- Winter dryness comes from cold air, low humidity, hot showers and heaters. The fix is gentler cleansing and richer moisture.
- Swap a foaming face wash for a gentle, hydrating cleanser or micellar water.
- Use a ceramide cream on the face and a rich lotion on the body straight after bathing.
- Treat lips overnight, and keep a multi-use cream for cracked heels and dry patches.
- Keep using sunscreen in winter. UV is still there on cold, sunny days.
As soon as the weather turns, skin starts to feel tight, flaky and dull, especially in North India’s dry winters and in rooms with heaters. You don’t need a new twelve-step routine, just a few swaps: gentler cleansing, richer moisture, and a little extra care for lips, hands and feet. Every product below is rated 4★ and above by thousands of buyers.
Step 1: Cleanse gently
Strong foaming face washes strip natural oils, which winter skin can’t spare. Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Hydrating Face Wash is paraben- and sulphate-free and made for dry, sensitive skin, rated 4.3★ by 71,000+ buyers.
Cetaphil's gentle cleanser, rated 4.3★ by 71,000+ buyers. Paraben- and sulphate-free, non-comedogenic and made for dry to normal, sensitive skin.
- Very gentle on sensitive skin
- Unscented
- Huge review count
- Small 59 ml travel size
- May not feel 'clean' enough for very oily skin
To remove makeup and sunscreen without rubbing, wipe first with Garnier Micellar Water.
Step 2: A richer face cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream uses three ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Apply it on slightly damp skin, morning and night.
CeraVe's ceramide cream, rated 4.2★ by 21,000+ buyers. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, made for dry to very dry skin on face and body.
- Ceramides for the skin barrier
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-developed brand
- Small 50 ml size
- Thick texture for oily skin
For normal skin that only gets a little dry, NIVEA Soft may be enough.
Step 3: Body lotion straight after your bath
Hot showers feel lovely in winter but dry out the skin. Apply lotion within three minutes of bathing, while your skin is still damp, to lock in moisture.
Vaseline's deep moisture lotion with pro-ceramides, rated 4.4★ by 73,000+ buyers. A big 400 ml bottle that soaks in quickly after a bath.
- Massive review count
- Large bottle, low price
- Absorbs quickly
- Fragranced
- May feel light for cracked skin
For very dry legs and arms, NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk is richer and comes in a big 600 ml bottle.
Step 4: Lips, hands and heels
Overnight lip care
The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult overnight treatment, rated 4.4★. During the day, NIVEA Cherry Shine adds a hint of colour.
The cult Korean overnight lip mask, rated 4.4★ by 16,000+ buyers. Apply before bed and wake up to softer lips. A favourite small gift.
- Cult K-beauty favourite
- High 4.4★ rating
- Lasts a long time
- Pricier than a regular balm
- Jar applicator
Cracked heels and dry patches
BoroPlus has been a winter staple in Indian homes for decades and is rated 4.5★. The brand recommends it for chapped lips and cracked feet. Apply a thick layer on heels at night and wear cotton socks.
Step 5: Don’t skip sunscreen
UV rays don’t take a winter break, and sunny winter afternoons outdoors can still cause tanning. A light SPF 50 is enough for most days.
Compare the moisturisers
| Feature | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin (50 ml) | Vaseline Deep Moisture Body Lotion (400 ml) | NIVEA Nourishing Body Milk (600 ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | CeraVe | Vaseline | NIVEA |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Material | Ceramides and hyaluronic acid, fragrance-free | Pro-ceramides, 400 ml | Hyaluronic acid and almond oil, 600 ml |
| Best for | Very dry winter skin | Everyday winter body moisture | Very dry skin, family-size bottle |
| Occasion | Daily wear, Winter | Daily wear, Winter | Daily wear, Winter |
| Buy | Amazon.in | Amazon.in | Amazon.in |
Winter habits that help
- Take warm, not hot, showers and keep them short.
- Pat skin dry instead of rubbing with a towel.
- Drink water through the day, since you often feel less thirsty in winter.
- Run a humidifier or keep a bowl of water near the heater.
- Wear cotton next to skin under woollens to avoid itching.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change my skincare in winter?
Usually only a little. Switch to a gentler cleanser, use a richer moisturiser and add lip care. Keep your sunscreen.
Why does my skin itch more in winter?
Cold air, low humidity, hot water and woollen fabrics all dry the skin, which can make it itchy. Moisturise after bathing and wear cotton under wool.
Is coconut oil good for dry skin in winter?
Many people use it on the body, hands and feet. It can feel heavy and may clog pores on the face, so patch test before using it there.
When should I see a dermatologist for dry skin?
If your skin cracks and bleeds, stays red and itchy, or doesn’t improve with moisturiser, see a dermatologist. It could be eczema or another condition.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Product benefits are as described by each brand. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Ratings were checked on Amazon.in in November 2026. How we pick products.