A Floridian's Guide to Preventing Dry Winter Skin

The weather might stay warm and sunny, but winter in Florida can still be hard on your skin. Low humidity outdoors and forced heat indoors quickly strip away natural moisture, leaving you feeling dry and itchy.

At Florida Dermatology Associates, board-certified dermatologist Ruben Moreno, MD, and our experienced team provide personalized care for all types of skin irritation. We specialize in managing chronic conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, where seasonal dryness can intensify symptoms.

You don’t have to spend the winter months battling uncomfortable skin. Here’s how Floridians can maintain a healthy, hydrated moisture barrier year-round.

Choose the right moisturizers

According to one survey, less than a quarter of Americans adapt their skincare routine for the changing seasons. However, light, water-based summer lotions are rarely sufficient to combat winter dryness. 

Instead, choose products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, and ceramides, which help repair and maintain its protective barrier.

For maximum benefit, apply your moisturizer to damp skin immediately after showering or washing your face to trap surface moisture. Consider layering a heavier cream with occlusive ingredients, such as petrolatum or shea butter, over drier areas at night for intensive hydration.

Check your cleansing habits

The moisture barrier is the skin’s outermost layer, responsible for maintaining hydration and shielding tissues from environmental stressors, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Harsh cleansers, piping hot water, and rough scrubbing can strip away natural oils, damaging your barrier.

To keep your defenses strong, switch to a cream- or oil-based cleanser during the dry season. These products clear away dirt and debris without stripping the skin. Wash your face and body with lukewarm water (never hot) and dry off gently with a soft, clean towel.

Exercise caution with exfoliation

Dry winter skin is fragile and susceptible to damage, which means that physical scrubbing and overexfoliation can easily cause tiny microtears and further compromise the moisture barrier.

Instead of abrasive scrubs, we recommend using gentle chemical exfoliants, such as low-concentration alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Unless directed otherwise by our team, use these products sparingly — no more than once or twice a week — to encourage cellular turnover without provoking irritation or excessive dryness.

Hydrate from the inside out

It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when temperatures dip, yet your skin cells rely heavily on internal hydration to maintain their structure. Water is also essential for the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin plump and resilient. When you’re dehydrated, your skin is often one of the first places to show it.

In addition to increasing your fluid intake, a balanced diet can help support your moisture barrier from within. Be sure to include plenty of healthy fats, such as omega-3, which improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Boost indoor humidity

Central heating systems can significantly lower the moisture content of the air in your home. Even if you only turn on the heat at night, the dry ambient air can pull hydration out of your skin while you sleep.

To boost indoor humidity, consider using a humidifier during the winter months. It doesn’t need to be a significant investment — inexpensive, portable mini-humidifiers can effectively increase moisture in small areas, such as beside your bed or on your desk.

Seek expert care for ongoing issues

While adjusting your routine can help prevent general dryness, persistent skin issues require professional diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Moreno offers personalized solutions, including topical medications and therapeutic dressings, to manage intense flares.

Don’t wait until spring to find relief from dry, itchy skin. Contact Florida Dermatology Associates online or by phone today to schedule your next appointment.