How to Stop Central Heating Drying Out Your Skin
Swap foaming cleansers for a gentle cream or milk cleanser, apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser to slightly damp skin, and seal it with a richer cream at night. Keep showers short and lukewarm rather than hot, turn the heating down a little, use a humidifier in the room, and look after lips and hands too.
“Central heating doesn't wreck your skin overnight; it nibbles at it all winter. Don't throw out your whole routine. Make the cleanser gentler, the last layer richer, and the radiator a little less of a sunbed.”Her take
Why does central heating dry out your skin?
Heated indoor air in winter tends to be dry, and dry air draws water out of the top layer of skin. Add cold, windy weather outside, hot showers and sitting close to a radiator, and skin loses water faster than it can replace it.
The signs are familiar: skin feels tight after cleansing, looks dull, flakes around the nose and eyebrows, and foundation clings to dry patches by lunchtime. Even oily skin can feel dehydrated in winter, which is why a routine that worked in September can suddenly feel wrong in November.
What should a winter skincare routine look like?
You don't need more steps, just gentler and richer ones. Keep the order you already use and adjust what goes into each step.
- Cleanse: a cream, milk or gel-cream cleanser that leaves skin comfortable, not squeaky. In the morning, lukewarm water alone may be enough.
- Hydrate: a hydrating toner, essence or serum pressed into skin while it's still slightly damp.
- Moisturise: your usual moisturiser in the morning, or one a step richer if skin feels tight by midday.
- Protect: daily sunscreen, as normal. Winter daylight still counts.
- Night: a richer cream as the last step, or a thin layer of balm over dry patches.
Humectant, emollient or occlusive: what's the difference?
Moisturising ingredients do three different jobs. Dry, heated rooms are where knowing them pays off, because a humectant on its own in very dry air works best with something on top to hold the water in.
- Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid: attract and hold water in the skin. Best applied to damp skin and layered under a cream.
- Emollients, such as squalane, ceramides and many plant oils: soften skin and fill in rough, flaky gaps. The comfortable all-rounders.
- Occlusives, such as petrolatum, shea butter and some waxes: form a film that slows water loss. Best as the last layer at night or on very dry patches.
- Most good winter moisturisers combine all three. Check the first few ingredients to see which one leads.
Lightweight or rich moisturiser: which do you need?
It depends on the time of day and how your skin feels, not just your skin type. Many people use a lighter texture in the morning under make-up and a richer one at night.
- Lightweight lotion or gel-cream: daytime under make-up, oily or combination skin, or a warm office that isn't too dry.
- Richer cream: night-time, dry skin, or skin that feels tight within an hour of moisturising.
- Balm or ointment: a thin layer on flaky patches, around the nose or on cheeks exposed to wind. Not usually needed all over.
- Face oil: a few drops pressed over moisturiser at night if your skin likes oils. It adds softness; it doesn't replace a moisturiser.
What can you change at home?
Small changes to the room help as much as the products. Turn the thermostat down a degree or two, especially in the bedroom overnight, and avoid sitting or sleeping right next to a radiator. A humidifier in the room you spend most time in puts some moisture back into the air.
Keep showers and baths short and lukewarm rather than hot; the hotter the water, the drier skin tends to feel afterwards. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing, and moisturise face and body straight away, while the skin is still slightly damp. If your skin is feeling sensitive, fragrance-free products are the gentler choice. Exfoliate less often in winter, and choose a gentle exfoliant rather than a gritty scrub.
How do you look after lips, hands and make-up in winter?
Lips and hands dry out first because they have little protection of their own. Use a lip balm through the day and a thicker layer at night, and try not to lick your lips. Apply hand cream after every wash and wear gloves outside.
For make-up, swap powders for creams where you can: a cream blush and a hydrating base sit better on dry skin. Prep with your moisturiser and give it a few minutes to sink in before foundation. If make-up still clings to flakes, smooth a tiny amount of balm over the patch first rather than adding more powder.
Questions people ask
Does central heating cause dry skin?
Heated winter air tends to be dry, which can draw water from the skin, especially combined with cold weather outside and hot showers. Gentle cleansing and richer moisturising help.
Do humidifiers help dry skin?
They add moisture back into dry indoor air, which many people find makes their skin feel more comfortable. Keep the humidifier clean and follow its instructions.
Should I use a heavier moisturiser in winter?
Often, yes, at least at night. Keep a lighter one for daytime under make-up if a rich cream feels heavy, and add a balm to dry patches.
Should I exfoliate dry, flaky skin?
Gently and less often. Over-exfoliating makes winter dryness worse. A mild exfoliant once or twice a week is usually plenty, followed by a rich moisturiser.
When should I get advice about dry skin?
If your skin is cracked, bleeding, very itchy, red or not improving with gentle care, ask a pharmacist or your GP rather than adding more products.
The takeaway
A gentler cleanser, hydration on damp skin, a richer last layer at night, a cooler and less dry room, and balm for lips and hands.
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