Last updated: October 2026
Dry skin happens when the skin’s surface loses water and natural oils faster than it can replace them, and in a UK winter cold wind outside and central heating inside make it worse. The fix is usually simple: use a plain emollient generously, especially straight after washing, swap soap for a soap substitute and keep showers short and lukewarm.
Below: causes, why winter is worse, which moisturiser to choose, a winter routine, an important fire safety warning, and when to see a GP or pharmacist.
What causes dry skin?
Your skin makes an oily substance called sebum that stops its outer layer losing water. When there isn’t enough of it, or when it’s stripped away, water escapes and the skin feels tight, rough, flaky or itchy. Most dry skin comes from the weather, the way we wash, or simply getting older.
| Cause | Why it dries your skin | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Cold air and wind | Low humidity and low temperatures weaken the skin barrier | Cover up outdoors and moisturise before you go out |
| Central heating | Warm, dry indoor air increases water loss from the skin | Don’t overheat rooms; add a little humidity |
| Hot showers and long baths | Hot water and long soaks strip away the skin’s oils | Short, lukewarm showers, then moisturise |
| Harsh soaps, shower gels and bubble bath | Detergents dissolve the fats in the outer layer of skin | Use an emollient as a soap substitute |
| Frequent hand washing and wet work | Repeated contact with soap, detergent and water irritates the skin | Moisturise after every wash; wear protective gloves for wet jobs |
| Getting older | Sebum production tends to fall with age | Moisturise daily, all over, not just on dry patches |
| Some medicines | For example, the NHS lists dry or itchy skin as a possible side effect of isotretinoin for acne | Ask your pharmacist; don’t stop a medicine without advice |
| Skin and health conditions | Eczema, psoriasis, an underactive thyroid and others | See the next sections and talk to a GP |
Swimming in chlorinated pools can also leave skin dry, and hard, chalky water is a recognised skin irritant. If you swim outdoors through the winter, see our guide to cold water swimming for warming up safely.
Why is dry skin worse in winter?
Cold air holds less moisture, and heating it indoors makes the air drier still. A review of the research by European dermatologists concluded that low humidity and low temperatures reduce the skin’s barrier function and make it more reactive to irritants and allergens. The same review found that cold, dry weather raises the risk of flare-ups in people with eczema.
Winter habits add to it: longer, hotter showers, sitting close to radiators or fires, and wool next to the skin. The NHS advises avoiding tight clothing and wool or synthetic fabrics if your skin is itchy, and choosing loose cotton or silk instead. For the bigger picture on staying well in the colder months, see our winter wellness guide.
When dry skin is a sign of something else
Most dry skin is just dry skin. But it can be part of another condition, especially if it’s red, inflamed, scaly in patches, or comes with other symptoms.
| Condition | Clues | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Atopic eczema | Itchy, dry, cracked or thickened patches that flare and settle, often on the elbows, knees and hands. Soap, detergents, dust mites, stress and temperature changes are common triggers | Eczema and CBD, dust mites |
| Psoriasis | Dry, itchy, flaky patches with silvery-white scales, often on the scalp, elbows, knees and back | Psoriasis and CBD |
| Contact dermatitis | Irritated, dry skin where it has repeatedly touched an irritant, such as soap or detergent | See a pharmacist |
| Underactive thyroid | The NHS lists dry skin, dry hair or hair loss alongside tiredness, feeling cold and weight gain | Underactive thyroid symptoms |
| Menopause and perimenopause | The NHS lists dry and itchy skin among the symptoms | Perimenopause symptoms |
| Diabetes | Dry skin on the feet matters more, because reduced feeling and circulation can let cracks go unnoticed and heal slowly | Ask your diabetes team or podiatrist |
| Kidney disease | Itchy skin is one of the symptoms of later-stage chronic kidney disease, alongside tiredness, swollen ankles and needing to pee more at night | See a GP |
| Varicose eczema | Dry, itchy, flaky or discoloured skin on the lower legs, often with varicose veins and swelling | See a GP |
Stress can also show up on your skin. If you get itchy bumps or a rash when you’re under pressure, read our guide to stress rash.
