Robertson's Pharmacy
You can trust Robertsons Pharmacy to provide expert knowledge & local care. You and your family’s health and wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do. We care that the people in our local community can trust our team.
Has your skin been feeling dry, tight, or irritated lately? As winter settles in and temperatures drop, many people notice significant changes to their skin. The combination of cold outdoor air, low humidity, and indoor heating creates the perfect conditions for dry, uncomfortable skin that can affect your comfort and confidence.
At Robertson's Pharmacy, we can help you maintain healthy, comfortable skin throughout the winter months. Give us a call on and our friendly team will be happy to point you in the right direction. Understanding why winter affects your skin and knowing which products and strategies work best can make all the difference to how you look and feel this season.
Your skin acts as a protective barrier between your body and the environment, but winter weather challenges this barrier in multiple ways. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, which means the humidity levels outside drop significantly during winter. This dry air draws moisture out of your skin, leaving it dehydrated.
Indoor heating compounds the problem. While heating keeps us warm and comfortable, it also reduces indoor humidity levels dramatically. Spending time in heated environments essentially bakes the moisture out of your skin. The constant transition between cold outdoor air and warm indoor heating stresses your skin even further.
Hot showers and baths, while tempting in cold weather, strip away your skin's natural oils. These oils form a protective layer that helps lock moisture into your skin. When you remove them with hot water and harsh soaps, your skin becomes even more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, is the most common winter skin complaint. Your skin may feel tight, rough, or itchy. It might look dull or flaky, and in severe cases, it can crack or peel. These symptoms often appear first on areas that are frequently exposed to the elements, such as your hands, face, and lips.
Eczema, also called dermatitis, often worsens during winter. If you have eczema, you may notice increased redness, itching, and inflammation. The skin may become more sensitive and reactive to products that don't usually cause problems. Children with eczema are particularly vulnerable to winter flare-ups.
Chapped lips are another common winter issue. The skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate than skin elsewhere on your body, making it especially susceptible to drying and cracking. Licking your lips to moisten them actually makes the problem worse, as saliva evaporates quickly and draws even more moisture away.
Some people develop a condition called winter itch, characterised by persistent itching without visible rash. This typically affects the lower legs and can be severe enough to disrupt sleep. The itching results from extremely dry skin and can lead to scratching that damages the skin further.
Adapting your skincare routine for winter is essential for maintaining healthy, comfortable skin. The products and methods that work well in summer may not provide adequate protection during the colder months.
Start with gentle cleansing. Switch from foaming cleansers, which can be drying, to cream-based or oil-based cleansers that clean without stripping your skin's natural oils. Avoid using hot water – lukewarm water is much kinder to your skin. Limit shower and bath time to 10 minutes or less, as prolonged exposure to water, even without soap, can dry your skin.
Moisturising becomes crucial in winter. Apply moisturiser immediately after bathing or washing, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture. Choose richer, more emollient moisturisers during winter than you would use in summer. Look for products containing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or petrolatum, which help attract and retain moisture.
For your face, consider using a heavier night cream or adding a facial oil to your routine. Your facial skin is exposed to harsh weather more than other areas of your body, so it needs extra protection. Don't forget often-overlooked areas like your neck and the backs of your hands.
The moisturiser market can be overwhelming, but understanding the different types helps you choose the right product for your needs. Lotions are lightest and absorb quickly but may not provide enough protection in winter. Creams are thicker and more moisturising, making them better suited to winter use. Ointments are the heaviest and most effective for very dry skin, though some people find them too greasy for daytime use.
For hands, which suffer significantly in winter due to frequent washing and exposure to cold, keep hand cream readily available. Apply it every time you wash your hands. Consider keeping tubes of hand cream in multiple locations – your bathroom, kitchen, car, and workplace – so you remember to use it regularly.
Lip balm is essential for preventing and treating chapped lips. Choose products containing moisturising ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or petroleum jelly. Avoid lip products containing camphor, menthol, or fragrances, as these can be irritating. Apply lip balm frequently throughout the day, especially before going outdoors.
For people with eczema or very sensitive skin, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products are important. Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin and avoid those containing potential irritants like alcohol, fragrances, or harsh preservatives.
Prevention is just as important as treatment when it comes to winter skin care. When heading outdoors in cold weather, protect exposed skin as much as possible. Wear gloves to protect your hands, and use a scarf to shield your face from biting wind. Choose gloves made from soft materials rather than rough wool, which can irritate skin.
Don't forget sun protection. Many people assume sunscreen is only necessary in summer, but winter sun, especially when reflected off snow or ice, can still damage your skin. UV radiation contributes to premature aging and skin cancer risk year-round. Use a moisturiser with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, particularly your face.
Indoor protection matters too. If possible, use a humidifier in your home to add moisture back into the air. This is particularly helpful in bedrooms overnight. Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. If you don't have a humidifier, placing bowls of water near heat sources can help slightly.
Hands require special attention during winter. If you need to wash your hands frequently, use lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat your hands dry gently rather than rubbing vigorously, and apply hand cream immediately. For severely dry hands, try applying a thick layer of moisturiser before bed and wearing cotton gloves overnight to enhance absorption.
Feet often become dry and cracked in winter, even though they're usually covered. The skin on your heels is particularly prone to thickening and cracking. Use a foot file or pumice stone gently to remove thick, dead skin, then apply a rich foot cream. For best results, do this before bed and wear socks overnight.
Elbows and knees tend to become rough and darkened in winter. These areas have fewer oil glands than other parts of your body, making them more susceptible to dryness. Apply extra moisturiser to these areas, and consider using products containing urea or lactic acid, which help soften thick skin.
While most winter skin problems can be managed with good skincare and over-the-counter products, some situations require professional attention. See your doctor or dermatologist if your skin doesn't improve despite consistent moisturising, if you develop painful cracks or fissures, if itching is severe or interfering with sleep, or if you notice signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or oozing.
People with eczema may need prescription treatments during winter flare-ups. Topical corticosteroids or other prescription medications can help control inflammation and itching when over-the-counter products aren't sufficient.
If you develop a rash that spreads, changes rapidly, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, seek medical attention promptly. While most winter skin issues are benign, some rashes can indicate more serious conditions requiring treatment.
Healthy skin starts from the inside. Staying well-hydrated is crucial, even though you may not feel as thirsty in winter as you do in summer. Aim to drink adequate water throughout the day. Herbal teas and warm water with lemon can be more appealing than cold water in winter.
Your diet also affects your skin health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, help support your skin's natural oil barrier. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A, C, and E provide antioxidants that protect skin cells. If you're concerned about nutritional gaps, speak to your pharmacist about whether supplements might be appropriate for you.
Don't let winter weather leave your skin dry, uncomfortable, and irritated. With the right approach to skincare, you can maintain healthy, comfortable skin throughout the coldest months. Visit Robertson's Pharmacy in Hāwera to discuss your specific skin concerns and find the products that will work best for you. Our pharmacists can provide personalised recommendations based on your skin type, concerns, and budget.
Call us on or come in and see us in store. Start your winter skincare routine today and enjoy comfortable, healthy skin all season long.
You can trust Robertsons Pharmacy to provide expert knowledge & local care. You and your family’s health and wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do. We care that the people in our local community can trust our team.
