Winter Body Care Routine: How to Treat Dry Skin, Rough Elbows and Cracked Heels

Cold air, low humidity and hot showers pull moisture out of the skin. The body often shows it first, with itchy shins, rough elbows and cracked heels. A simple routine, done consistently, keeps body skin soft and comfortable through the season.

Why does skin get drier in winter?

The skin barrier is made of lipids that hold water in. When humidity drops, water escapes faster than the skin can replace it. Learn how to rebuild it in our guide to repairing a damaged skin barrier.

Body skin has fewer oil glands than the face. That is why shins, elbows and feet often feel driest first.

The winter body care routine

Step 1: Shower smarter

• Keep showers short, around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Use lukewarm water, not hot.
• Choose a gentle, soap-free body wash, such as Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash.
• Pat skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.

Step 2: Moisturize within three minutes

Apply body lotion while skin is still slightly damp. This locks in the water from your shower.

Look for lotions with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides or urea. Options include Maxrich Intensive Moisturising Lotion and Cetaphil Pro Urea 10 Lotion.

Step 3: Give rough areas extra care

Elbows, knees and the backs of arms need a richer layer. Apply a thicker cream after your body lotion.

If these areas feel bumpy as well as dry, a lotion with urea or lactic acid can smooth texture over time.

Step 4: Treat heels at night

1. Soak feet in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, two or three times a week.
2. Gently file hard skin while damp. Do not cut or scrape it.
3. Apply a thick heel cream or ointment.
4. Wear cotton socks overnight to hold the cream in place.

Step 5: Protect exposed skin

Winter sun still carries UV. Apply sunscreen on hands, neck and arms if they are exposed during the day.

Morning and night routine at a glance

Winter body care by skin type

What causes cracked heels?

The heel carries body weight every time you step. When the skin there is dry, it cannot stretch, so it splits along lines of pressure.

Shallow cracks usually respond to regular care. Deep, painful or bleeding cracks need medical advice, especially for people with diabetes.

How to choose a cracked heel cream

Look for these ingredients on the label:

• Urea: softens thick, hard skin. Higher strengths suit heels.
• Salicylic acid or lactic acid: helps shed rough, built-up skin.
• Petrolatum or shea butter: seals moisture into the skin.
• Glycerin: draws water into dry skin.

Our guide on what urea does for dry skin explains how different urea strengths suit the face, body and heels.

Winter hand care

Hands are washed many times a day, so they lose moisture quickly in winter. Cracks often appear on the knuckles and around the fingertips.

• Use lukewarm water and a gentle hand wash.
• Apply hand cream after every wash, while hands are slightly damp.
• Keep a tube of hand cream near every sink and in your bag.
• Wear gloves outdoors on cold, windy days.
• Apply a thick layer at night and wear cotton gloves if hands are cracked.

Dry, itchy skin on the back and chest

The back and chest are easy to forget, and they are hard to reach. They can become dry and itchy in winter, or breakout-prone if heavy products are used.

• Use a long-handled applicator or ask someone to help apply lotion.
• Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic lotion if you get body acne.
• Rinse conditioner off the back fully after washing hair.
• Wear breathable cotton next to the skin.

Why does dry skin itch more at night?

Skin loses more water at night, and body temperature changes can trigger itching. Warm bedding and heated rooms add to the problem.

• Moisturize just before bed.
• Keep the bedroom cool and use a humidifier if the air is very dry.
• Choose soft cotton sheets and sleepwear.
• Keep nails short to reduce damage from scratching.

How to choose a winter body wash

Your body wash can either protect moisture or strip it away. In winter, look for:

• Soap-free or syndet formulas that clean without stripping oils.
• pH-balanced cleansers that are closer to the skin’s natural pH.
• Fragrance-free options if your skin itches or reacts easily.
• Added hydrators such as glycerin or ceramides.

Avoid harsh bar soaps and strongly scented washes on dry areas. Save medicated or exfoliating washes for oily zones such as the back and chest.

Dry skin in older adults

Skin produces less oil with age, so winter dryness can be stronger and longer-lasting in older adults. The shins, forearms and backs of the hands are most affected.

• Use richer creams instead of light lotions.
• Keep baths short and avoid very hot water.
• Moisturize twice daily, even when skin feels fine.
• Check feet regularly, especially with diabetes, and report any cracks or sores to a doctor.

Does drinking water help dry skin?

Staying hydrated supports overall health, but drinking more water alone will not fix dry skin. Winter dryness is mainly caused by water leaving the outer layer of skin.

Topical care matters most: gentle cleansing, regular moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier. Drink enough water, eat a balanced diet with healthy fats and rely on your routine for visible results.

Habits that make winter dryness worse

• Long, hot showers or baths.
• Harsh, fragranced soaps.
• Skipping moisturizer after bathing.
• Scratching itchy skin.
• Wool directly against the skin.
• Walking barefoot on hard floors.
• Not drinking enough water through the day.

Do not forget your lips

Lips have no oil glands, so they chap easily. Use a lip balm through the day and a thicker layer at night. See our guide to chapped lips for more.

When to see a dermatologist

• Dryness that itches severely or disturbs sleep.
• Red, scaly patches that do not improve with moisturizer.
• Cracks that bleed, ooze or look infected.
• Dryness linked to eczema, psoriasis or diabetes.

Shop our body care range, body wash range and dry skin range to build your winter routine.

FAQs

What is the best body lotion for winter?

The best winter body lotion is one that hydrates and protects the skin barrier. Look for ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, urea or shea butter. Thicker lotions or creams suit very dry skin, while lighter lotions suit normal skin in milder winters.

How often should I moisturize my body in winter?

Moisturize at least twice a day: once after your shower and once before bed. Apply extra to dry areas such as shins, elbows and heels. Reapply hand cream after washing your hands.

How do I fix cracked heels fast?

Soak your feet in lukewarm water, gently file the hard skin, then apply a thick heel cream and wear cotton socks overnight. Repeat this nightly. Shallow cracks often improve with consistent care, but see a doctor if cracks are deep or painful.

Is coconut oil good for dry skin in winter?

Coconut oil can soften dry body skin and help seal in moisture. It works best applied over damp skin or after a water-based lotion. Some people find it clogs pores, so avoid it on acne-prone areas such as the back and chest.

Should I exfoliate dry skin in winter?

Yes, but gently and no more than once a week. Over-exfoliating weakens the skin barrier and makes dryness worse. Always moisturize straight after exfoliating.

Can hot showers cause dry skin?

Yes. Hot water strips the natural oils that protect the skin barrier. Use lukewarm water, keep showers short and moisturize within three minutes of drying off.

Why are my shins so dry in winter?

Shins have few oil glands and thin skin over bone, so they lose moisture quickly. Use a richer cream on the shins and avoid harsh soaps on the legs.

How do I stop my hands from cracking in winter?

Apply hand cream after every wash, wear gloves outdoors and use a thick cream at night under cotton gloves. Choose a gentle hand wash and avoid very hot water. See a doctor if cracks bleed or do not heal.