What helps dry skin: NHS self-care
NHS guidance says mild dry skin can usually be looked after at home, with a pharmacist’s help if needed. The basics:
- Use an emollient (moisturiser) regularly. NHS advice for mild dry skin is to apply it generously 3 to 4 times a day. Choose an unperfumed one.
- Apply it after washing. Gently pat your skin dry and put the emollient on while the skin is still slightly damp. This is when it most needs moisture.
- Smooth, don’t rub. Spread it in the direction the hair grows, which helps avoid blocked, inflamed hair follicles.
- Swap soap for a soap substitute. Most emollients can be used to wash with. They don’t foam, but they clean just as well. Avoid perfumed soaps, shower gels and bubble bath.
- Keep showers and baths short and lukewarm.
- Don’t scratch. Tap or pat itchy skin, or hold something cool, such as a damp flannel, against it. Keep nails short and smooth.
- Raise the humidity a little. NHS self-care advice suggests, for example, hanging a damp towel on a warm radiator.
- Wear gloves outdoors in the cold and protective gloves for wet jobs such as washing up.
- Use a laundry detergent for sensitive skin and wear loose cotton or silk next to your skin.
A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better moisturiser, and the British Association of Dermatologists says you may need to try a few types to find one that suits you. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Lotion vs cream vs ointment: which moisturiser?
“Emollient” is the medical word for a moisturiser. The main difference between types is how much oil they contain. More oil means a better seal against water loss, but a greasier feel.
| Type | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lotion | Mostly water, thin, spreads easily | Hairy areas, the scalp, mild dryness. The least moisturising |
| Gel or spray | Light, absorbs quickly | Hard-to-reach or sore areas |
| Cream | A mix of oil and water, not too greasy | Daytime use, and red or inflamed skin |
| Ointment | Mostly oil, greasy | Very dry, thickened skin that isn’t inflamed, especially at night. Not for broken skin |
NHS guidance says ointments are the most effective at keeping moisture in, and lotions the least. Many people use a cream by day and an ointment at night.
Humectants vs occlusives
Most moisturisers combine two kinds of ingredients, and knowing which is which makes labels easier to read.
| Ingredient type | What it does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Occlusives | Form a film on the skin that slows water loss. Work best applied straight after washing | Petroleum jelly (white soft paraffin), mineral oil, silicones |
| Humectants | Draw water into the outer layer of skin | Glycerin, urea, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid |
| Emollients and skin lipids | Fill gaps between skin cells so skin feels softer and smoother | Cetyl and stearyl alcohol (non-drying fatty alcohols), ceramides |
A review of moisturiser ingredients notes that humectants are usually paired with an occlusive, because on their own they can let water escape again. Urea under 10% moisturises, while stronger urea creams soften thick, hard skin. Urea can sting, so it’s best kept off the face and other sensitive areas.
How much and how often?
Emollients are often under-used. For eczema, NICE’s clinical guidance for GPs suggests adults use 250 to 500g of emollient a week, and says that for very dry skin, applying it every 2 to 3 hours is normal. Keep a tube at work and in your bag so you can top up through the day, and use a clean spoon, not your fingers, to take emollient from a tub.
NICE’s guidance also advises against aqueous cream as a leave-on moisturiser, because it contains sodium lauryl sulphate, which can irritate the skin.
The strongest evidence comes from eczema. A Cochrane review of 77 trials with 6,603 people found most moisturisers had some benefit, including fewer flare-ups and less need for steroid creams. It found no reliable evidence that any one moisturiser is better than another, so the best one is the one you’ll use.
Emollient fire safety: please read this
Emollients on fabric can catch fire. The MHRA warns that both paraffin-based and paraffin-free emollients can soak into clothing, bedding and dressings. The cream itself isn’t flammable, but dried-on residue makes fabric catch fire more easily and burn faster. The MHRA and fire services advise:
- Don’t smoke, and keep away from candles, naked flames and open fires if your clothes or bedding have emollient on them.
- Sit at least 1 metre away from open fires and electric bar, gas or halogen heaters.
- Wash clothing and bedding often, at the hottest temperature the care label allows. Washing reduces the build-up but doesn’t remove it completely.
Keep using your emollient: the MHRA says the benefits outweigh this very rare risk. The MHRA says people most at risk tend to be over 60, smokers or have reduced mobility, and that they or their carers should arrange a home fire safety check with their local fire service.
