Does your skin get itchy in winter? Change your bathing habits to boost hydration and achieve healthier skin

Winter is already here. That means it’s time to create dry indoor heat with less humidity. When you’re not indoors, you’re exposed to cold, dry air. Adding a hot bath to this will correct the conditions for dry skin. It is often accompanied by itching in various parts of the body. Itchy skin in the winter is very common, especially for people who already have dry skin or conditions like eczema that cause dryness, itching, and irritation. To prevent dry and itchy skin, try home remedies like taking oatmeal baths and keeping your skin moisturized with coconut oil.

What causes skin to itch in winter?

1. Cold, dry air

In some cases, you may experience itchy skin in the winter or experience winter itch, also known as pruritus hiemaris. “This is a type of skin inflammation primarily due to the exfoliating effects of cold, dry air,” says dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr. Nilofer Diwan Mansouri. Cold winter air has very low humidity, which draws moisture from your skin. This causes dehydration of the skin barrier, making it dry, hard, and prone to itching.

2. Indoor heating

Heating systems keep us warm while reducing the moisture content of indoor air, creating a drier environment. This constant exposure depletes the skin’s natural oils, worsening dryness and causing skin irritation. According to a study published in the European Journal Of Pain in 2015, itching is often caused by environmental stimuli, especially heat.

3. Hot shower

“Hot showers feel great when it’s cold, but they’re bad for your skin because they strip your skin of the natural oils that are supposed to protect it,” says Dr. Mansuri. This leaves the skin unprotected from moisture loss and makes it more prone to dryness.

4. Harsh soap

Using soaps and cleansers that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances can disrupt your skin’s pH (potential hydrogen) balance. “These products strip away natural lipids, which are natural fats for the skin, making dryness even worse and causing itching,” says cosmetic surgeon Dr. Shweta Mishra.

5. Basic conditions

Pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema that cause dry and itchy skin often worsen in the winter. A 2023 study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology showed that eczema symptoms worsened in the winter and improved in the summer in participants with the condition. Lack of moisture in the air causes inflammation, which makes the skin more sensitive and itchy.

Who is more at risk for itchy skin in winter?

• people with dry skin: People with naturally dry skin produce less sebum to lock in moisture. “In winter, this trend is even worse as cold air strips away limited natural oils,” Dr. Mishra says. This leads to itching in the winter.
• senior citizen: “Older people are at higher risk of developing itchy skin in the winter, as the skin naturally dries out and loses elasticity as we age,” says Dr. Mansouri. Dry skin is a common problem among older adults, with prevalence ranging from 41.2 to 99.1 percent, according to a 2023 study published in the journal Geriatric Nursing.
• people with skin diseases: People with conditions like eczema and psoriasis already have a compromised skin barrier, making their skin more vulnerable to winter dryness. These symptoms are often worse during the cold season due to decreased moisture and increased skin inflammation.
• person who frequently takes a bath: People who bathe frequently, especially in hot water, can accidentally strip the skin of its natural oils. This habit leads to increased dryness and itching, especially in winter, when the skin’s ability to retain moisture is already reduced.

How to get rid of itchy skin in winter?

1. Moisturize often

Using a thick, unscented moisturizer immediately after bathing will help lock in moisture. Always apply to damp skin to lock in moisture. “Use an occlusive moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These ingredients help your skin attract and retain moisture and form a protective barrier,” says Dr. Mishra. Masu.

2. Oatmeal bath

Colloidal oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin irritation. Oatmeal baths not only relieve itching, but also provide a protective barrier that prevents water loss. In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, researchers found that colloidal oat extract, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helped women with mild to moderate itchy and dry skin. I have found that it helps.

3. Humidifier

“Using a humidifier indoors increases the humidity in the air and helps prevent skin dehydration,” says Dr. Mishra. Introducing a humidifier in your bedroom or living area can help maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance, even if you’re using heating indoors.

4. Coconut oil

Use coconut oil for winter itching. A natural emollient that moisturizes and soothes dry skin. “It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, during the winter months,” says Dr. Mishra.

5. Aloe vera gel

Applying fresh aloe vera gel can soothe irritated skin and reduce itching. A study published in the Iranian Medical Journal in 2018 found that it has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflamed eczema and reduce the itching associated with this condition.

6. Stay hydrated

Hydrating from within is just as important as topical treatments for winter itch. “Keeping your body hydrated maintains moisture levels in your skin, improves overall skin elasticity, and reduces dryness and itchiness,” says Dr. Mishra.

7. Change your bathing habits

Using lukewarm water instead of hot water when showering is essential to preserving your skin’s natural oils. Hot water can strip your skin of its protective oils, making it more dry and itchy in the winter. Limit showers to 10 minutes. This reduces the time your skin is exposed to the drying effects of water and helps retain moisture.

8. Use gentle detergents

Soaps, especially those with strong fragrances or alcohol, can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier and make dryness worse. Choose a mild, unscented cleanser that’s formulated for sensitive or dry skin. These cleansers usually have a mild pH to maintain the skin’s natural oils and prevent further irritation. Avoid products with added chemicals, dyes, or artificial fragrances as they can cause allergic reactions or worsen skin irritation.

9. Medicated cream

Over-the-counter hydrocortisone or antihistamine creams can help combat winter irritation and itching. Hydrocortisone cream works by reducing inflammation and is very effective at soothing irritated skin. Antihistamine creams, on the other hand, target the underlying cause of itching. “However, long-term use of hydrocortisone can lead to thinning of the skin, so these treatments for winter itch should be used short-term and sparingly,” says Dr. Mishra. Consult your doctor before using these creams for winter itching.

Itchy skin is common in the winter, but people with dry skin, the elderly, or those with eczema may be more affected. Avoid hot showers and use a moisturizer to prevent dryness and itchiness.