Tips for Protecting Your Skin This Winter
When the temperatures drop, your skin feels it first. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can all strip away moisture, leaving skin dry, itchy, or even cracked. For older adults, these changes can be especially uncomfortable. That’s because, as we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and produces less oil, making it more vulnerable to winter’s chill.
The good news? A few simple changes to your daily routine can keep your skin soft, hydrated, and healthy all season long.
Why Senior Skin Needs Extra Care in Winter
As we get older, our skin goes through natural changes. It loses fat and elasticity, and the glands that produce oil slow down. This means your skin can’t hold on to moisture as well as it used to. During winter, when the air is cold and dry, this moisture loss happens even faster.
Dry, flaky skin isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to itching, irritation, or infection if cracks develop. For people with conditions like diabetes or poor circulation, dry skin can take longer to heal.
That’s why it’s important to protect your skin before problems start.
Moisturize Every Day
Moisturizing is the most important step for keeping winter skin healthy. A good moisturizer acts like a shield, locking water into your skin and preventing it from drying out.
Tips for moisturizing:
Choose a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment instead of a lotion. Creams hold in more moisture.
Apply right after bathing—within three minutes—when your skin is still slightly damp.
Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like your elbows, knees, and heels.
Keep a small tube near your sink for after handwashing.
Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or petroleum jelly. These ingredients help seal in moisture.
Shorten and Soften Bath Time
A long, hot bath might sound nice on a cold day, but hot water strips your skin of its natural oils.
Try this instead:
Use warm (not hot) water.
Limit baths or showers to 10 minutes or less.
Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser instead of harsh soaps.
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage your skin.
If your skin feels tight or itchy after bathing, your water is too hot, or you’re bathing too long.
Use a Humidifier Indoors
When the heater runs all day, the air inside your home becomes very dry. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which helps keep your skin from drying out overnight.
Tip: Aim to keep indoor humidity around 40-50%. You can place a small humidifier in your bedroom or living area, just remember to clean it regularly to prevent mold.
Dress for Warmth and Comfort
Cold air and wind can quickly irritate exposed skin. Layering up helps keep you warm and protects your skin from the elements.
Smart dressing tips:
Wear gloves and a scarf when outdoors to protect your hands and face.
Choose soft fabrics like cotton or fleece as your base layer.
Avoid wool directly on your skin, as it can be itchy and irritating.
Change out of wet clothing quickly, as damp fabric can cause chafing and dryness.
Stay Hydrated
Even though you may not feel as thirsty in winter, your body still needs fluids. Staying hydrated helps your skin stay supple from the inside out.
Try this:
Keep a glass or bottle of water nearby throughout the day.
Eat foods with high water content, like soups, oranges, and cucumbers.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your skin.
Protect Your Lips and Hands
The lips and hands are especially prone to cracking in winter. That’s because they have fewer oil glands than the rest of your skin.
To protect them:
Use a lip balm with petroleum jelly or beeswax.
Apply hand cream several times a day, especially after washing.
Wear gloves outdoors
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes, winter dryness can lead to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis flares. See your doctor or dermatologist if you notice:
Red, itchy patches that won’t go away
Cracks that bleed or ooze
Pain, swelling, or signs of infection
A doctor can recommend prescription creams or ointments to help heal your skin and prevent infection.
Focus on Your Skin This Winter
Winter may be harsh on your skin, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. With daily moisturizing, gentle cleansing, and smart indoor habits, you can keep your skin healthy and smooth all season long.
Remember that your skin changes as you age, and that’s normal. Paying attention to those changes and caring for your skin regularly can help you feel more comfortable, confident, and protected in every season.
Sources:
National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care/skin-care-and-aging
American Academy of Dermatology Association: https://www.aad.org/news/cold-weather-and-your-skin
Harvard Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/winter-skin-woes