Dry Skin: Winter and Central Heating Causes, Remedies and When to See a GP (UK)

Why skin gets dry in winter and with central heating

Your skin makes an oily substance called sebum that stops its outer layer losing water. Strip that layer or dry it out and water escapes, leaving skin tight, rough, flaky or itchy. Cold air holds little moisture, and heating it indoors makes it drier still.

A review by European dermatologists found that low humidity and low temperatures weaken the skin’s barrier and raise the risk of eczema flare-ups. NHS self-care guidance lists central heating among the common causes of dry skin, and in a small study six hours in a heated room in winter increased water loss from the forearm.

Sitting close to heat matters too. Regular close heat from a heater, hot water bottle or laptop can cause a mottled, net-like rash called erythema ab igne (“toasted skin”), which a clinical review says usually fades once the heat source is removed. If you warm your bed with an electric blanket, read our safety checklist first.

NHS self-care that works

1. Use an unperfumed emollient often: the NHS suggests at least 3 or 4 times a day, especially on hands and face.
2. Apply it straight after washing, once you’ve patted dry and skin is still slightly damp.
3. Smooth, don’t rub, in the direction the hair grows.
4. Wash with an emollient instead of soap. It doesn’t foam, but it cleans just as well.
5. Keep showers short and lukewarm, and skip perfumed shower gels and bubble bath.
6. Don’t scratch: tap or pat, or hold a cool damp flannel on itchy skin.
7. Add a little humidity. NHS self-care advice says increasing humidity can help, for example a wet cloth over a warm radiator. A clean humidifier does the same job.
8. Wear loose cotton or silk and use laundry products for sensitive skin.

iA higher price doesn’t mean a better moisturiser, and the British Association of Dermatologists says you may need to try a few to find one that suits you. A pharmacist can help. A cooler bedroom is kinder to skin too: see the best temperature for sleep.

Emollients explained: lotion vs cream vs ointment

“Emollient” is the medical word for a moisturiser. The more oil it contains, the better it seals water in, and the greasier it feels.

The NHS says ointments are the most moisturising. Many people use a cream by day and an ointment at night.

How much, and when

Most people use too little. For eczema, NICE guidance suggests adults use 250 to 500g a week, and says applying every 2 to 3 hours is normal for very dry skin. Take emollient from a tub with a clean spoon, not your fingers. If you also use a steroid cream, the NHS says to leave 20 to 30 minutes between the two. Aqueous cream is no longer recommended as a leave-on moisturiser because it can irritate skin.

On labels, occlusives such as petroleum jelly seal water in, while humectants such as glycerin and urea draw water into the skin. Urea can sting, so keep it off the face. A Cochrane review of 77 eczema trials found no reliable evidence that any one moisturiser beats another, so the best one is the one you’ll actually use.

Dry skin on the face, hands and legs

Face

Use a gentle, unperfumed cream and a non-foaming cleanser, and pat dry. Greasy products can aggravate acne, so a lighter cream usually suits. Scaly red patches that keep coming back may be seborrhoeic dermatitis, and flushing that stings may be rosacea.

Hands

The NHS says repeated soap or detergent can cause irritant contact dermatitis, especially in wet-work jobs such as cleaning, hairdressing and care work. Moisturise after every wash, wear gloves outdoors and for wet jobs, and use an ointment overnight on skin that isn’t broken.

Legs and feet

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 regular humectant moisturisers helped. Very dry, scaly skin over large areas can be ichthyosis, which the NHS says is usually inherited but can develop with another condition. With diabetes, moisturise feet daily but not between the toes, and check them every day for cracks.

Dry skin, diet and vitamins: what can they do?

Honestly, not much for ordinary winter dryness. No supplement fixes dry skin unless you’re actually short of something.

Which deficiencies cause dry skin?

A review of skin signs of nutritional deficiency describes dry, rough skin with vitamin A deficiency and generalised dryness with vitamin B6 deficiency, while low zinc, niacin and riboflavin cause distinctive rashes rather than plain dryness. These are rare in countries like the UK, and usually linked to malabsorption, heavy drinking, weight-loss surgery or a very restricted diet. The NHS lists feeling itchy among the less common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.

Vitamin D is often blamed online, but we haven’t found good evidence that low vitamin D causes ordinary dry skin. The NHS advises everyone to consider 10 micrograms a day in autumn and winter anyway: see vitamin D in winter. If you suspect a deficiency, ask your GP about a blood test.

In Great Britain, zinc, vitamin A, biotin, niacin, riboflavin and iodine each contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. These claims are about getting enough, not fixing weather-dried skin.

Water and “skin hydration” supplements

A systematic review found weak evidence that drinking extra water slightly increases skin hydration, mainly in people who drink little. “Skin hydration” claims for hyaluronic acid and evening primrose or borage oil are not authorised in Great Britain, and a Cochrane review found oral evening primrose and borage oil no better than placebo for eczema. For ingredients on labels, see our honest guides to collagen supplements, tremella, the “snow mushroom”, and reishi skincare.

Evopure doesn’t make a dry skin treatment. Our CBD Balm is a cosmetic balm with CBD, peppermint, eucalyptus and juniper that some people like to use as part of a skin routine; it isn’t a treatment for dry skin or eczema. Peppermint and eucalyptus can sting very dry or cracked skin, so keep it off broken skin and patch test first. Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, worth knowing if the dark months leave you tired in winter.

The FSA’s 10mg a day figure for CBD is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.

Our products are for adults (18+). We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Is it eczema, psoriasis or something else?

Most dry skin is just dry skin. Think again if it’s red or inflamed, scaly in clear patches, or comes with other symptoms.

Some medicines dry the skin too, such as isotretinoin for acne. Don’t stop a medicine without advice.

When to see a GP or pharmacist

iAsk a pharmacist first for mild dry skin. See a GP if:

• skin is cracked, bleeding, red or inflamed
• widespread dry, itchy skin hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of self-care, or keeps coming back
• you’re itchy all over, or the itch is severe or affecting daily life
• you have other symptoms, such as tiredness or feeling cold
• you’re pregnant and itchy (or see your midwife)
• you have diabetes and notice cracks on your feet

Get urgent help from a GP or NHS 111 if skin becomes painful, hot and swollen, which can be signs of cellulitis.

For the colder months, our winter wellness guide covers the bigger picture, our self-care ideas include a slow evening routine, and a self-care hamper with an unperfumed hand cream makes a thoughtful gift.

A rich hand cream is one of the most welcome women’s stocking fillers in winter.

An unscented hand cream is one of the safest Secret Santa gifts for her or a colleague you barely know.