

6. Wear Skin-Friendly Fabrics

Dry, sensitive skin is easily irritated by rough fabrics. Keep your wardrobe cozy by opting for soft, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo. If you’re layering up with wool, make sure to wear a base layer underneath to prevent it from rubbing directly on your skin.

7. Drink More Water (Yes, Even in Winter)

Most of us are great at staying hydrated in the summer but tend to skimp on water when it’s cold out. Your skin needs hydration from the inside out, so keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. Herbal teas are also a great hydrating option if plain water isn’t your thing.

SOS for Stubbornly Dry Areas

Some parts of your body, like your hands, lips, and feet, tend to get way drier than the rest. They need a little extra TLC to stay comfortable.

Chapped Lips

Skip the flavored lip balms (they can actually be more drying) and go for one with nourishing ingredients like beeswax or shea butter. Apply regularly and don’t forget at night when your lips can get dehydrated while you sleep.

Cracked Hands

If constant handwashing has left your hands dry and cracked, find a rich hand cream and stash one in every pocket, car, or bag. Wearing gloves when you’re outside can also lock in moisture and protect your hands from harsh winds.

Rough Feet

Keep your feet soft by using an exfoliating scrub or foot file once a week, followed by a thick layer of foot cream at night. Slip on a pair of cotton socks to help the moisturizer work its magic while you sleep.