How to deal with dry, flaky skin this winter
Key Takeaways
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Healthy and glowing skin in winter is totally possible when you understand what works for your skin.
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Dry skin in winter can happen because of cold air, indoor heating, and hot showers.
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When you switch to gentle cleansers, various strengthening moisturizers as part of your skin care products routine, you instantly reduce moisture loss and help keep your skin soft and comfortable all through the season.
In This Article
Why Skin Gets Dry and Flaky in Winter
Daily Skincare Routine to Combat Winter Dryness
Nighttime Skincare Routine During Winters for Deep Repair
How To Keep Skin Hydrated In Winter: Lifestyle Tips
Introduction
Winter is beautiful until your skin starts peeling off like old wallpaper. If you've ever noticed flaky skin on your face or cheeks, we know you understand that uncomfortable, itchy feeling that no amount of lotion seems to fix. Dry flaky skin in winter is one of the most common skincare complaints. The cold weather outside and the artificial heating inside wreak havoc on your skin and create the perfect recipe for moisture loss.
But when you understand why your skin gets dry in winter, you get closer to fixing it. Once you know what's happening beneath your skin's surface, you can put together a dry skincare routine in winter that works like a dream for you.
So come along as we explore what causes flaky skin in winter and how to prevent dry skin in winter with the right skincare products and habits.
What Is Flaky Skin Meaning
Flaky skin refers to the visible shedding of dead skin from the surface of your face and body. You can think of it like dandruff, but for your face and body. When your skin is healthy and properly hydrated, dead cells shed naturally without getting noticed. But when your skin barrier is compromised, especially during winter, those dead skin cells stick around longer and clump together. This creates the dry and flaky skin on face that is impossible to ignore.
Flaky skin meaning is like your skin's SOS signal. It's telling you that it is dehydrated, irritated, and lacking the oils that it needs to function properly. That is precisely why flaky skin on the face in winter comes along with redness, tightness, and even that tingling, burning sensation.
Why Skin Gets Dry and Flaky in Winter
How to heal dry skin in winter? If you have ever wondered why your skin gets dry in winter, here are the probable causes;
Low Humidity & Moisture Loss
Winter air is dry. Really dry.
Low humidity means there’s less moisture in the air for your skin to absorb. And, when the air is thirsty, it pulls moisture directly from your skin. This process is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It causes dry itchy skin in winter that feels tight and uncomfortable.
Indoor Heating
You may escape the cold by cranking up the heater, but your skin is going to pay the price.
Indoor heating strips even more moisture from the air. Central heating, space heaters, and fireplaces all reduce humidity levels indoors that can impact your skin health.
Hot Showers
After a freezing day, a hot shower feels like heaven. But hot water breaks down your skin’s natural lipid barrier that locks in moisture. The hotter and longer your shower, the more you’re stripping away those essential oils. What’s left behind is vulnerable, dry flaky skin in winter that feels sensitive.
Compromised Skin Barrier
A compromised skin barrier can’t protect itself, which is why you might notice dry and flaky skin around the mouth, nose, and other sensitive areas.
Using the wrong soap for dry skin in winter or a harsh face wash for dry skin in winter can make this worse. That’s why switching to gentle, moisturizing cleansers can make a huge difference. Ghar Soaps has some of the best soap for dry skin that you can check out.
Pre-existing Skin Conditions
If you already have eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, winter can trigger flare-ups.
These conditions make your skin barrier weaker by default. Cold weather and indoor heating enhance the problem, making your skin harder to manage.
Daily Skincare Routine to Combat Winter Dryness
A winter routine should hydrate your skin and protect the barrier. This is how to do it effectively.
Gentle Cleansing
Winter is not the season for foaming or stripping cleansers.
Choose a hydrating cleanser from Ghar Soap’s range of best soaps for glowing skin. If you struggle with acne but still feel dry, switch to the Anti-Acne Face Wash with Salicylic Acid & Neem. It’s nourishing, gentle, and replenishes oils instead of taking them away.
Exfoliation
Winter exfoliation must be gentle and limited. Over-exfoliation is one of the top reasons skin becomes flaky even after moisturizing.
To remove dry flaky skin in winter without irritation, use:
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Mitti Soap, the exfoliation Soap and exfoliating body wash for gentle exfoliation
Moisturizing Correctly
Winter moisturization isn’t just about applying a cream. It’s about choosing the right ingredients.
If you want to know “What’s the best moisturizer for dry skin in winter and why does it work well for most skin types?” the answer is simple:
Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and nourishing oils.
The Magic Cream with Saffron & Niacinamide is an excellent de tan face cream which is perfect for winter because it:
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strengthens the skin barrier
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prevents tanning
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hydrates without feeling greasy
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improves dull, flaky skin on the face
Layering: The Right Way
If you want your dry skincare routine in winter to actually work, layering matters.
Step One: Toner
Use the Magic toner for face with Sandalwood & Saffron to hydrate and prep your skin. It reduces tan, softens skin, and balances pH.
Step Two: Serum
For acne-prone skin, the Salicylic Acid Serum with Eraser 2X unclogs pores and controls oil without over-drying. If your skin is irritated or red, you can opt for a hydrating serum for soothing.
Step Three: Moisturizer
Seal everything with the Magic Cream to lock in moisture.
Your Lips Do Need Care
Lips lose moisture faster than the face, which is why they crack easily in winter. Use the Kojic Acid Lip Balm at night to hydrate, repair, and brighten pigmented lips.
Nighttime Skincare Routine During Winters for Deep Repair
Your nighttime routine is where the magic happens. Your skin regenerates overnight, so this is the best time to use richer, more intensive products.
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Start with your gentle cleanser.
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Follow with toner and serum as usual.
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Then, apply a moisturizer for extra repair.
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Don’t skip your lips and hands. Apply your kojic acid lip balm and a thick hand cream before bed.
The idea is to wake up with plump, hydrated skin that’s ready to face the cold.
Body Care for Dry Winter Skin
Besides your face, your body needs winter love too.
Use Lukewarm Water
Hot showers are not good for your skin.
Switch to lukewarm water. Keep showers under 10 minutes. Your skin will thank you.
Moisturize On Damp Skin
After showering, gently pat your skin dry, don’t rub. Then immediately apply your body moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This traps water in your skin and prevents moisture loss.
How To Keep Skin Hydrated In Winter: Lifestyle Tips
Two fix dry skin is winter, you need to suitable lifestyle tweaks besides choosing the correct skincare products;
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which prevents your skin from drying out while you sleep.
Hydrate & Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
You can’t hydrate your skin if you’re dehydrated from the inside.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and load up on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A and E. These nutrients support your skin barrier and help retain moisture.
Wear Breathable Clothing
Tight, synthetic fabrics can irritate already sensitive winter skin. Opt for soft, breathable layers like cotton. Avoid wool directly on your skin if it causes itching.
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