Emollients also make baths and shower trays slippery. Use a non-slip mat and take care getting in and out.
A simple winter skin routine
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Shower or bath | Keep it short and lukewarm. Wash with an emollient instead of soap or shower gel |
| Straight after | Pat dry, then smooth on emollient while your skin is still slightly damp |
| Through the day | Moisturise your hands after every wash. Top up any dry patches whenever they feel tight |
| Going out | Gloves, a scarf and a hat in cold wind. Moisturise exposed skin first |
| At home | Don’t turn the heating right up. Sit at least 1 metre from heaters and fires |
| Bedtime | A thicker cream or ointment on the driest areas, such as hands, elbows, shins and heels |
| Weekly | Wash bedding and nightwear at the hottest temperature the label allows |
A slightly cooler bedroom helps sleep and is kinder to dry skin than a hot, stuffy one. See our guide to the best temperature for sleep. If your fingers or toes also suffer in the cold, read about chilblains and Raynaud’s.
Dry skin on the face, hands, legs and scalp
Face
Use a gentle, unperfumed cream and a non-foaming cleanser or emollient wash, and pat dry rather than rubbing. Greasy products can aggravate acne on the face, and urea creams can sting, so a lighter cream is usually the better choice here. Scaly, itchy, red patches on the face that keep coming back may be seborrhoeic dermatitis rather than simple dryness, which a pharmacist or GP can check.
Hands
Hands take the most punishment in winter: cold air outside, then frequent washing indoors. The NHS says frequent contact with soap or detergent can cause irritant contact dermatitis, and that people in jobs with lots of wet work, such as cleaners, hairdressers, cooks and health and care workers, are more at risk. Moisturise after every wash, wear protective gloves for wet jobs and warm gloves outside, and use a thicker cream or ointment overnight on dry skin that isn’t broken. Cover any cracks that bleed with a clean dressing, and don’t put creams on broken skin unless a pharmacist or GP has advised it.
Legs and feet
Shins are one of the most common places for dry skin as we age. A 2023 review of 28 studies estimated that about half of older adults have dry skin (xerosis), most often on the lower legs, and found that regular moisturisers containing humectants helped. Dry, itchy or discoloured skin on the lower legs with swelling or varicose veins can be varicose eczema, which needs a GP. If you have diabetes, moisturise dry feet daily but not between the toes, and check your feet every day for cracks, blisters or signs of infection.
Scalp
A dry, flaky scalp is often dandruff, which the NHS says can be made worse by stress and cold weather. It isn’t caused by poor hygiene. An anti-dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole, coal tar or salicylic acid, used for up to 4 weeks, usually helps. See a GP if it doesn’t improve after 4 weeks, if your scalp is red or swollen, or if itchy, scaly patches spread to your face or body, as this could be psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Food, water and supplements: what can they do?
Does drinking more water help dry skin?
Less than you might hope. A systematic review found only six studies, and rated the evidence as weak. Drinking extra water slightly increased hydration in the outer layer of skin, mainly in people who normally drank little, but it’s not known whether it reduces visible dryness. Drink enough to stay well, see how much water should I drink a day, but moisturising the skin from the outside does far more.
Food and nutrients
A balanced diet matters for skin, mainly by avoiding shortfalls. Several nutrients have authorised health claims in Great Britain: zinc, vitamin A, biotin, niacin, riboflavin and iodine each contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. These claims are about getting enough, not about fixing skin dried out by the weather.
Supplements sold for dry skin
Be sceptical of supplements promising “skin hydration”. In Great Britain, skin hydration claims for hyaluronic acid and for gamma-linolenic acid (found in evening primrose and borage oil) have been assessed and are not authorised. A Cochrane review of 27 trials found that oral evening primrose oil and borage oil worked no better than placebo for eczema. We haven’t found good trial evidence that omega-3 supplements fix ordinary dry skin either.
Evopure doesn’t make a moisturiser or emollient, and none of our products is a treatment for dry skin or any skin condition.
When to see a GP or pharmacist
Ask a pharmacist first for mild dry skin. They can recommend an emollient, a soap substitute or a different product if one stings or stops working.
