Dry skin on your face shows up faster in winter than you might think. Outside it is cold and windy, inside the heating is on, and your skin spends all day stuck in between. You notice it as a tight feeling after a shower, flaky patches around your nose and cheeks that turn red more easily. The good news: with a few small changes to your routine, your skin will feel a lot more comfortable over the coming months.
Why your face gets drier in winter
Your skin has a thin protective layer of sebum and moisture. That layer stops water from simply evaporating out of your skin. In winter it gets hit from two sides at once.
Cold air outside
Cold air holds very little moisture, and wind pulls moisture from your skin even faster. Your face is the only patch of skin that stays uncovered all winter, so it makes sense that you notice it there first.
Central heating inside
As soon as the heating comes on, the humidity in your home drops. Your skin then loses moisture to the dry air around it more quickly. Your nose and lips feel it too, you can read more about that in our article on a dry nose.
Hot showers and harsh cleansing
A long, hot shower feels great when it is freezing outside. But hot water also rinses the protective sebum off your skin. A cleanser that foams a lot and leaves your skin "squeaky clean" does the same.
How to recognise dry skin on your face
- Your skin feels tight, especially right after washing.
- You see small flakes around your nose, eyebrows or chin.
- Your skin looks dull and feels rough.
- Your cream sometimes stings for a moment, or your skin turns red more easily.
Do you also have strong itching, red patches that don't go away or small cracks that bleed? Then there may be more going on, eczema for example. In that case, have a doctor take a look.
What helps with dry skin on your face
Wash for less time, in lukewarm water
Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. In the morning, water alone is often enough. Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
Moisturise straight after washing
Right after washing, your skin is still slightly damp. Apply your cream straight away to lock that moisture in. In winter, feel free to use a richer cream than in summer. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and shea butter are good for dry skin.
Mind the air at home
A humidifier in your bedroom already makes a difference, and so does turning the heating down a few degrees at night. A humidity of 40 to 60 percent is comfortable for your skin and your nose.
Protect your face outside
A scarf pulled up over your chin keeps the wind off your skin. Don't forget your lips, they have hardly any protection of their own. A lip balm in your coat pocket is no luxury.
Give your skin extra moisture once or twice a week
A hydrating mask is an easy way to give your skin some extra care in winter. The Collagen Hydra Lift Mask is a hydrogel mask with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, made for dry skin. You leave it on for 2 to 4 hours or sleep in it, so the serum has time to absorb. Afterwards, massage in what is left and apply your usual cream on top. You can read exactly how in how often to use a collagen mask and how long to leave it on.
Does your skin mainly turn red and sensitive in winter? Then the Collagen Calm Balance Mask with cica and aloe vera is a better fit. You'll find all masks in the skincare collection.
What to skip in winter
- Scrubbing more than once a week. Dry skin already has enough to deal with.
- Products with alcohol or a lot of fragrance.
- Starting new active products such as retinol or acids in winter. If you do want to, build up very slowly.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my face so dry in winter?
Cold air outside and heated air inside both hold little moisture, so your skin loses water faster. Hot showers and harsh cleansing also strip away the protective sebum.
What is good for dry skin on your face?
Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, apply a rich cream straight afterwards and add a bit more moisture to the air at home. A hydrating mask once or twice a week gives your skin extra moisture.
How often should you use a hydrating mask for dry skin?
Once or twice a week is enough. A hydrogel mask like the Collagen Hydra Lift Mask stays on for 2 to 4 hours or a whole night.
When should you see a doctor about dry skin?
When your skin is very itchy despite good care, or you get red patches that don't go away or small cracks that bleed. There may be more going on, such as eczema.
Noticing the first tight patches already? Start tonight with lukewarm water and a good cream, and plan your first mask night of the winter.
