Why Your Skin Gets So Dry in Winter (And What Actually Works)

Published September 22, 2025   |    Updated December 7, 2025

Photo by Clay Banks

The first winter after moving into my house (which is over 100 years old and uninsulated!) my face was soooo dry from running the heat all the time. I quickly knew I had to make some changes to my indoor environment for two reasons— first, the advice about just using more moisturizer wasn’t working, and second, Interior Medicine is my whole thing ;) In short, moisturizing helps, but it's treating the symptom, not the cause. The real problem for dry winter skin is the indoor environment—specifically, the air and water quality inside your home during heating season.

After years of reviewing non-toxic home products and testing them myself, I've found that three specific tools make more of a difference than any moisturizer: filtering your shower water, humidifying your air, and monitoring your indoor air quality. I’ll go over why each works in this article.

Also, at the end, while what you put on your face isn’t the complete answer, I’ll share a few products I’ve used that deeply hydrate my skin, rather than just adding another thick glop of moisturizer. Nothing is worse than being very goopy but still having that deeply tight and dry feeling. I also have some recommendations for integrative dermatologists that can help if your eczema or dryness is more serious.

Here we go!

Why Does Skin Get So Dry in Winter?

Your skin doesn't suddenly change in winter—your environment does.

When temperatures drop, two things happen simultaneously: outdoor humidity plummets (cold air holds less moisture), and we crank up indoor heating. That combination creates a double assault on your skin barrier.

The outdoor problem: Cold air contains very little water vapor. When you're outside in winter, that dry air literally pulls moisture from your skin through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Think of it like a sponge in the desert—the drier the surrounding air, the faster your skin loses water.

The indoor problem: Related, this is actually worse! Indoor heating creates artificially dry air with relative humidity often below 20%—drier than most deserts. Harvard Health notes you lose about 25% more water through your skin in heated indoor environments compared to moderate conditions. Your heater isn't just warming the air; it's creating a moisture vacuum that constantly dehydrates your skin.

Three Home Upgrades That Actually Fix Winter Skin

1. Filter Chlorine Out of Your Water

Most municipal water contains chlorine (added as a disinfectant) and dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. These chemicals strip your skin's natural oils, which is the protective lipid barrier that prevents water loss. In the winter, when you might run your hands or body under that warm water a little longer to heat up, and when your defenses are down, the chlorine makes a bigger impact. And, if you have eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin, this daily chlorine exposure can trigger flares.

What actually works: A quality shower filter removes chlorine, heavy metals, and hard water minerals before they touch your skin.

The key is choosing a filter that actually removes contaminants for many, many gallons. Look for filters with activated carbon or KDF media (kinetic degradation fluxion)—these are proven to remove chlorine. Avoid filters making vague "wellness" claims without specifying what they remove or showing third-party test results.

For physician-reviewed recommendations on which shower filters actually work, and which ones are more gimmicky, see my guide to the best shower filters.

2. Use a Humidifier (But Not Just Any Humidifier)

This is non-negotiable if you run heat in winter.

Indoor heating drops relative humidity as low as 30% or less, creating an environment where your skin constantly loses moisture to the air. UC Davis Health dermatologists note that dry indoor air from heating is the primary cause of winter skin problems—even more than cold outdoor air.

Luckily, you can add moisture back into your air with a humidifier. Aim for 40-60% relative humidity (you can measure this with a hygrometer or indoor air quality monitor—more on that below).

I run a humidifier in my bedroom every night from November through March-ish. I quickly noticed less facial tightness in the morning and my hands were less dry.

Important humidifier considerations:

Mold risk: Humidifiers can become mold factories if not maintained properly. Empty and clean the tank every week, and look for models that don’t have excessive nooks and crannies that make cleaning difficult. Better yet, some are now dishwasher friendly!

Over-humidifying: More moisture isn't always better. Humidity above 60% promotes mold growth and dust mites. If you see condensation on windows, turn it down.

Room size: Match your humidifier to your room's square footage. An undersized unit won't raise humidity enough; an oversized one wastes energy.

For humidifiers that actually work without growing mold, see my guide to the best humidifiers.

3. Monitor Your Indoor Air Quality (The Missing Piece)

You can't optimize humidity if you don't know what your current levels are! I was very very surprised to see how low the humidity in my air got (29% some days!)

Indoor air quality monitors measure temperature, humidity, and often VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and particulate matter. These devices tell you exactly what's happening in your home environment so you can adjust accordingly.

If your monitor shows 18% humidity, you know your humidifier isn't working hard enough. If it shows 70% humidity, you're over-humidifying and risking mold. This data removes the guesswork (and also marital arguments about heating, windows, and humidifier use, haha.)

Beyond humidity: Air quality monitors also track particulate matter (PM2.5) and VOCs—both of which can irritate already-compromised winter skin. Research links exposure to particulate pollution with increased eczema risk, and air pollution has been connected to accelerated skin aging and psoriasis flares.

I keep an air quality monitor in my bedroom and living room year-round. In winter, I check it daily to ensure my humidifier is maintaining 45-50% humidity without going too high.

