I love winter. It’s an opportunity to be invigorated by the cold and enjoy all the fun activities that snow brings. But one thing that I don’t like about winter is the inevitable dry skin that comes with it.
Unsurprisingly, according to a survey by Ipsos Reid, 54% of Canadians report experiencing moderate to severe dryness in winter, with women significantly more likely than men reporting being impacted. Also, dry skin tends to get worse as we age. This is because the skin’s natural moisture-retaining capabilities decline, leaving Canadians 50+ most affected
Even the vastness of our country comes into play: the prairie provinces report the highest rates of dry skin due to extremely low humidity levels during winter and the Northern Territories see prolonged cold spells and harsh winds that contribute significantly to dry skin.
Canada’s urban residents may also face heightened exposure to dryness caused by indoor heating systems, while rural communities experience harsher outdoor elements.
Why Dry Skin is Bad for Your Health
As it turns out, combatting dry skin is more important than just getting rid of a pesky itch.
Skin is the largest organ in the human body, making up about one-seventh of a person’s body weight. It acts as a barrier between you and the rest of the world. It keeps you hydrated, and keeps body fluids in.
When skin is dry, it is harder for the barrier to protect you from the outside environment and may increase the risk of skin infections. It can trigger eczema flare-ups, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to eczema.
But perhaps most importantly for many Canadians – dry skin can make you more sensitive to cold weather because it allows your body heat to escape more easily.
Why Winter Causes Dry Skin
Winter’s harsh conditions, combined with certain behaviours and physiological responses create a perfect storm for dry skin.
To begin with, as a response to colder temps, the skin’s natural renewal process slows down, leaving dead skin cells on the surface for longer. This buildup contributes to a rough, flaky texture and prevents effective absorption of moisturizers.
To make the situation even worse, the cold winter air naturally holds less moisture, leading to a drastic drop in humidity levels. This dry air pulls moisture away from the skin, leaving it dehydrated and prone to flaking. Additionally, windy conditions exacerbate the problem by stripping away the skin’s natural oils, further weakening its ability to retain moisture.
Heated air from furnaces, space heaters, and radiators lacks humidity, creating a dry indoor environment. Sudden transitions between the cold outdoors and warm indoors can shock the skin, leading to irritation and microcracks in the epidermis. Prolonged exposure to such conditions significantly reduces the skin’s hydration levels.
If you love long, hot showers, baths or a good soak in the hot tub, you may be stripping your skin of its natural oils, disrupting its protective barrier.
Alarmingly, as most skiers know, the sensation of thirst diminishes in cold weather, causing people to drink less, even if they’re exercising. Dehydration affects the entire body, including the skin, making it less resilient to environmental stressors.
And finally, around 40% of Canadians do not get enough vitamin d in the winter, an important vitamin that plays a role in skin health and repair.
How to Beat Dry Winter Skin
Do not despair! Despite the myriad reasons why dry skin is almost unavoidable in the depths of a Canadian winter, there are many proactive steps you can take to dramatically improve hydration.
Canadian dermatologists emphasize a combination of targeted skincare, environmental adjustments, and lifestyle changes to keep skin healthy and moisturized.
Skincare
Moisturizers
The most effective types of moisturizers in winter tend to be creams that provide a thicker barrier against moisture loss, especially for mature skin. Ointments contain more oil than creams (around 80% in ointments vs. 50% in creams) so they are the most effective at preventing water loss. They are often recommended for severely dry or cracked skin, particularly for areas like hands, elbows, and feet.
Here are the key ingredients you should look for when choosing a winter moisturizer:
- Ceramides: Help restore the skin’s natural barrier by replenishing essential lipids.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that attracts water to the skin, boosting hydration.
- Glycerin: Another humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and supports healing.
- Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids, it soothes and nourishes the skin.
- Petrolatum: Found in ointments, this forms a protective layer to lock in moisture.
Pro Tip: For soft feet in the winter, cover both feet with a thick cream or ointment and then pull on a nice, thick pair of warm socks. Wear them all night. When you wake up in the morning, your feet will be soft and supple.
Gentle, Hydrating Cleansers
Replace harsh soaps with creamy, sulfate-free cleansers that cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Examples include Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel.
Sunscreen
Even in winter, UV rays can damage the skin, especially with reflective snow surfaces. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. See here for sunscreens recommended by the Canadian Dermatology Association.
Modify Skincare Habits
Limit exfoliation to once a week and choose gentle, non-abrasive exfoliants to avoid damaging the skin barrier. Use a serum with humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid) followed by a heavier cream or ointment to lock in moisture.
Environmental Adjustments
Humidifiers
Adding a humidifier to your home and/or office increases moisture in the air, which helps maintain skin hydration. Look for models designed for bedrooms or living spaces with adjustable humidity settings. If you have pets or children in the house, consider getting a cold air humidifier for safety.
Your indoor humidity level should be around 40–50% to combat the dryness caused by central heating. Keep indoor temperatures around 20–22°C to prevent excessive drying of the air.
Lifestyle Changes
Eat water-rich foods such as cucumbers, oranges, and soups to boost hydration. Include healthy fats like those from avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (rich in omega-3s) to support the skin’s lipid barrier.
Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your skin when consumed excessively. If you enjoy them, pair them with water to counteract their drying effects.
Wear protective clothing like scarves, hats, and gloves to shield skin from cold, windy conditions. Protect your lips with a balm containing beeswax or petroleum to prevent cracking and chapping.
Winter dressing is all about layers. And the great news is wearing soft, breathable materials close to the skin, help with skin hydration and warmth. Opt for hypoallergenic laundry detergents that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances when washing your garments.
Limit showers to 5–10 minutes and use lukewarm water to avoid stripping natural oils from the skin. Use creamy, fragrance-free cleansers or shower oils that don’t disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier.
Sleep is crucial for healthy skin as it repairs itself overnight. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support your skin’s natural regeneration process. Additionally, getting a good sleep can help with stress reduction, which is great because high stress can trigger flare-ups of dry skin and eczema. Try to incorporate stress-relief techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing for radiant skin.
So, get out and enjoy all that Canada has to offer during the winter and keep your skin hydrated and radiant at the same time. Your skin will be glowing, you’ll be warmer, more comfortable and you’ll protect yourself from unwanted infections. It’s a no-brainer!
Do you have a tip for alleviating dry winter skin? Send us your suggestions at info@thehealthinsider.ca or comment on this post on social media to share with The Health Insider community.
~Read more from The Health Insider~
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.