Your lips are cracking. Your hands feel like sandpaper. You apply moisturizer, but within an hour, your skin is dry again. You’ve tried three different lip balms, but your lips are still peeling. Welcome to winter. Every year, the same story repeats. The temperature drops, the humidity disappears

medstown content writing team

Vamshikrishna Patel

And suddenly your skin forgets how to behave. You’re constantly reaching for lip balm, slathering on lotion, and wondering why nothing seems to work.

You’re not alone. Millions of Indians deal with dry, flaky skin and painfully chapped lips every winter, from October through February. The combination of cold outdoor air, low humidity, and indoor heating systems creates the perfect storm for skin distress.

But here’s the good news: Winter skin problems are fixable. You don’t need expensive spa treatments or complicated 10-step routines. You need to understand why winter wrecks your skin and what actually works to fix it.

This guide will show you exactly how to cure chapped lips, heal dry skin, and keep your skin comfortable all winter long—using simple, affordable solutions that work in Indian weather conditions.

Let’s rescue your skin.

Why Winter Destroys Your Skin (The Science Made Simple)

Before we fix the problem, let’s understand what’s happening.

The Triple Threat to Your Skin

1. Low Humidity = Moisture Thieves

During winter, humidity levels drop dramatically both outdoors and indoors. Think of humidity as moisture in the air. When there’s less moisture in the air, it literally pulls water out of your skin.

Your skin is constantly losing moisture through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In summer, humid air helps slow this down. In winter, dry air speeds it up. The result? Dry, tight, uncomfortable skin.

2. Cold Air Damages Your Skin Barrier

Your skin has a protective barrier made of natural oils (sebum) that locks in moisture. Cold temperatures weaken this barrier, making it easier for moisture to escape and harder for your skin to protect itself.

Think of it like a damaged roof; once there are cracks, rain gets in (or in this case, moisture gets out).

3. Indoor Heating Makes Everything Worse

You escape the cold by staying indoors with heaters, room warmers, or sitting near fires. But indoor heating systems pump out dry, hot air that further dehydrates your skin.

Hot showers feel amazing in winter, but they strip away your skin’s natural oils even faster than cold air does. It’s like washing dishes with hot water, grease disappears quickly.

Why Your Lips Suffer Most

Your lips are especially vulnerable because:

They have only 3-5 cellular layers (your face has up to 16 layers)

They have zero oil glands to produce natural moisture

They’re constantly exposed to the elements

The skin is thinner and more delicate

This is why lip balm seems to disappear in minutes during winter: your lips can’t hold onto moisture the way the rest of your skin can.

Part 1: How to Cure Chapped Lips (Once and For All)

Let’s start with everyone’s #1 winter complaint: chapped, cracked, painful lips.

Step 1: Stop Making It Worse (Break These Habits)

Before you add solutions, eliminate the problems:

Stop licking your lips

This is the #1 lip-chapping habit. When you lick your lips, saliva provides temporary relief, but as it evaporates, it takes even more moisture with it. You’re actually making your lips drier.

The fix: Every time you catch yourself licking your lips, apply lip balm instead. It’s a hard habit to break, but it makes a huge difference.

Stop picking or biting flaky skin

It’s tempting to peel off that annoying flaky bit, but picking at your lips slows healing, causes bleeding, and can lead to infection.

The fix: Gently exfoliate instead (we’ll cover how in a minute).

Stop using irritating products

Some lip balms contain ingredients that actually dry out your lips over time:

Menthol (feels cooling but is drying)

Camphor (same problem)

Salicylic acid (too harsh for lips)

Flavored balms (can cause allergic reactions)

The fix: Stick with simple, fragrance-free balms with nourishing ingredients.

Stop taking super hot showers

Hot water strips natural oils from your entire body, including your lips.

The fix: Use lukewarm water and limit shower time to 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Choose the Right Lip Balm (Ingredients Matter)

Not all lip balms are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

Best Ingredients for Chapped Lips:

Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline):

Forms a protective barrier

Seals in moisture for hours

Dermatologist-recommended for severe chapping

Affordable and available everywhere in India

Beeswax:

Natural emollient

Creates a protective layer

Anti-inflammatory properties

Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter:

Deep moisturization

Rich in vitamins A and E

Softens and heals

Coconut Oil:

Natural moisturizer

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

Perfect for the Indian climate

Ghee (Clarified Butter):

Traditional Indian remedy

Penetrates deep into skin layers

Boosts skin regeneration

Apply before bed for overnight healing

Aloe Vera:

Cooling and soothing

Anti-inflammatory

Great for healing cracks

Hyaluronic Acid:

