Dry skin in winter: causes, tips and home remedies

When temperatures drop and humidity decreases, the annual problem begins for many: dry skin in winterThe face and hands are particularly affected, as they are often exposed to cold air and dry heating air. But what can you do about dry skin in winter? In this article, you will learn everything about the causes, how you can best care for your skin and which home remedies can help.

Causes of dry skin in winter

The cold season challenges our skin - it becomes drier, more sensitive and tends to feel tight. The most common causes for this are:

• Dry air: Cold outside air contains hardly any moisture, while indoor heating air draws additional water from the skin cells. The result: the skin becomes brittle and dry.
• Frequent washing: Hot water and aggressive cleaning products attack the skin's natural barrier and remove important fats that are necessary for the skin's moisture balance.
• Lower sebum production: As temperatures drop, the skin produces less sebum – this natural protective film is missing, making the skin more susceptible to dryness.
• Clothing: Scarves and thick clothing that constantly rub against the skin can further irritate it and promote dry patches.

What to do about dry skin in winter?

1. Use the right skin care

Reach for moisturizers with ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, urea or shea butter. They provide the skin with intensive moisture and support its natural protective film.

2. Use gentle cleaning products

Use mild, pH-neutral cleaning products that do not irritate the skin. You should avoid hot water – lukewarm water is gentler on the skin and retains its moisture better.

3. Use a humidifier

The dry heating air is a real moisture thief for your skin. A Humidifier ensures a pleasant room climate and helps protect the skin from drying out.

4. Home remedies for dry skin in winter

With a few simple home remedies you can give your skin extra care:

• Coconut oil: Provides rich moisture and soothes dry, irritated skin.
• Honey: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and moisturising effect, it is ideal for dry skin areas - simply leave on for 15 minutes and wash off.
• Aloe vera: The cooling gel soothes the skin and provides intensive moisture.
• Olive oil: Add a few drops to the bath water to care for the skin while you bathe.

5. Maintain a skin-friendly diet

A balanced diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals supports your skin from within. Eat foods like avocados, nuts and fish, which help keep the skin supple.

6thDrink enough water

Even in winter, your skin needs moisture - and not just from the outside! Drink plenty of water or choose warm drinks like herbal teas to stay hydrated.

7. Exfoliate regularly (gently remove dead skin cells)

A mild peeling removes dead skin cells and ensures that care products can work better. Avoid aggressive peelings to avoid unnecessary irritation of the skin.

8. Use antioxidant serums

Bet on serums with vitamin C or E – they neutralize free radicals, protect against environmental damage and support the skin’s regeneration.

Winter eczema: When dry skin becomes a burden

Winter eczema is characterized by very dry, red and itchy skin, especially on the hands, elbows and legs. The cause? A damaged skin barrier that can no longer retain moisture properly.

What helps against winter eczema?

• Regular application of cream: Creams with rich ingredients such as urea or ceramides help soothe the skin.
• Avoiding irritants: Avoid heavily perfumed products and use hypoallergenic care products.
• doctor's visit: If symptoms are severe, you should consult a dermatologist who may prescribe a medical cream.

Winter acne: impure skin despite the cold

While many people associate acne primarily with summer, impure skin can also become a problem in winter. Cold air outside, dry heating air inside and the wrong care can throw the skin out of balance. The result: the skin produces too much sebum, pores become clogged and inflammation occurs.

What helps against winter acne?

• moisture instead of fat: Choose moisturizing, non-comedogenic products that hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
• peeling: A mild peeling frees the skin of dead cells and keeps the pores clear – this prevents new blemishes.
• Targeted treatment: You can treat pimples with products based on salicylic acid or tea tree oil. Alternatively, hydrocolloid pimple patches a good option as they reduce inflammation, promote skin healing and cover the affected areas to protect the skin from further irritation.

Ectoin products: The insider tip for winter care

For extra protection and care in winter, Ectoin products such as forehead pad and the eye-temple pads ideal. Ectoin strengthens the skin barrier, soothes irritations and helps to retain moisture in the skin for longer.

Particularly sensitive skin areas benefit from the regular use of these pads – they soothe dry and irritated areas and ensure well-groomed, supple skin.

Conclusion: How to properly care for dry skin in winter

Rough, tight skin in winter? That doesn't have to be the case! With a few simple tips and the right products, you can reduce feelings of tightness and keep your skin wonderfully soft.

Choose what works for you - whether it's gentle cleansing, rich moisturizing or our moisturizing pads with ectoin and hyaluronic acid. Follow a routine that feels good and your skin will thank you.