Dry skin in winter: what helps the skin barrier

The outermost layer of skin works like a protective wall. Skin cells and the lipids between them keep moisture in the skin and irritants out. In winter, this wall is challenged from two sides:

• Cold air outside contains little moisture, and wind draws even more water from the skin.
• Heating air inside is dry – over the day, the skin loses more moisture than it can replace.
• Hot showers and harsh cleansing strip lipids from the skin that it actually needs for protection.

When the barrier becomes more permeable, the skin loses water faster. It feels tight, looks dull, flakes on the cheeks or around the nose – and often reacts more sensitively than usual.

Two terms are often confused:

• Dry skin naturally produces little oil. It tends to feel rough all year round.
• Dehydrated skin lacks water, not necessarily oil. This can also affect combination or oily skin – it shines in the T-zone and still feels tight.

In winter, both often occur at the same time. Which type is more prominent for you determines the right care – that's why it's worth taking a close look at your skin.

Cleanse gently. Lukewarm instead of hot water, a mild cleanser, no rubbing with a towel – just pat dry. In the morning, a gentle cleanse is often enough for dry skin.

Combine moisture and lipids. A hydrating serum alone is rarely enough in winter. On top of it you need a cream that keeps moisture in the skin. The drier the skin, the richer the cream can be.

Dose your exfoliation. A mild peel helps loosen rough flakes so that skincare can absorb better. But exfoliating too often or too strongly at home can further irritate an already stressed barrier.

Don't forget sun protection. UV light reaches the skin in winter, too – especially in the snow and in the mountains. Daily protection therefore belongs in your routine all year round. Read more in our article Sun protection in winter.

Mind the indoor air. Airing the room regularly and not overheating noticeably relieve the skin.

Home care is the foundation. A professional facial can complement it when your skin feels noticeably tight or looks dull in winter.

Ultra Hydration Facial. A facial with a mild peel from ZO Skin Health that calms dry, dehydrated skin and supplies it with moisture. It is also suitable for sensitive skin. → Ultra Hydration Facial

Enzyme Peel Facial. If your skin is reacting very sensitively right now or an acid peel isn't suitable, the enzyme peel is a gentle alternative. It loosens dead skin cells without acids and supplies the skin with moisture. → Enzyme Peel Facial

For a visible result, a short course is often recommended: once a week until your skin feels the way you want it to, then every four to six weeks for maintenance.

Dry skin in winter is common – but not every redness or flaking is just dryness. Have your skin checked by a doctor if it itches a lot, weeps, cracks, becomes inflamed or doesn't improve despite good care. Such symptoms can be caused by skin conditions that belong in the hands of a dermatologist.