Patient education · Seasonal skin care
A calmer routine
for colder days.
Practical ways to care for dry-feeling skin as the weather changes.
Seasonal skin care
Keep the essentials.
Updated October 20, 2026 · Patient education
When cold air and indoor heat leave your skin feeling tight, a simpler routine can be more useful than adding another active ingredient.
Cleanse gently
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid scrubbing irritated skin. Warm water is usually more comfortable than a hot shower. If a product stings, reassess it rather than assuming the discomfort means it is working.
Make room for moisture
Apply a cream or ointment after washing while skin is still slightly damp. Ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, mineral oil, or petrolatum can be useful in moisturizers; choose a texture your skin tolerates. Fragrance-free is a better starting point for sensitive skin than simply “unscented.”
Keep sun protection in the routine
Winter does not switch off UV exposure. Use shade, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, following the label’s application and reapplication directions.
Know when to ask for help
Persistent cracking, itching, redness, or a rash deserves an assessment. Bring the products you use, or clear photographs of their ingredient labels, so your clinician can help you identify possible triggers.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology: choosing a moisturizer; winter skin care; winter sun protection. General education only; recommendations should be adapted to your skin and health history.
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