Attracts and holds moisture

Found in modern lip treatments

SPF Protection:

Essential even in winter

Sun damage worsens chapping

Look for SPF 30 or higher

Step 3: The Lip Rescue Routine

Morning:

Apply a thick layer of lip balm with SPF

Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re outdoors

Cover your mouth with a scarf when going outside in cold wind

Evening:

Gently exfoliate (see below)

Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or ghee

Leave overnight, this “occlusive” layer locks in moisture while you sleep

Throughout the day:

Keep lip balm in your pocket, purse, car, and desk

Apply before drinking coffee, tea, or eating spicy food

Drink water frequently (hydration from inside matters)

Step 4: DIY Lip Treatments (From Your Kitchen)

Gentle Lip Scrub (Use 1-2 times per week):

Recipe #1: Honey + Sugar Scrub

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon sugar

Mix into a paste

Gently massage lips in circular motions for 1-2 minutes

Leave on for 5 minutes

Rinse with lukewarm water

Apply lip balm immediately

Recipe #2: Coconut Oil + Sugar Scrub

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon sugar

Few drops of lemon juice (optional)

Massage gently, then rinse

Overnight Healing Masks:

Ghee Treatment:

Apply pure ghee to your lips before bed

Improves blood circulation

Boosts skin regeneration

Wake up with softer lips

Honey Mask:

Apply a thin layer of honey

Leave on for 15-20 minutes

Rinse and follow with lip balm

Honey has healing and antibacterial properties

Aloe Vera Gel:

Extract fresh gel from an aloe vera plant

Apply to the lips

Leave overnight

Cooling and healing

Step 5: When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if:

Your lips are hot, swollen, red, and painful (signs of infection)

Chapping lasts more than 2-3 weeks despite treatment

You develop fluid-filled blisters (could be cold sores/herpes)

Lips crack and bleed frequently

You have severe peeling or eczema around the mouth

Some medications (acne treatments, blood pressure meds) can cause chronic dry lips. If you’re on medication and experiencing severe chapping, consult your doctor.

Part 2: How to Fix Dry Winter Skin (Face and Body)

Now let’s tackle dry skin on your face, hands, arms, legs, and everywhere else.

Understanding Dry Skin Types

Normal Winter Dryness:

Tight feeling after washing face

Flaky patches

Dull appearance

Itchiness

Severe Dryness:

Rough, scaly texture

Painful cracks (especially on hands and heels)

Redness and inflammation

Constant itching

Chronic Conditions (Need Medical Attention):

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Psoriasis

Severely cracked skin that bleeds

Skin infections

If you have chronic conditions, see a dermatologist. This guide focuses on typical winter dryness.

The Winter Skincare Routine That Actually Works

STEP 1: Cleanse Gently

What to do:

Use a cream-based or oil-based cleanser (not foaming cleansers)

Wash with lukewarm water, never hot

Limit face washing to 2 times per day

Pat dry gently—don’t rub

Indian home remedy: Mix multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) with milk or rose water for gentle cleansing. It’s been used for generations and works beautifully for normal to combination skin.

What to avoid:

Harsh soaps with sulfates and parabens

Alcohol-based products

Excessive washing

STEP 2: Exfoliate Weekly (Not Daily)

Dead skin cells build up in winter, making skin look dull and preventing moisturizer from penetrating.

How often: 1-2 times per week maximum. Over-exfoliating damages your skin barrier.

DIY Exfoliators:

#1: Oatmeal + Honey Scrub

2 tablespoons ground oatmeal

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon milk

Mix into a paste, massage gently, rinse

#2: Besan (Gram Flour) + Yogurt

2 tablespoons besan

2 tablespoons yogurt

1 teaspoon turmeric

Apply, let dry, massage in circular motions, rinse

Tightens pores and removes dead skin

#3: Sugar + Coconut Oil Body Scrub

1 cup sugar

½ cup coconut oil

Mix well, use in the shower on the body

Rinse and pat dry

STEP 3: Moisturize Immediately (The 3-Minute Rule)

The secret: Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing while skin is still slightly damp. This traps water in your skin.

