Winter Dry Skin: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Dry, tight, flaky skin is the most common winter complaint — and it's rarely just cosmetic. When the skin barrier is compromised, it loses water faster, becomes more sensitive, and shows fine lines more readily. Understanding the causes makes it easy to treat.

What causes winter dryness

• Low humidity — cold air and heating strip moisture from the environment and the skin.
• Hot water — long, hot showers dissolve protective oils.
• Over-cleansing — harsh products erode the barrier further.

How to treat it

Repair the barrier with a gentle cleanser, a humectant like hyaluronic acid, and a richer moisturiser to seal hydration in. Apply to damp skin, avoid over-exfoliating, and keep protecting with SPF. Find more help in our Dryness & Dehydration collection.

Barrier-supporting hydration

The Environmental Age Defense Moisture Cloud and a rich treatment like Cream Extreme Intensive Repair work together to restore comfort and resilience.

Frequently asked questions

Is winter dryness the same as sensitive skin?

Not exactly, but a compromised winter barrier can make any skin temporarily more reactive. Focus on repair and gentle products.

Can I still use active ingredients in winter?

Yes, but you may need to scale back frequency and buffer with extra moisture while the barrier recovers.