young couple using Nivea Soft Cream

How to Take Care of Your Skin in Winter

Discover essential winter skincare tips to keep your skin hydrated and protected, addressing dryness, sensitivity, and other cold weather effects.

What's in this article:

Winter and Skin

Why is Winter Skincare Important?

Winter skincare involves adjusting your daily routine to address the drying effects of the colder weather, which can strip skin of moisture and natural oils. As temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, the skin becomes more prone to dehydration, irritation, and sensitivity. The lighter products used in warmer months may not provide adequate protection, making richer, more hydrating formulas essential.

This seasonal shift is crucial to prevent dryness, roughness, itchy feeling and irritations caused by the lack of moisture. Adapting skincare for winter can help to maintain a healthy-looking complexion despite the harsher environmental conditions. 

How is the Skin Impacted by Cold Weather?

Cold air, dry indoor heat, low humidity levels, and harsh winter winds can all strip moisture from your skin. This can leave not only your face but also your hands, feet, and other exposed areas dry and looking less radiant than usual.
young woman using Nivea Soft Cream

Areas of the Body Most Affected by Cold Weather

  1. Face 
    The face, often exposed to winter conditions, can quickly lose moisture, leading to dryness, redness, and irritation. Cold winds and indoor heating exacerbate this, making facial skin more reactive and prone to discomfort.
  2. Hands 
    Hands dry out and crack in winter due to cold exposure and frequent washing. The skin loses moisture easily, becoming rough, irritating, and painful in both cold outdoor air and dry indoor environments.
  3. Lips 
    Lips dry out quickly in winter, as their thin skin lacks oil glands. Exposure to cold air leads to chapping and cracking, which worsens with the habit of licking and stripping away essential oils.
  4. Feet 
    Wearing heavy socks and boots often traps moisture, creating an environment that can lead to additional skin issues, such as fungal or bacterial infections. Please consult a doctor if you think this is the case.
  5. General Body 
    Winter air affects the body’s skin, particularly on the arms, legs, and torso, which may feel dry and itchy from reduced humidity. However, other factors like frequent hot showers can also strip natural oils, leaving skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.

5 Tips to Keep Skin Moisturised During Winter

Winter can be harsh on the skin, so maintaining hydration is essential. Here are four easy tips to keep your skin soft and moisturised in colder months:
  1. Apply Moisturiser Right After Washing: Lock in moisture by applying your moisturiser immediately after washing your face or hands, while your skin is still damp. 

  2. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier helps counteract the drying effects of indoor heating, keeping your skin hydrated. 

  3. Limit Shower Frequency: Reduce the frequency of showers and keep them short to help retain your skin’s natural oils. 

  4. Reapply Moisturiser Throughout the Day: Especially after being outdoors or in heated environments, reapply moisturiser to help reduce dryness. An ideal choice is the NIVEA Creme, formulated for use all over the body, hands and face, it quickly hydrates and soothes any area of dry skin. 

  5. Water Temperature: Hot water can strip essential oils from your skin. Choose lukewarm water for washing and showering to help maintain moisture. 

    By following these tips and choosing the right cream, you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy-looking all winter long. 

Skincare for Different Skin Types in Winter

Like any other routine, winter skincare requires a tailored approach as different skin types respond uniquely to the cold weather.
young woman using NIVEA Repair and Care Body Lotion

Sensitive Skin

How to take care of sensitive skin in winter: 

Low air humidity and harsh winds are likely to further increase skin sensitivity, so protect your skin by dressing warmly and by applying a nourishing moisturiser before going out, especially to exposed skin areas such as the face and hands.

Use SPF daily, especially in the event of frost, as UV rays can reflect off snow and ice, intensifying sun exposure. 

Stay moisturised indoors as well; central heating can dry out skin, leading to redness and irritation.

Oily Skin

Oily or combination skin tends to handle winter better. 