Best Moisturizers for Indian Winter:

For Face:

Cream-based moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides

Natural option: Rose water + glycerin (equal parts, mix and apply)

DIY: Honey applied for 10-15 minutes, then rinsed

For Body:

Rich body butters or thick creams

Natural oils: Coconut oil, almond oil, sesame oil

Petroleum jelly for extremely dry areas (hands, elbows, heels)

Traditional Indian Remedies:

Coconut Oil:

Massage all over the body after a shower

Let it absorb for 10 minutes

Rich in saturated fatty acids

Antimicrobial properties

Almond Oil:

Packed with vitamin E

Light and easily absorbed

Great for face and body

Sesame Oil:

Traditional Ayurvedic choice

Deeply nourishing

Warming properties

STEP 4: Target Problem Areas

Hands:

Wear gloves when going out in cold

Moisturize after every hand wash

Use thick cream or petroleum jelly at night

Wear cotton gloves overnight for intensive treatment

Feet:

Exfoliate with a pumice stone

Apply thick foot cream or coconut oil

Wear socks overnight

For severe cracking, apply petroleum jelly and wear socks

Elbows and Knees:

These areas have fewer oil glands

Exfoliate regularly

Use thick creams or body butter

Apply petroleum jelly for stubborn dryness

DIY Face Masks for Winter Dryness

#1: Avocado Face Mask

½ ripe avocado (mashed)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Mix into a paste

Apply to the face for 15-20 minutes

Rinse with warm water

Why it works: Avocado has vitamins E and B, high fat content, deeply moisturizing

#2: Milk + Turmeric + Aloe Vera Mask

1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

Pinch of turmeric

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon rose water

Mix into paste, apply for 20 minutes, rinse

Why it works: Aloe vera hydrates, turmeric brightens, milk moisturizes

#3: Yogurt + Honey Mask

2 tablespoons yogurt

1 tablespoon honey

Mix and apply for 15 minutes

Rinse with lukewarm water

Why it works: Lactic acid in yogurt exfoliates gently, and honey moisturizes

#4: Banana + Honey Mask

½ ripe banana (mashed)

1 tablespoon honey

Apply for 15 minutes

Rinse

Why it works: Bananas are rich in vitamins and natural oils

Winter Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Taking Hot Showers Fix: Use lukewarm water, limit to 5-10 minutes

Over-washing Your Face Fix: Wash only twice daily, use gentle cleansers

Skipping Sunscreen Fix: Apply SPF 30+ daily—UV rays damage skin even in winter

Using Harsh Soaps Fix: Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers or natural soaps

Not Using a Humidifier Fix: Add moisture to indoor air (especially if you use heaters)

Wearing Tight Clothing Fix: Loose, breathable cotton clothing is better for the skin

Drinking Too Much Coffee/Tea Fix: Balance with plenty of water—caffeine dehydrates

Neglecting Hands and Feet Fix: These areas need extra care and thicker moisturizers

The Winter Hydration Strategy (Inside + Outside)

Moisturizing from the outside is only half the battle. You need internal hydration too.

Drink More Water

Target: 8-10 glasses per day, even if you don’t feel thirsty

Why it’s hard in winter: Cold weather reduces thirst signals, but your body still needs water.

Make it easier:

Drink warm water or herbal teas

Keep a water bottle visible at your desk

Set phone reminders

Add lemon or mint for flavor

Eat Skin-Healthy Foods

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Fish (salmon, mackerel, pomfret)

Walnuts

Flaxseeds and chia seeds

Almonds

Why: Omega-3s strengthen skin’s lipid barrier, reducing moisture loss

Antioxidant-Rich Foods:

Berries

Spinach and leafy greens

Carrots (vitamin A)

Sweet potatoes

Oranges and citrus fruits (vitamin C)

Why: Protect skin from environmental damage, support collagen production

Healthy Fats:

Avocados

Nuts and seeds

Olive oil

Ghee (in moderation)

Why: Support skin cell health and moisture retention

What to Limit:

Alcohol (dehydrates skin)

Excessive caffeine

Processed and fried foods

High-sugar foods (cause inflammation)

Quick Winter Skincare Checklist

Use this daily checklist to keep your skin happy:

Morning Routine:

☐ Cleanse face with gentle cleanser + lukewarm water
☐ Apply moisturizer while skin is damp
☐ Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) on face and exposed areas
☐ Apply lip balm with SPF ☐ Moisturize hands after washing

Throughout the Day:

☐ Reapply lip balm every 2 hours
☐ Drink water regularly
☐ Moisturize hands after each wash
☐ Wear gloves and scarves when outside

Evening Routine:

☐ Remove makeup with oil-based cleanser
☐ Cleanse face gently
☐ Exfoliate (1-2x per week only)
☐ Apply face mask (1-2x per week)
☐ Apply thick moisturizer or facial oil
☐ Apply body lotion or oil after a shower
☐ Apply thick cream or petroleum jelly on hands and feet
☐ Apply lip treatment (ghee, petroleum jelly, or thick balm)
☐ Use a humidifier in the bedroom

Weekly:

☐ Exfoliate lips gently (1-2x)
☐ Exfoliate face (1-2x)
☐ Exfoliate body (1x)
☐ Deep conditioning face mask
☐ Intensive foot treatment

