Dry skin in Winter

In this article, we will be looking at what it is like to have dry skin, or a dry skin condition in the winter months. For people with eczema and psoriasis, winter can be a challenging time to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.1,2

Skin can become dry, red and irritated by things like a drop in temperature, central heating, wind, and low humidity.3 Cold air and low humidity can strip moisture from the skin, this reduces the naturally occurring oil known as sebum, which acts as a protective layer and traps moisture next to the skin.4,5 If the skin doesn’t have enough sebum, it can lose water and feel more dry.4 Problematic areas of the body include the hands and face, which are most exposed to the elements.1

These seasonal changes can be enough to cause increased flare-ups for those with dry skin conditions.1 Read our tips about the things you can do during this time to help minimize flare-ups and keep your skin as comfortable as possible:

As with any emollient, always read the label. 

Listen to your skin and adapt your routine
Depending on your skin’s needs you may need to:

  • Apply your emollient more regularly to keep your skin moisturised and your symptoms in check
  • We’d recommend using a soap-free body wash, like EPIMAX® Gentle Wash (all year round) to help protect your skin’s natural, protective barrier. Our formula contains glycerin to help maintain skin hydration while washing, leaving it feeling soft.
  • Consider adding a new product into your usual routine that may deliver a bigger hydration boost, like a gel or ointment if you usually use a cream formulation

 

Tips to help manage your symptoms

  • Wear gloves when you are outside to help protect your hands from the cold1
  • Many people with eczema or psoriasis find that wool and synthetic materials (commonly used in winter hats, scarfs, and gloves) cause overheating, sweating and irritation. Instead, we suggest you look for soft, seam-free fabric alternatives, such as cotton, bamboo or silk.1,2 Alternatively, wearing a soft layer between your skin and irritating materials can also help to protect your skin.
  • Turn the heating down when you are indoors and put on extra layers of clothing. Opting for multiple ‘thin’ layers is good as means you can have more control of your temperature3
  • Limit your exposure to hot and dry environments like air-conditioned rooms or cars, or rooms containing open fires or wood burning stoves as they can further dry out the skin1,2
  • Drink plenty of water during the day to help keep your skin hydrated2
  • Avoid taking hot baths and showers as hot water strips the natural oils from the skin2

Everyone’s skin is different, which means that the product that works for you is unique to you. It’s important that you find a product that works for you, your symptoms and that fits around your lifestyle. Visit our product page to find a winter skincare moisturiser.

  1. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/weather-and-eczema/ (Accessed November 2025) 
  2. https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/news/cold-weather-tips (Accessed November 2025) 
  3. Living-with-Eczema-info-for-adults-2023.pdf (Accessed November 2025) 
  4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/dry-skin-a-to-z  (Accessed November 2025) 
  5. Dr Amanda Oakley Dermatologist & Vanessa Ngan, ‘Sebum’ Dermatology Education New Zealand, 2014 http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/sebum/ (Accessed November 2025) 

MAT-UK-EPI-0057-1 | November 2025