How to Prevent Dry Skin in Winter: 7 Proven Tips

Cold weather, low humidity, and central heating can all take a toll on your skin leaving it tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. The good news is that with a few simple changes, you can protect your skin and stop dryness before it starts.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to prevent dry skin in winter with seven proven, dermatologist-approved tips that really work.

1. Switch to a Richer Moisturiser

Light lotions might be fine in summer, but they don’t stand up to winter air. Swap to a thicker, cream-based moisturiser that locks in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier.

Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid all essential for anyone wanting to know how to prevent dry skin in winter effectively.

👉 Try CeraVe Moisturising Cream or Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion.

2. Use a Humidifier Indoors

Indoor heating pulls moisture out of the air and your skin. Running a humidifier adds moisture back into your environment, helping prevent dryness overnight.

💡 Tip: Keep your bedroom humidity around 40–50% to keep skin hydrated through winter nights.

👉 Small home humidifiers like the Levoit Ultrasonic Humidifier are affordable and effective.

3. Avoid Long, Hot Showers

When you’re cold, a steaming shower feels amazing but hot water strips away your skin’s natural oils. The best way for how to prevent dry skin in winter is to use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.

👉 Try Eucerin UreaRepair Plus Wash Fluid or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

💡 Pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser immediately afterwards to trap moisture in.

4. Protect Your Skin Outdoors

Wind and cold temperatures can quickly dehydrate exposed skin. Protect your face and hands with scarves and gloves, and don’t forget sunscreen UV rays still reach your skin even in winter.

💡 Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to prevent irritation and premature ageing.

👉 CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 is a good winter option.

5. Don’t Forget Your Lips

Lips are especially prone to drying out in cold air. The best way for how to prevent dry skin in winter includes protecting your lips with a nourishing balm that seals in moisture.

👉 Great picks: Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm or Lanolips 101 Ointment.

💡 Avoid licking your lips — it makes dryness worse.

6. Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out

When it’s cold, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Staying hydrated helps your skin stay plump and soft. Combine water intake with omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed to support your skin barrier.

💡 Herbal teas count too, they hydrate without caffeine.

7. Exfoliate Gently

Gentle exfoliation helps remove flaky skin so your moisturisers work better. Use a mild exfoliant once or twice a week but skip harsh scrubs.

👉 Try a lactic acid or PHA toner made for sensitive skin.

💡 This small step is often overlooked but is key in any routine focused on how to prevent dry skin in winter.

✅ Conclusion

Knowing how to prevent dry skin in winter comes down to protecting your skin barrier and keeping moisture locked in. Use rich creams, limit hot water, protect from cold winds, and hydrate inside and out.

With a consistent routine, your skin can stay soft, smooth, and comfortable even through the harshest UK winter.

👉 Want to build a full routine? Read our Skincare Routine for Dry Skin guide next.