Winter Skincare for Different Skin Types

For Oily Skin:

Yes, you can still have dry patches in winter

Use gel-based or lightweight moisturizers

Don’t skip moisturizer (dehydrated oily skin produces MORE oil)

Aloe vera gel is perfect for you

For Dry Skin:

Use rich, cream-based moisturizers

Layer: serum → moisturizer → facial oil

Consider facial oils like almond or jojoba

Avoid foaming cleansers

For Combination Skin:

Use gel moisturizer on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)

Use a cream moisturizer on the cheeks

Multani mitti works great for cleansing

For Sensitive Skin:

Avoid fragrances and harsh chemicals

Patch-test new products

Stick with simple, natural ingredients

Use hypoallergenic products

When to See a Dermatologist

Don’t ignore these warning signs:

See a doctor if you experience:

Severe, persistent itching that disrupts sleep

Skin that cracks and bleeds

Red, inflamed, or swollen patches

Eczema or psoriasis flare-ups

Skin infections (warm, painful, pus-filled areas)

Symptoms that don’t improve after 2-3 weeks of home treatment

Allergic reactions to products

Chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis worsen in winter and need professional treatment.

Bonus: Natural Ayurvedic Remedies for Winter Skin

India has centuries of wisdom for treating winter dryness:

Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

Traditional Ayurvedic self-massage with warm oil:

Warm sesame oil or coconut oil

Massage entire body in circular motions

Leave on for 15-30 minutes

Shower with lukewarm water

Benefits: Deep moisturization, improved circulation, stress relief, better sleep

Ubtan (Traditional Face Pack)

Recipe:

2 tbsp besan (gram flour)

1 tsp turmeric

2 tbsp milk or yogurt

1 tsp honey

Mix into paste, apply, let dry, massage while washing off

Benefits: Cleanses, moisturizes, brightens, removes dead skin

Fennel Seeds

Rich in zinc, copper, magnesium

Make a paste and use as natural scrub

Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic

Anti-aging properties

Your 7-Day Winter Skin Transformation Challenge

Day 1: Switch to lukewarm showers, apply moisturizer within 3 minutes

Day 2: Start drinking 8 glasses of water, apply lip balm every 2 hours

Day 3: Exfoliate lips and face gently

Day 4: Try a DIY face mask (avocado, honey, or yogurt)

Day 5: Start using a humidifier, intensive hand and foot treatment at night

Day 6: Body exfoliation + oil massage

Day 7: Full pampering routine—review what worked best

Track your progress. Your skin should feel noticeably better within a week!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my skin get dry only in winter?

Winter brings three factors that dry your skin: cold air with low humidity, indoor heating systems, and hot showers. Low humidity pulls moisture out of your skin, cold temperatures weaken your skin’s protective barrier, and indoor heating creates dry air that further dehydrates skin. Summer’s humid air helps your skin retain moisture, but winter air actively steals it away.

How often should I moisturize in winter?

At minimum, twice daily—morning and night. Apply within 3 minutes of bathing while skin is damp to lock in moisture. For very dry skin, apply throughout the day as needed. Hands need moisturizing after every wash. Lips need reapplication every 2 hours. The key is consistency—don’t skip even one application.

Is petroleum jelly (Vaseline) good for dry skin?

Yes, petroleum jelly is highly effective and dermatologist-recommended. It creates an occlusive barrier that prevents moisture loss, making it perfect for extremely dry areas like lips, hands, heels, and elbows. Apply it over moisturizer at night for intensive treatment. While it doesn’t add moisture, it seals in whatever moisture is there, preventing evaporation.

Can I use coconut oil on my face in winter?

Yes, if your skin tolerates it. Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing and has antibacterial properties. It works well for dry skin types, especially in winter. However, it’s comedogenic (can clog pores), so if you have oily or acne-prone skin, use lighter oils like jojoba or almond oil instead. Always patch-test first.

Why do my lips stay chapped even though I use lip balm?

Several reasons: (1) You’re using a balm with drying ingredients like menthol or camphor, (2) You’re licking your lips (saliva dries them more), (3) You’re not reapplying frequently enough (every 2 hours needed), (4) You’re not exfoliating dead skin (blocks balm from penetrating), or (5) You’re dehydrated internally. Switch to petroleum jelly or ghee and drink more water.

Should I exfoliate more in winter because of flaky skin?

No, exfoliate LESS in winter. Your skin barrier is already weakened by cold weather. Over-exfoliating damages it further, causing more dryness. Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week maximum for face, once weekly for body. Use gentle exfoliators (oatmeal, sugar) not harsh scrubs. Focus on moisturizing, not scrubbing.

