How to get rid of chapped lips and other winter skin problems

Winter brings more than just cold temperatures and holiday festivities. For millions of people, the season ushers in uncomfortable skin and hair problems: from cracked, chapped lips to itchy, flaking skin and hair that stands on end with static electricity. While these issues might seem like inevitable seasonal nuisances, understanding their causes and implementing the right strategies can help you maintain healthy, comfortable skin and hair throughout the coldest months.

Dr. Marilia Oliveira, a board-certified dermatologist at Tryon Medical Partners, sees patients of all ages struggling with winter skin concerns. From teenagers using trendy but ineffective products, to menopausal women experiencing increased dryness, to patients wondering how to get rid of chapped lips, her expertise provides valuable insights into preventing and treating these common winter complaints.

What is winter dermatitis, and what causes dry skin during winter?

Understanding why your skin changes in winter helps you address the root causes effectively. When cold weather arrives, humidity levels plummet both outdoors and indoors. Heating systems further dry the air inside your home and workplace. This combination strips moisture from your skin’s protective outer layer, leaving it vulnerable to cracking, flaking, and irritation.

Your daily habits also contribute to winter skin problems. Hot showers feel wonderful when you’re cold, but they strip away the natural oils that keep your skin hydrated. Dr. Oliveira notes that what you use on your skin in and after the shower matters, too: “People love to buy scrubs, and they can be irritating, particularly during this time of the year as they can remove the oil that keeps you hydrated. Fragrances and perfumes usually contain alcohol, which can irritate and contribute to further skin dryness.”

Even your laundry routine plays a role. Washing clothes with excessive bleach can irritate skin when the fabric rubs against it throughout the day.

Who is most at risk for winter skin problems?

While anyone can experience dry winter skin, certain groups face higher risks and more severe symptoms.

People with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema have compromised skin barriers that make them particularly vulnerable to winter’s harsh conditions.
As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil, making older adults more susceptible to severe dryness.
Hormonal changes during menopause further reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Additionally, skin type varies based on genetic background, with some people naturally producing more or less oil than others. Those with naturally drier skin types will struggle more intensely during the winter months.

What are the signs and symptoms of winter skin problems, and why is my hair so staticky?

Recognizing winter skin issues early allows you to address them before they become severe. Dr. Oliveira commonly sees:

Dry, flaking skin: visible patches of rough, peeling skin, especially on hands, arms, and legs.
Itchiness and scratching: a persistent urge to scratch that can lead to skin damage.
Cracked skin: painful splits in the skin, particularly on hands, fingers, and heels.
Lesions from scratching: open wounds or inflamed areas from excessive scratching.
Chapped lips: dry, cracked, sometimes bleeding lips.
Static hair: that stands up and clings to clothing due to a lack of moisture.

Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen significantly. Cracked skin creates entry points for bacteria and infections, and chronic scratching can lead to thickened, discolored skin. The discomfort can affect sleep quality and daily activities, making prevention and early treatment essential.

How should you moisturize to prevent and treat dry winter skin?

Effective moisturizing requires understanding product types and application timing.

“People often don’t use nearly enough moisturizer, in terms of frequency and type,” Dr. Oliveira observes. She explains the three main categories of moisturizer: “In order from least hydrating to most: we have lotion, cream, or ointment. Lotion is the easiest to put on, but it doesn’t work as well in the winter months because it doesn’t hydrate as well.”

Dr. Oliveira recommends cream as a good halfway point between lotion and ointment for most people. For particularly dry skin, she suggests using ointment 2-3 times per week at nighttime despite its less pleasant texture, because it increases the moisture capacity.

A good moisturizer should contain three key components:

A humectant that attracts moisture (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol)
An emollient with acids that increases moisture content within cells (petroleum jelly, mineral oil, shea butter, and lanolin)
An occlusive that seals in moisture (petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or silicones)

Timing matters as much as product choice. “Moisturize after you shower and moisturize after you wash your hands,” Dr. Oliveira advises. “When you come out of your shower, pat yourself dry and then within 30 minutes, put your moisturizer on so that your body is better able to absorb the moisture.”

With frequent handwashing naturally removing oils from your skin, reapplying moisturizer after each wash becomes especially important during the winter months.

How can you adjust your shower routine for winter?

Your bathing habits significantly impact your skin’s moisture levels during winter.

Dr. Oliveira provides step-by-step guidance:

Avoid a long, hot shower. Try to take a lukewarm shower that is 5-10 minutes long. Hot water feels comforting when you’re cold, but it aggressively strips away the protective oils your skin needs. Lukewarm water cleans effectively while preserving more of your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Be very mindful of the products you’re using. Use cleansers instead of soap, especially if you have sensitive skin. Traditional soaps can be too harsh, particularly for sensitive or already-dry skin.
After showering, resist the urge to vigorously rub yourself dry with a towel. Instead, pat your skin gently and apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in maximum hydration.