Stick to your regular routine of cleansing, moisturising and applying SPF. You might need less care compared to those with drier skin. However, it's also possible that your skin becomes drier in winter and your routine needs to be adapted accordingly.

Dry Skin

Dry skin in winter can worsen, but there are steps you can take to manage it: 

Use a shower gel containing a cream treatment to protect your skin from drying out.

Maintain your skincare routine, even when it is tempting to skip it after a long day. 

For dry, winter-stressed skin, try NIVEA Repair and Care Body Lotion. It provides immediate relief from itching and tightness while delivering long-lasting hydration for up to 72 hours*, ensuring your skin stays soft and comfortable even in the harshest conditions.

*Instrumental measurement, 46 volunteers
NIVEA Repair and Care

Face Care Routine for Winter

Winter facial skincare involves adjusting your routine to address the challenges that colder weather brings, such as dry air, harsh winds, and indoor heating, which can strip moisture from the skin.

 

1. Cleanse

Begin with a gentle cleanser to effectively remove dirt, makeup, oil, and impurities from your skin Using a cleanser that is gentle on skin can help to minimise any additional irritation caused in this step. 

Try the perfume-free NIVEA Micellar Water Soothing with Amino Acid Complex and Dexpanthenol, to gently cleanse the skin and remove make-up while soothing and hydrating the skin.
NIVEA Micellar Water Soothing

2. Moisturise

As the colder months approach, keeping your skin moisturised becomes essential to combat dryness and maintain a healthy, radiant glow. A gentle yet deeply nourishing moisturiser can make all the difference, especially when temperatures drop, and humidity levels decrease. NIVEA Nourishing Day Care has been developed to meet the needs of dry and sensitive skin, helping to deeply nourish and provide 24-hour** hydration. The formula is enriched with NIVEA's intense hydration complex, natural Sweet Almond Oil, and Shea Butter to leave skin feeling smoothe. 

Alternatively opt for the iconic NIVEA Creme, the original moisturiser for the whole family which offers protective and intensive care. The thicker, multipurpose formula helps provide skin with additional protection throughout the colder months and is suitable for use on the face, body and hands. Use as your general moisturiser or to target particularly dry areas. Available in multiple size formats so you can keep a smaller tin with you throughout the day to top up moisture levels when needed.

**Instrumental measurement and self-scoring, 32 volunteers

Discover NIVEA Creme

3. Sun Protection

Do not put away your sunscreen just because it is winter. Although there is less UVB during the colder months, UVA levels remain high enough to contribute to skin ageing or sunburn. 

NIVEA SUN offers a range of sun protection solutions tailored to different skin types and needs, even in winter. Each sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UV defence, delivering both effective care and protection for skin.
Face Sunscreen
Skincare routine for winter

Facts Overview

Causes of Dry Skin in Winter: Winter air or indoor heat can strip moisture, making rich, hydrating products essential. 
 
Which Vulnerable Areas to Focus On: The face, hands, lips, and feet are especially prone to dryness—use targeted care to protect them. 

How to have Lasting Hydration: Wash your skin with lukewarm water, moisturize and use a humidifier if necessary, to help maintain soft skin all winter long.

Taking care of skin in winter

How to take care of your body in winter

Taking care of your skin during winter requires targeted attention for different areas of your body due to the unique challenges posed by cold weather and low humidity. Here is how to keep each part of your skin healthy in appearance and hydration.
Nivea Rich Moisture Creme Caring Shower Cream

Body

Even if you’re using lukewarm water, which is gentler on the skin than hot water, it's still essential to choose a nourishing shower product that supports your skin's hydration. For your shower routine, try the NIVEA Moisture Caring Shower Cream. Its formula transforms into a rich, creamy lather, gently cleansing while protecting your skin from drying out, leaving a soft and healthy feeling on your skin.
NIVEA Shower Gel
The skin on your body is especially susceptible to dry air from indoor heating, so it's essential to replenish and lock in lost moisture by applying a body lotion. The NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion. with Almond Oil provides deep nourishment and 48-hour*** hydration. This makes it ideal for areas prone to dryness, like legs, elbows, and arms. Apply after showering to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and comfortable.

