Winter Skincare for Dry Skin: A Practical Routine

Cold, dry air pulls water out of the skin, and hot showers make it worse. Dry-skin care in winter is about adding moisture and sealing it in.

The routine

1. 1Switch to a cream or non-foaming cleanser.
2. 2Apply moisturiser on damp skin, within a few minutes of washing.
3. 3Use a richer night cream with ceramides, shea butter or hyaluronic acid.
4. 4Keep sunscreen on in winter too — UV doesn't take a break.
5. 5Take shorter, warm (not hot) baths, then apply body lotion straight away.

• Cracked heels: a thick foot cream at night, under cotton socks.
• Chapped lips: balm through the day and a thicker layer at night; skip lip scrubs on cracked lips.

This is general care advice, not medical advice. For persistent acne, rashes, pigmentation or hair loss, see a dermatologist.