Is hot shower really that bad for dry skin?

Yes. Hot water strips away your skin’s natural oils (sebum) much faster than lukewarm water, leaving skin defenseless against moisture loss. It’s like washing dishes—hot water removes grease better, but you don’t want that happening to your skin’s protective oils. Use lukewarm water and limit showers to 5-10 minutes.

What’s the best time to apply moisturizer?

Within 3 minutes of bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp. This traps water in your skin. Pat yourself dry (don’t rub), leaving skin slightly moist, then apply moisturizer immediately. This is called “lock and seal”—you’re locking water into skin and sealing it with moisturizer. Waiting until you’re completely dry means you miss this crucial window.

Can drinking more water really help dry skin?

Yes, but it’s not a cure-all. Hydration from within is important—dehydrated skin looks dull and feels tight. Aim for 8-10 glasses daily. However, water alone won’t fix winter dryness because the problem is also external (low humidity, cold air). You need both internal hydration (water) and external hydration (moisturizers). Think of it as a two-pronged approach.

Do humidifiers actually help with dry skin?

Yes, especially if you use indoor heating. Humidifiers add moisture to dry indoor air, helping your skin retain hydration. They’re particularly helpful at night in your bedroom. Aim for 30-40% humidity. They also help with dry eyes, sore throat, and static electricity. Just clean them regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Which is better for winter: cream or oil?

Both work, but differently. Creams contain water and oil, providing hydration and moisturization. Oils (coconut, almond, sesame) provide deep moisturization but no hydration. Best approach: layer them. Apply cream first (hydration), then seal with a few drops of oil (moisturization). For very dry skin, use cream followed by petroleum jelly at night for maximum moisture retention.

Are homemade remedies as good as store-bought products?

Homemade remedies using honey, coconut oil, aloe vera, ghee, and yogurt are highly effective and chemical-free. They’ve been used for generations in India. However, store-bought products offer consistency, convenience, and often include scientifically-proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Best approach: use both. Natural remedies for weekly treatments, quality moisturizers for daily use.

Why does my skin itch so much in winter?

Dry skin is itchy skin. When your skin loses moisture, nerve endings become irritated, triggering itching. Scratching damages your skin barrier further, creating a vicious cycle. To stop it: (1) Moisturize religiously, (2) Use lukewarm water, (3) Avoid harsh soaps, (4) Apply thick cream at night, (5) Consider antihistamine if severe (consult doctor). If itching disrupts sleep, see a dermatologist.

Can vitamin deficiencies cause dry winter skin?

Yes. Deficiencies in vitamins A, C, D, and E, plus omega-3 fatty acids, can worsen dry skin. Winter often means less sun exposure (vitamin D), less fresh fruits (vitamins C and A), and poor diet. Eat a balanced diet with leafy greens, nuts, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Consider supplements after consulting your doctor. Good nutrition supports skin health from inside.

How long until I see improvement in my dry skin?

With consistent care, you should notice improvement within 2-3 weeks. Initial relief (less tightness, itching) comes within days. Full restoration of skin’s moisture barrier takes longer. Severe dryness or cracked skin may need 3-4 weeks. The key is consistency—don’t stop moisturizing once skin feels better, or dryness will return. Make winter skincare your daily habit.

Final Thoughts: Consistency Is Everything

Winter skin problems are frustrating, but they’re not permanent. With the right routine, you can have comfortable, healthy skin all season long.

The most important takeaways:

Moisturize within 3 minutes of bathing

Use lukewarm water, not hot

Apply lip balm every 2 hours

Drink plenty of water

Use a humidifier

Protect exposed skin outdoors

Choose gentle, fragrance-free products

Don’t over-exfoliate

Be consistent, daily care matters more than intensive weekly treatments

You don’t need expensive products. Simple ingredients from your kitchen honey, coconut oil, ghee, yogurt, aloe vera work beautifully. Combine them with affordable basics like petroleum jelly, glycerin, and rose water, and you have everything you need.

Start today. Pick one thing from this guide, maybe it’s switching to lukewarm showers or applying lip balm more often and do it. Tomorrow, add another habit. Within a week, you’ll notice a difference.

Your skin will thank you.

Winter doesn’t have to mean suffering. With these simple strategies, you can have soft, comfortable, healthy skin all season long. Save this guide, share it with friends, and make this your best winter yet!

Disclaimer: This article provides general skincare information and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, persistent severe dryness, or skin that doesn’t improve with home treatment, consult a dermatologist for personalized care.

Winter Skincare Made Easy: How to Cure Chapped Lips & Fix Dry Skin