***Instrumental test and self-evaluation, 40 volunteers
NIVEA Body Lotions

Hands

Hands are prone to dryness and chapping due to exposure to dry air and frequent washing. Therefore it’s wise to incorporate a hand cream into your winter body care regimen. The NIVEA 3in1 Repair Care Hand Cream with Dexpanthenol (provitamin B5) and Shea Butter, provides instant relief and deep repair for very dry, chapped hands whilst providing long-lasting protection.
NIVEA Hand Creams

Lips

Incorporating a lip balm into your winter skincare routine can make a significant difference in maintaining soft, healthy-looking lips. Since lips lack oil glands, they are especially prone to dryness and chapping in colder months. 

The NIVEA Repair & Care Lip Balm offers intense hydration and protection, shielding your lips from harsh winter weather. For best results, reapply throughout the day if necessary to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

NIVEA Lip Balms

NIVEA Creme & NIVEA Soft: Your Full Body Year-Round Companions

Sometimes the best skincare is keeping it simple. If you would prefer to minimise the number of products in your regimen then look no further than either of the classic all-purpose creams, NIVEA Soft and NIVEA Creme. Both offer highly effective moisture to leave skin feeling soft and nourished and are suitable for use on the face, hands and body. 

NIVEA Creme has the slightly thicker formula for a little extra protection particularly suitable for dry skin and winter conditions. NIVEA Soft offers a more refreshing feel with a non-greasy formula to moisturise all skin types, including dry skin. Whichever you choose, either will help to keep skin healthy-looking all year-round, including during winter months.
NIVEA All Purpose Creams

What Ingredients are Best for Winter?

When choosing a cream for winter, it is best to look for products that are richer and thicker than those used in summer. In terms of ingredients, here are a few to look out for in the colder months:
Shea Butter: Known for its deeply nourishing properties, shea butter contains fatty acids that help to create a barrier keeping the moisture in. 

Almond Oil: contains Linoleic Acid which helps to protect your skin’s barrier and helps retain moisture. So, if your skin is dry from the cold, Almond Oil is a great choice to make it better. 

Dexpanthenol (Provitamin B5): Known for its soothing and repairing properties. It helps to soothe dry skin, supports the skin’s regeneration process, and enhances moisture retention, making it ideal for winter use. 

Summary

Weather conditions in winter can lead to dryness and irritation, especially on the face, hands, feet, and exposed areas. You can help to counteract this by moisturising regularly, using a humidifier, and avoiding overly hot water. Apply a rich moisturiser after washing and reapply throughout the day if necessary to maintain hydration. Do not forget sunscreen – winter sun can still damage your skin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep my skin hydrated during the winter months?

Avoid taking showers that are too hot or too long, use a shower care product that won't dry out the skin and apply a protective and nourishing moisturiser.

What is the best way to protect my skin from harsh winter winds?

Wear gloves, scarves, and other protective clothing, and apply a rich moisturiser before heading outdoors.

How often should I exfoliate my skin in the winter?

Exfoliate gently once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.

Can indoor heating affect my skin during winter?

Yes, dry indoor heat can sap moisture from your skin. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.

Is it necessary to use sunscreen in the winter?

Absolutely! UV rays can still damage your skin even on cloudy winter days, so apply sunscreen daily.

What ingredients should I look for in winter skincare products?

Look for hydrating ingredients that protect and support the skin barrier such as shea butter, natural oils or provitamin B5 combined with moisturising ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycerin, to help retain moisture.

Should I change my cleansing routine in the winter?

Yes, switch to a gentle, f cleanser and avoid hot water to prevent stripping your skin of natural oils.

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