Skin and hair in winter: the right care

As of: January 27, 2026 9:48 a.m
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Skin and hair are stressed in winter: the skin becomes dry and itchy. Lips become chapped and crack and hair becomes statically charged. Which care helps? Tips from an expert.

by Sybille Seitz

Cold weather outside, warm and dry heated air inside – winter is a real test for skin and hair. Many people are struggling now drier, itchy skinchapped, chapped lips or statically charged hair. What’s behind it? And above all: what really helps? Dermatologist and hair expert Prof. Dr. Natalie Garcia Bartels explains what is important in the cold season – and which care mistakes are best avoided.

Why skin and hair suffer particularly in winter

In winter, the humidity drops significantly – outside due to the cold, inside due to heating air. The result: skin and hair lose more moisture than in other seasons. “The reduced moisture in the air causes both skin and hair to dry out,” explains Garcia Bartels. The skin’s natural protective barrier is weakened, water evaporates more quickly, the skin becomes tense, itches or reddens.

The hair also reacts sensitively to these conditions. They absorb less moisture from the environment and become statically charged more easily – especially through hats, scarves, synthetic clothing and blow-drying that is too hot.

Do not use moisturizing care when it is cold

Many people automatically feel the need to apply moisturizing creams or serums in winter. But that’s exactly what can become a problem when it’s cold. “In frosty temperatures, you should avoid applying very moisturizing care products to your facial skin,” says Garcia Bartels. The high water content can have an unpleasant effect on the skin and can also irritate it. In extreme cold, the skin can even feel slightly frozen if the cream is too moist, Garcia Bartels continues.

Protect the skin from drying out with high-fat creams

Creams richer in fat protect the skin better against water loss and strengthen the skin barrier. Terms such as “cream”, “fat cream” or a declared lipid content of ten percent or more provide clues to this. Very liquid products such as lotions, emulsions or serums will be popular again from spring onwards.

According to Garcia Bartels, natural fats such as shea butter are particularly recommended: they are usually well tolerated, often do not contain fragrances and can be used on both the face and lips.

Also think about sun protection in winter

In addition, the skin needs a sun protection factor even in winter. “If you don’t need a flashlight outside, you need one Light protection“, dermatologist Ev-Charlott Walter reminds her patients, because the power of the sun is often underestimated in winter.

Dry, chapped lips: Are lip balm sticks addictive?

Chapped, cracked lips are a classic problem in winter. Lip balm sticks are therefore constantly in use – often every minute. Some feel downright addicted. “There is no real dependency of the lip skin,” reassures Garcia Bartels.

Frequent licking of the lips is more problematic, as this can even lead to so-called lip licking eczema (cheilitis sicca). A vicious circle, because the evaporating saliva dries out the skin around the mouth.

Your tip: Use lip care products without fragrances and ideally apply them before going to bed. Then the care stays on the skin longer and can be absorbed better.

Cracked corners of the mouth can indicate a nutrient deficiency

Anyone who also suffers from cracked corners of the mouth should take a closer look. In addition to dry skin and mechanical stress can also Eisen– or Vitamin B12 Deficiency play a role. If the corners of your mouth tear open more often, it makes sense to see your family doctor.

Conditioner helps with statically charged hair

Flying hair is not only annoying, but also a typical winter phenomenon. “This has a lot to do with dry heating air and static electricity from clothing,” explains Garcia Bartels. The hair loses moisture and electrically repels each other. The result: They do whatever they want, fly in all directions, the hairstyle is gone.

Moisturizing shampoos and, above all, conditioners can help. They form a fine protective layer around the hair and reduce static electricity. Materials also have an influence on flyaway hair. Natural fibers are less charged to hair than synthetic materials.

Less is more: care mistakes in winter

A common mistake is excessive care. Washing too often, aggressive surfactants that lower the surface tension of liquids, or heavily scented products can further irritate the skin. A reduced but targeted winter routine is better: mild cleaning, rich care and as little irritation as possible.