For recommendations on which monitors actually provide accurate readings (not just pretty displays), see my guide to the best indoor air quality monitors. I use the Awair upstairs in my bedroom and office, and the Airthings View Plus downstairs in the kitchen.

Photo by Clay Banks

Do Air Purifiers Help Dry Winter Skin?

Air purifiers don't add moisture, but they can help winter skin indirectly by removing irritants.

Winter air tends to be stagnant—we keep windows closed, which traps dust, pet dander, cooking fumes, and fireplace smoke indoors. These airborne particles can irritate dry, compromised skin and trigger inflammation or eczema flares.

A HEPA air purifier removes 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns (and contrary to popular belief, HEPA filters are actually more efficient at capturing both smaller and larger particles due to complicated physics.)

If you suffer from winter eczema or sensitive skin, running an air purifier alongside your humidifier can create a cleaner, more skin-friendly environment. The BlueAir I recommend combines purification and humidification in one unit, and is still effective at both functions. Otherwise, I generally prefer separate units for easier maintenance and better performance in each function.

The Best Topical Products for Winter Skin: Beyond Basic Moisturizers

Dialing in your indoor environment will help your dry winter skin a lot. But, if you don’t have as much control over your space, like being in an office 8 hours a day (where they aren’t that interested in optimizing your indoor air quality) or are outside a lot, skincare can absolutely help.

While occlusive moisturizers create a protective seal on skin's surface so that moisture doesn’t evaporate into the air, they don't address what's happening in deeper skin layers where winter dryness actually starts. This is where hydrating toners and serums with humectant ingredients are amazing for winter skincare. Look for products containing urea (a component of skin's natural moisturizing factor that both hydrates and gently exfoliates dead skin cells), hyaluronic acid, and natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) like sodium PCA. These ingredients penetrate the skin barrier to deliver moisture where it's needed rather than just sitting on the surface. It has made the biggest difference for my dry winter skin, as opposed to just smearing thick creams on my face (I’ve tried!)

Apply hydrating serums or toners on damp skin immediately after cleansing, then seal them in with an occlusive moisturizer. This layering approach—hydration first, then occlusion—is significantly more effective for treating winter xerosis than thick creams alone. I use Stratia Aqua Factory Toner first thing out of the shower, followed by a layer of Regimen Lab’s Wave Serum. Any moisturizer you like after this will do, but I use the Biossance Squalane & Ectoin Rescue Cream on very dry nights for locking everything in without using greasy petroleum. Also, pro tip for winter workouts— I use InnBeauty’s Recharge Gel Cream because it’s oil-free, but is amazing at both hydration and moisturization.

If your skin barrier needs more personalized help, I recommend a great integrative dermatologist. They combine conventional medical treatments with evidence-based holistic approaches. Integrative dermatologists understand how environmental factors (indoor air quality, water quality, humidity levels) interact with topical treatments and can develop comprehensive care plans that address root causes rather than just prescribing stronger steroids. If you live in California, I recommend my good friend and colleague Dr. Kaitlin Tyre specifically, and if you live in any other state, I always recommend using the National Association of Environmental Medicine (NAEM) Directory, which is a collection of physicians that have environmental training. Finally, the Root Cause Dermatology website can help you find a provider.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Skin and Indoor Air Quality

Why does my skin get so dry in winter even when I moisturize constantly?

Because you're only treating the symptom, not the cause. While using more moisturizer in the winter can help, your environment is causing problems faster than topical products work. Indoor heating drops relative humidity to 30% or below often (drier than most deserts), creating a moisture vacuum that pulls water from your skin through transepidermal water loss (TEWL.) Meanwhile, chlorinated shower water strips your skin's protective oils daily, and dry air prevents your skin from recovering between moisture losses. Until you fix your environment—by filtering shower water, humidifying indoor air to 40-50%, and monitoring air quality—you'll be fighting a losing battle no matter how much cream you apply.

Does drinking more water actually help dry winter skin?

No. This is one of the most persistent skincare myths. The problem with winter skin isn't internal dehydration—it's external moisture loss from environmental conditions. You can drink a gallon of water daily and still have cracked hands if you're washing them with chlorinated water in 15% humidity air. What does work is preventing moisture loss at the skin surface through environmental controls (humidifiers, shower filters) and occlusive moisturizers that create a protective seal on skin. Stay hydrated for overall health, but don't expect drinking more water to fix dry winter skin—it won't.

How does chlorine in shower water dry out my skin?

Chlorine strips the lipid layer from your skin's surface—the natural oils that prevent water loss and protect against irritation. Municipal water contains chlorine specifically because it destroys organic matter (bacteria, viruses), but it can't distinguish between bacteria and your skin's protective barrier. When you shower in chlorinated water, especially hot water, you're essentially bathing in a chemical that's designed to break down organic material. For people with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin, this daily chlorine exposure can trigger flares and worsen winter dryness significantly. A quality shower filter with activated carbon or KDF media removes chlorine before it touches your skin, preserving your natural oils and preventing the tight, itchy feeling after showers.

Will a shower filter help with eczema and psoriasis in winter?

