Cold, wind, and dry heating air: In winter, our skin faces special challenges. Indoors, humidity drops, while outdoors, blood vessels constrict to conserve warmth. The result: The skin receives less blood flow, produces less oil, and increasingly loses moisture.
To keep it supple and healthy nonetheless, it needs a little extra attention and the right care during the cold season.
What happens to your skin in winter
When humidity is low, moisture evaporates more quickly from the skin's surface. The protective barrier weakens, small cracks can form, and the skin begins to feel tight. Outdoors, the cold further slows down the skin's metabolism, reducing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
Well-cared-for, fresh skin now needs two things above all:
- Moisture to balance its water content.
- An intact skin barrier to retain moisture and repel irritants.
How to support your skin in winter
- Gentle cleansing: Use lukewarm water and mild cleansing products without alcohol or harsh surfactants.
- Apply care to damp skin: Apply your skincare immediately after cleansing to better lock in moisture.
- Rich creams: Products with natural oils, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid strengthen the skin barrier and provide intensive care.
- Moisturizing masks: A weekly mask provides the skin with additional moisture and soothes it.
- Lip care: Lips have no sebaceous glands: A nourishing lip balm with UV protection protects against cracks and dryness.
Small everyday helpers
- Drinking enough water supports the body's moisture balance from within.
- Clothing not only protects against cold but also the delicate facial skin.
- A bowl of water on the heater increases room humidity.
- Even in winter: Don't forget sun protection – UVA rays are active all year round.
October 19, 2020 - updated November 24, 2025
