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| Cold air, indoor heating, and hot showers strip moisture from your skin barrier. A few simple swaps — richer moisturizers, gentler cleansers, hydration from within — can make the difference between tight, flaky skin and actually enjoying winter. Keep reading to learn which steps you can take to help protect your largest organ.
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Be prepared!
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline
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Written by Tim Snaith
January 21, 2026 • 4 min read |
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| Why winter hits different
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| Your skin needs water for structure, elasticity, and that healthy glow. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Indoor heating makes it worse. The hot showers that feel so good when it’s freezing outside can strip your skin’s natural oils and damage the barrier that keeps moisture in.
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| Water begins to evaporate from your skin faster than you can replace it. You feel tight, look dull, and start flaking in places you’d rather not.
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| What actually helps
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| ♻️ Swap your moisturizer. Lightweight lotions that worked in summer won’t cut it in winter. Look for richer creams with ingredients that include:
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- ceramides, lipid molecules that reinforce your skin barrier
- hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin
- glycerin, a humectant that attracts water
- occlusives (e.g., petroleum, jojoba oil, squalane) that help seal everything in
Apply on damp skin to lock in more moisture.
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