Yes, removing chlorine and hard water minerals can really help reduce winter flares. Chlorine strips natural oils that protect against moisture loss, and hard water minerals leave residue that clogs pores and irritates sensitive skin. Both exacerbate eczema and psoriasis, especially in winter when skin barriers are already compromised by dry air. However, shower filters aren't a cure—eczema and psoriasis are complex conditions with multiple triggers. A shower filter addresses one environmental irritant, and for some people that's enough to prevent winter flares. For others, it's one component of a comprehensive management strategy that also includes humidification, gentle cleansers, prescription treatments, and eliminating other triggers. Compare shower filters that actually remove chlorine through third-party testing rather than marketing claims.

Are hot showers actually bad for dry winter skin?

Unfortunately yes, hot water strips your skin's natural oils faster than warm water, which is so inconvenient in the wintertime when you want to warm up! I personally hate this fact as someone that runs cold. But, in winter when your skin barrier is already compromised by dry air, hot showers accelerate moisture loss significantly. Dermatologists recommend keeping showers under 10 minutes with warm (not hot) water specifically because prolonged heat exposure dissolves the lipid barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. This is amplified if you're showering in chlorinated water, because hot water vaporizes chlorine into steam, meaning you're breathing and absorbing it through skin more efficiently. The solution isn't to skip showers—it's to filter your water, keep showers short and lukewarm, and moisturize immediately after (within 3-5 minutes) while skin is still damp to trap water in your skin.

What humidity level should I maintain indoors to prevent dry winter skin?

Aim for 40-50% relative humidity—high enough to prevent skin moisture loss but low enough to avoid mold growth. Anything below 30% creates desert-dry conditions that accelerate transepidermal water loss, leading to that tight, cracked feeling. Above 60% promotes mold and dust mites, which can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. The sweet spot is 45% for most people—comfortable for skin, safe for your home structure, and low enough to prevent biological growth. Use an indoor air quality monitor to track humidity accurately rather than guessing. Many humidifiers have built-in humidistats, but aren’t as accurate because they only test the air immediately around them. Standalone monitors are more accurate and let you verify your humidifier is actually working. Here are the accurate indoor air quality monitors I recommend including affordable options.

Why do indoor air quality monitors matter for winter skin health?

Because you can't optimize what you don't measure. Indoor air quality monitors track humidity, temperature, PM2.5 particulate matter, and often VOCs—all environmental factors that affect skin health. Without a monitor, you're guessing whether your humidifier is working (is humidity actually 45% or still 20%?), whether you're over-humidifying and risking mold (60%+ humidity), and whether indoor air pollution from cooking or fireplaces is irritating your skin. These devices remove the guesswork and let you adjust accordingly. For winter skin specifically, humidity monitoring is critical—it tells you exactly when to run your humidifier, when to turn it down, and whether your efforts are actually creating a skin-friendly environment or just wasting electricity. Compare indoor air quality monitors that provide accurate readings rather than with unreliable data.

What's the difference between a humidifier and an air purifier for winter skin?

They have completely different functions, but both are actually quite helpful but addressing dry winter skin. Humidifiers add moisture to dry air, which directly prevents skin moisture loss by reducing transepidermal water loss when indoor heating creates desert-dry conditions. Air purifiers remove airborne particles and pollutants (dust, pet dander, smoke, allergens) that can irritate compromised skin and trigger inflammation. When your windows are closed more often in the winter, your house traps irritants indoors faster. For winter skin health, you need both: humidity to prevent dryness and clean air to prevent irritation. Some combination devices (like the BlueAir!) exist but outside of that brand, I prefer separate units for easier maintenance—you can run a humidifier and air purifier in the same room without interference. Just maintain appropriate humidity (40-50%) and use true HEPA filtration for particle removal, not ionizers or ozone generators which can irritate skin further.

Can houseplants help humidify my home and improve winter skin?

No. I wish they could, but it’s not true. The claim that plants significantly humidify indoor air comes from misinterpreting research on plants in sealed chambers with unrealistic densities. In real homes, plants release negligible moisture. If you enjoy houseplants for aesthetic or psychological reasons, great—but don't expect them to prevent dry winter skin. Mechanical humidification through an actual humidifier is the only proven, effective method for maintaining 40-50% relative humidity necessary to protect skin during heating season.

Sources

Harvard Health Publishing. "9 Ways to Banish Dry Skin." Harvard Medical School, 2023

University of California, Davis Health. "Struggling with dry skin this winter? Check out these tips to keep skin moisturized." 2023

American Academy of Dermatology. "Dermatologists' Top Tips for Relieving Dry Skin." 2024

Engelman, D. "Effects of Chlorine on Skin and Hair." Mount Sinai Health System, 2021

National Eczema Association. "Hard Water and Eczema: What's the Connection?" 2022

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Indoor Air Quality and Residential Particulate Matter." 2024

Kim, I.S. et al. "Exposure to air pollution and incidence of atopic dermatitis in the general population: A national population-based retrospective cohort study." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 86, no. 2, 2022, pp. 504-506.