How to Treat Winter Eczema: Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Calming Cold-Weather Flares
Cold, dry air and harsh winter winds can wreak havoc on eczema-prone skin. Double board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Heather Rogers shares expert tips on calming flare-ups, restoring hydration, and protecting the skin barrier. Soft, healthy winter skin is achievable through dermatologist-approved moisturizers and simple at-home treatments which are all explained here.
Why Eczema Worsens in the Winter
Eczema often flares up during the winter months due to dry air as the low humidity strips away the skin’s natural moisture. Cold wind, indoor heating and hot showers leave the skin barrier dehydrated and vulnerable to irritation causing itching, redness, and flare-ups even when using products that typically don’t irritate the skin.
But with the right care and a few smart adjustments, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and calm all winter long.
The Dermatologist-Recommended Winter Skincare Routine for Eczema-Prone Skin
Winter skincare should focus on the essentials for preventing eczema flare-ups: hydration, gentle cleansing, and barrier repair. Below are dermatologist-approved steps for keeping eczema fare-ups at bay during the winter.
Moisturize After Every Wash. Each time you wash your face or hands follow immediately with a rich moisturizer to help replace the oils you’ve just removed. For very dry skin, heavier creams are best. Look for ingredients like glycerin - a humectant that draws water into the skin - and squalane - a plant-derived lipid your skin easily absorbs. Both are in Doctor Rogers Face Cream and Doctor Rogers Body Cream, designed to build and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Less is More When it Comes to Exfoliation. A dry skin barrier allows increased penetration of actives, leading to an increased risk of irritation or inflammation. Reduce the frequency and quantity of exfoliants, retinoids, glycolic or salicylic acid in your skin care routine. Avoid manual exfoliation like scrubs, brushes, and aggressive cleansing tools which can cause microtears and worsen eczema. Chemical exfoliants can help if used carefully and followed by a rich moisturizer.
Don’t Over-Cleanse. Skip morning cleanses and simply splash your face with lukewarm water (if not oily). Replace medicated face washes with supportive ones formulated with humectants like glycerin and gentle surfactants that don’t strip the skin. Limit soap to necessary areas (armpits, groin, feet) and use a body wash formulated with oils that won’t strip the skin. Immediately after cleansing moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Over-cleansing weakens the barrier, setting the stage for flares.
Limit Long, Hot Showers and Baths. Prolonged hot water exposure washes away natural oils and dehydrates skin. Keep showers short, use warm not hot water, and apply a thick, hypoallergenic body moisturizer immediately afterward to lock in moisture. Doctor Rogers Body Cream is an excellent choice for replenishing lipids and calming irritation.
Watch for Hidden Irritants. When skin is dry or irritated, it absorbs more of what you put on it, including potential allergens. Avoid products containing fragrance, dyes, or essential oils which can trigger eczema in sensitive skin. Opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulations year-round to keep skin balanced and resilient. The National Eczema Association has a great list of options including Doctor Rogers Skin Care.
Hydrate Your Environment. Use a humidifier to add moisture to heated indoor air and try to maintain room humidity between 40–50%. Drink water throughout the day to hydrate from within. While it won’t fix eczema, it will help prevent dehydration that can make dryness worse.
Slugging 101: Locking in Moisture During Harsh Weather
Slugging, which is sealing in moisture with an ointment, can help restore comfort for extremely dry or compromised skin. Always apply slugging products as the last step, over a moisturizer that was applied to damp skin to trap in water. Petroleum works just fine to prevent water loss but doesn't nourish the skin like plant oil-based balms. Aquaphor is petroleum based with lanolin, a common allergen. If you search Aquaphor on the National Eczema Association (NEA) page, they will recommend Doctor Rogers Healing Balm as it is rich in absorbable fatty acids that the skin can use to repair and protect and is also free of common allergens.
How to Treat Winter Eczema at Home
For mild to moderate winter eczema, at-home care can make a big difference.
- Moisturize at least twice a day, ideally within three minutes of bathing or showering.
- Apply a thicker cream or ointment at night. Try Doctor Rogers Healing Balm on top of your moisturizer especially dry areas like the hands, legs, and face.
- Slug with Doctor Rogers Healing Balm to seal in moisture. Wear cotton gloves or socks as added protection for hands and feet.
- Use warm, not hot, water for washing.
- Bathe less often and use cream cleansers over bar soaps.
- Avoid scratching the skin, which worsens inflammation and can cause infection. Instead, try Ice packs to calm the itch.
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo, and avoid wool against bare skin.
If eczema flares don’t improve with consistent at-home care, a dermatologist can prescribe topical steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams to calm inflammation.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
It can't be a blog written by a dermatologist without talking about sunscreen! Even in the winter, UV rays can worsen eczema and increase pigmentation after flares. Apply a zinc oxide-based sunscreen (at least 10%) daily to protect sensitive skin. Zinc is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and ideal for those with dryness or irritation. Some of my favorites include: Dermaquest, The Outset, Pavise and Kinship. I find powder sunscreens easiest to reapply throughout the day — keep one in your car or bag for year-round protection.
All product recommendations on this site are not sponsored and reflect the independent opinion of Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD, based on her evidence-based research and extensive clinical experience as a practicing dermatologist. Links are provided for your convenience. Some may include discounts or commissions. Please shop wherever works best for you.
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