If your skin feels tighter, itchier and rougher the moment the heating goes on, you're not imagining it. Winter is the hardest season for dry and eczema-prone skin. As a pharmacist, it's also the time of year I get the most questions about it.
Here are the simple, everyday habits that make the biggest difference.
👉 Looking for a rich, fragrance-free balm for dry winter skin? Try our Barrier Balm.
Why winter makes dry skin worse
Cold air holds less moisture, so it pulls water from your skin. Central heating dries the air indoors too. Add longer, hotter showers and scratchy wool jumpers, and your skin's protective barrier takes a real beating.
8 pharmacist tips for winter skin
1. Moisturise more than you think you need to. Dry skin needs regular, generous moisturising, not a thin layer once a day. Apply it whenever your skin feels tight.
2. Moisturise within a few minutes of washing. Pat your skin mostly dry, then apply your moisturiser straight away to lock in the water.
3. Turn the shower temperature down. Hot water strips your skin's natural oils. Lukewarm is kinder, and keep it short.
4. Swap harsh soaps and foaming washes. Heavily fragranced or foaming products can leave eczema-prone skin tight and irritated. Many people do better with a soap substitute or a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
5. Avoid fragrance. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of skin irritation. Check the label for "parfum" or "fragrance".
6. Choose rich textures in winter. Your light summer lotion may not be enough now. Balms and creams with rich butters and fats seal in moisture far better.
7. Wear soft layers. Cotton next to your skin is gentler than wool or synthetic fabrics.
8. Consider a humidifier. Even a bowl of water near a radiator can help add a little moisture back into the air.
When to see your GP or pharmacist
Please speak to a GP or pharmacist if your skin is:
- cracked, bleeding or weeping
- hot, swollen or crusting, which can be signs of infection
- disturbing your sleep
- not improving with regular moisturising
If you've been prescribed treatment for eczema, keep using it as directed. A good moisturiser supports your skin; it doesn't replace medical treatment.
What I reach for in winter
I created our Barrier Balm for exactly this time of year. It's a rich, simple balm for dry, eczema-prone skin, handmade in small batches, with no synthetic fragrance. For your face, our Tallow Glow Whipped Cream is my go-to on cold, dry days.
As always, patch test anything new before using it on larger areas.