Winter care means, above all, protection – from cold, dryness and irritants. Anyone who strengthens their skin barrier, nourishes it with more oil and focuses on moisture and protection for their hair will get through the cold season much more relaxed. Or as Prof. Garcia Bartels puts it in a nutshell: “In winter, the skin simply needs more support – and sometimes less activism.”

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Skin and Hair in Winter: The Right Care – Dr. Priya Deshmukh, Archyde.com

Understanding Winter’s Impact on Skin

winter weather brings a unique set of challenges for our skin.The combination of cold air, low humidity, and harsh winds strips moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. this isn’t just a cosmetic concern; compromised skin barriers can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Remember the phrase “Winter is coming”? It’s a warning – prepare your skin!

* Reduced Oil Production: Cold temperatures cause a decrease in sebum production, the skin’s natural oil.

* Broken Capillaries: Sudden temperature changes can lead to broken capillaries, especially on the face.

* Increased Sensitivity: Dry skin is more susceptible to irritation from skincare products and environmental factors.

Building a Winter Skincare Routine

A proactive skincare routine is crucial during the colder months. here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gentle Cleansing: Swap harsh, foaming cleansers for creamy, hydrating formulas. Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Avoid hot water; lukewarm is best.
2. Exfoliate (But Gently): Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and opt for gentle chemical exfoliants (like lactic acid) over harsh scrubs.
3. Hydrate,Hydrate,Hydrate: This is the cornerstone of winter skincare.

* Humectants: Draw moisture to the skin (hyaluronic acid, glycerin).

* Emollients: Soften and smooth the skin (shea butter, ceramides, oils).

* Occlusives: Create a barrier to prevent moisture loss (petrolatum,beeswax).

4. Sun Protection – Yes,Even in Winter! UV rays are still present,even on cloudy days.Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
5. Don’t Forget Your Lips & Hands: These areas are particularly vulnerable to dryness. Use a lip balm with SPF and a rich hand cream frequently.

Addressing Specific Skin Concerns

* Dry, Flaky skin: Focus on layering hydrating products. Consider a facial oil applied after moisturizer.

* Eczema & Psoriasis: Continue your prescribed treatment plan and prioritize gentle,fragrance-free skincare. A humidifier can also help.

* Redness & Sensitivity: Avoid irritating ingredients (fragrances, alcohol, dyes). Look for products containing calming ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera.

Winter Hair Care: Combatting dryness & Breakage

Just like your skin, your hair suffers in the winter. low humidity and indoor heating can lead to dryness, frizz, and breakage.

* Reduced Moisture: Hair loses its natural moisture, becoming brittle and prone to damage.

* Static Electricity: Dry air increases static, leading to flyaways and tangles.

* Scalp Dryness: A dry scalp can cause itching and flaking.

A Winter Hair Care Regimen

1. Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner: Switch to formulas specifically designed for dry or damaged hair.Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin.
2. Deep Conditioning Treatments: Incorporate a deep conditioning mask into your routine once a week.
3. Minimize Heat Styling: Heat styling further dries out hair. Air dry whenever possible, and use a heat protectant when you do use styling tools.
4. Scalp Care: Use a gentle scalp scrub to remove buildup and promote circulation. consider a scalp oil to hydrate a dry scalp.
5. Protective Styles: Braids,buns,and other protective styles can definitely help minimize damage.

The Benefits of Humidifiers

Investing in a humidifier can significantly improve both your skin and hair health during winter.Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, combating the drying effects of indoor heating. This can lead to:

* Improved Skin Hydration: Reduced dryness, flakiness, and irritation.

* Healthier Hair: Less breakage,frizz,and static.

* Reduced Respiratory Issues: Moist air can help alleviate dry sinuses and coughs.

Real-World Example: the Icelandic Study on Skin Barrier Function

A 2018 study conducted in Iceland, a region with particularly harsh winter conditions, demonstrated a significant decline in skin barrier function during the winter months.