Winter Itch: Causes, Tips, and the Best Skincare
Temperatures are dropping, the heating is on, and your skin is starting to feel tight, flaky, or itchy. Winter itch is a common skin problem that affects many people every year. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to keep your skin healthy, supple, and itch-free even in winter. In this article, you'll learn what causes winter itch, how to prevent it, and which products truly help.
What is winter itch and what causes it?
Winter itch is caused by a combination of cold outdoor air and dry, heated indoor air. Both factors draw moisture from the skin, which weakens the skin barrier. A weakened skin barrier cannot retain moisture effectively and is more susceptible to external irritants. The result: dry, tight skin that itches, flakes, or even becomes red and irritated.
People with already sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis notice this particularly strongly in the winter months.
Tips to prevent winter itch
1. Hydrate from within
Drink enough water and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed. These fatty acids support the skin barrier from within and help keep the skin supple.
2. Use mild, hydrating cleansers
Avoid harsh soaps and cleansing products that dry out the skin. Choose a gentle, skin-friendly cleanser that respects the skin's natural moisture.
3. Moisturize immediately after showering
Apply a nourishing cream or body butter to slightly damp skin, immediately after showering. This locks in moisture and prevents the skin from drying out.
4. Protect your skin from the cold
Wear warm clothing and don't forget your gloves. Hands are extra vulnerable to winter itch because the skin there is thinner and has fewer sebaceous glands.
5. Don't set the heating too high
Dry indoor air exacerbates winter itch. Keep the room temperature moderate and, if necessary, use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels.
The best products for winter itch
At sQincare, we have selected products specifically suitable for dry, sensitive, or itchy skin in winter:
IK SKIN Perfection – EXCM Cream+
The EXCM Cream+ is a nourishing and rich emulsion specifically developed for effective treatment of flaky skin and rough skin complaints. It strengthens the skin barrier, calms the skin, and provides long-lasting hydration. Ideal for those suffering from winter itch, eczema, or extremely dry skin.
Suitable for: dry skin · flaky skin · sensitive skin · eczema
Cenzaa – Silk Tenderness
Cenzaa's Silk Tenderness is a rich, luxurious cream that restructures, repairs, and renews the skin. It feels silky soft on the skin and intensely hydrates thanks to powerful ingredients. Perfect as daily winter care for dry or sensitive skin that needs extra attention.
Suitable for: dry skin · mature skin · skin that needs extra nourishment
Want to go a step further? Combine the EXCM Cream+ with the IK SKIN Perfection EXCM Serum+ for an intensive restorative routine for severe dryness or skin complaints.
A simple winter routine for dry skin
Morning
- Gently cleanse the skin with lukewarm water
- Apply a hydrating toner or mist
- Use EXCM Cream+ or Silk Tenderness as a day cream
- Protect the skin with SPF
Evening
- Cleanse the skin thoroughly
- Optionally apply EXCM Serum+ for extra repair
- Finish with a rich night cream
Personal skin advice for winter itch
Not sure exactly what your skin needs this winter? At sQincare.shop, our specialized medical skin therapists are ready to help you. We are happy to help you find the products that best suit your skin type and concerns, without judgment, without pushing, but with knowledge and love for the skin.
About the author
This article was written in collaboration with Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician, owner of Salon Rustique in Musselkanaal and owner of sQincare.shop. Salon Rustique is affiliated with ANBOS and specializes in skin improvement, skin problems, and medical skin care. Thanks to her daily practical experience and additional dermatological training, she combines treatments in the salon with expert product advice for home use.