See a GP if:
- your skin is cracked, bleeding or has open sores from scratching
- it’s red or inflamed, or you have large areas of scaling or peeling
- dryness and itching are keeping you awake at night
- dry, cracked or itchy skin is widespread and hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of self-care, or keeps coming back
- you have other symptoms, such as tiredness, feeling cold or weight changes, which could point to a thyroid problem
- you’re pregnant and your skin is itchy (or see your midwife), as it can occasionally be a sign of a liver condition
- you have diabetes and notice cracks, blisters or broken skin on your feet
Get urgent help from a GP or NHS 111 if skin becomes painful, hot and swollen, which can be signs of an infection called cellulitis. Call 999 if this comes with a very high temperature, shivering, a racing heart, confusion or feeling very unwell.
Related guides
- Central heating dries out eyes as well as skin: see why your eyes feel dry in winter.
- If a sore spot on your lip starts with tingling, it may be a cold sore rather than dryness: see how to spot and treat cold sores.
- If your nails are splitting or peeling too, read our guide to brittle nails: causes and what helps.
FAQs
What is the best thing for very dry skin?
A plain, unperfumed emollient used generously and often. Ointments hold moisture in best, so they suit very dry skin that isn’t inflamed, especially at night. Apply straight after washing, use an emollient instead of soap, and keep showers short and lukewarm.
Why is my skin so dry in winter?
Cold outdoor air and wind, dry centrally heated air indoors and longer, hotter showers all pull water and oils from your skin. Research shows low humidity and low temperatures weaken the skin barrier.
Does drinking water help dry skin?
Only a little, and the evidence is weak. Extra water slightly increased skin hydration in people who usually drink little, but moisturising the skin directly makes a much bigger difference.
Is petroleum jelly good for dry skin?
Yes, for dry skin that isn’t broken or inflamed. Petroleum jelly (white soft paraffin) is an occlusive that seals water in, and works best on slightly damp skin. It’s greasy, so many people use it at night. Remember the fire risk from residue on clothing and bedding.
How do I know if it’s dry skin or eczema?
Eczema tends to be itchier, with patches that are red, darker or discoloured, cracked or thickened, and it comes and goes in flare-ups, often on the elbows, knees and hands. If moisturising alone isn’t settling it, ask a pharmacist or GP.
Does CBD help dry skin?
There’s no good evidence that CBD treats dry skin, and CBD isn’t a treatment for any skin condition. A plain emollient is the evidence-based first step. Our CBD for skin guide covers what the research does and doesn’t show.
For more on the CBD research, see our guide to CBD for skin.
Sources
- NHS. Itchy skin.
- NHS. Atopic eczema.
- NHS. Contact dermatitis: treatment.
- NHS. Contact dermatitis: causes.
- NHS. Psoriasis.
- NHS. Menopause: symptoms.
- NHS. Chronic kidney disease: symptoms.
- NHS. Varicose eczema.
- NHS. Isotretinoin capsules.
- NHS. Cellulitis.
- Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. Diabetes: foot health.
- MHRA. Skin creams dried on fabric can lead to fire deaths.
- NHS inform. Emollients.
- NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Mild dry skin.
- NHS South West London. Managing your mild dry skin (patient leaflet).
- NICE CKS. Eczema, atopic: emollients. Revised August 2026.
- British Association of Dermatologists. Emollient use in skin conditions.
- MHRA. Emollients: risk of severe and fatal burns with paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollients.
- MHRA and National Fire Chiefs Council. Keep the warmth, lose the risk: winter emollient safety warning. December 2025.
- NHS. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
- NHS. Dandruff.
- Engebretsen KA et al. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 2016.
- Kang SY et al. Moisturizer in patients with inflammatory skin diseases. Medicina, 2022.
- Yao D et al. The prevalence and interventions of xerosis cutis among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Geriatr Nurs, 2023.
- Akdeniz M et al. Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review. Skin Res Technol, 2018.
- van Zuuren EJ et al. Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017.
- Bamford JT et al. Oral evening primrose oil and borage oil for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2013.
- DHSC. Great Britain nutrition and health claims register.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Evopure doesn’t make a moisturiser or emollient, and no Evopure product is recommended for dry skin in this guide.
