Dry Winter Skin and Your Transdermal Routine

How Dry Skin in Winter Months Affects Your Transdermal Routine — And What You Can Do About It

When winter arrives, many people associate the season with cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and frosted windows. Yet, behind these comforting images lies one universal challenge: dry skin. Cold weather brings with it an unseen enemy—dry, low-humidity air that strips the skin of its natural moisture. The result is itching, flaking, tightness, and dullness that seem to defy even the richest creams.

This dryness is more than a cosmetic concern. It also impairs the skin’s ability to absorb and respond to topical products, including advanced transdermal formulations. Understanding why skin becomes dry in winter—and what to do about it—can help restore comfort and optimize both skin health and the efficacy of topical treatments.

Cold air holds significantly less water vapor than warm air. When temperatures drop outdoors, the relative humidity plummets. This alone increases the evaporation of water from the skin’s surface, but the problem is compounded indoors. Heating systems such as forced air, radiators, and space heaters warm the air without adding moisture, reducing indoor humidity to as low as 10–20 percent—similar to some deserts.  If you live in a desert climate, you essentially have winter air all year long!

When humidity falls below about 40 percent, the water content in the outermost layer of the skin—the stratum corneum—starts to decline. Skin relies on this layer for barrier function, flexibility, and protection against environmental stress. Without adequate hydration, microscopic cracks form, and lipid structures between cells lose integrity, allowing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to accelerate. It’s a self-reinforcing cycle: the drier the air, the faster your skin loses its moisture.

Healthy skin depends on a balance between natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) and barrier lipids. NMFs are small, water-attracting molecules—such as amino acids, urea, and lactic acid—that maintain hydration within the corneocytes. Lipids like ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids form a protective matrix that locks this water in place.

In winter, several processes disrupt this balance:

• Reduced sebum production: Cold temperatures slow oil gland activity, decreasing the skin’s supply of protective lipids.
• Impaired barrier lipids: Low humidity alters enzymatic activity needed for lipid synthesis, further weakening the barrier.
• Increased evaporation: Dry air accelerates TEWL, pulling moisture away from deeper layers.
• Inflammation and micro-damage: As the barrier deteriorates, irritants and microbes penetrate more easily, leading to redness or eczema flare-ups.

The result is skin that feels rough, tight, and more sensitive.

At first glance, it might seem logical that dry skin would “soak up” serums and creams more readily. In reality, the opposite is true. Transdermal absorption depends heavily on the integrity and hydration of the stratum corneum.

The outer layer of hydrated skin swells slightly, opening microscopic spaces between corneocytes that allow small molecules to diffuse. In contrast, dry skin is compact, with shrunken cells and tight intercellular lipid layers that restrict diffusion channels. This dense structure makes it harder for both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds to move across the barrier.

From a formulation perspective, this means that when skin is dehydrated, even sophisticated transdermal systems—such as liposomes, microemulsions, and penetration enhancers—may deliver less effectively than intended. The product’s active ingredients might remain on the skin’s surface before reaching the viable epidermis.

Maintaining proper skin hydration is therefore essential not just for comfort but also for optimizing efficacy of your transdermal routine. Spectrum Sciences has carefully designed our formulas to work with the skin’s natural biochemistry (and you will be notified of major improvements in that regard in the very near future). However, even the most sophisticated formulations perform best when applied to well-hydrated, healthy skin.

Winter dryness has both external and internal triggers, so any strategy to combat it must take a holistic approach. Hydrated skin begins with good daily habits—everything from how you cleanse and bathe to what you eat and supplement.

1. Gentle Skin Hygiene

Over-cleansing can be one of the fastest ways to undermine winter skin. Hot water and harsh surfactants (like SLS, sodium lauryl sulfate) strip away natural oils that maintain the barrier lipids. A more effective approach involves:

• Using mild cleansers: Choose fragrance-free, low-foaming products such as pure Castile soap, which is made from vegetable oils like olive or coconut. Castile soap gently removes impurities without depleting the skin’s moisture mantle.  Dr. Bronner’s brand is our favorite, as it retains the natural glycerin for added hydrating effect.
• Limiting shower time and temperature: Shorter, lukewarm showers (under 10 minutes) reduce the risk of stripping protective oils.
• Patting, not rubbing: After cleansing, gently pat skin dry with a soft towel to leave a light moisture film before applying a moisturizer.

Even minimal changes to cleansing routines can dramatically improve the skin’s ability to retain hydration.

Hydration isn’t just about adding water; it’s about keeping it in. Many conventional moisturizers rely on thick occlusive agents like petrolatum or mineral oil. These can trap moisture temporarily but may block air exchange and feel greasy. For those using transdermal or cosmetic actives, such heavy occlusives can interfere with absorption in a big way.

Non-occlusive moisturizers that use humectants, lightweight emollients, and lipid-replenishing agents are generally preferable. Look for ingredients such as:

• Glycerin, propylene glycol, and hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture into the stratum corneum.
• Ceramides, phytosphingosine, and cholesterol, which restore the lipid barrier.
• Squalane or caprylic/capric triglycerides, which soften skin without forming a heavy occlusive layer.

Using such a moisturizer on slightly damp skin helps seal in water more effectively. For those using transdermal products, applying them to moisturized (not overly oily) skin can improve diffusion through the outer barrier.  After applying a lightweight moisturizer, be sure to wait until the skin has a matte appearance before applying our products in order to achieve maximal absorption.

One caveat to pay attention to: Applying our products before the moisturizer has had a chance to permeate the outer layer of skin may actually interfere with absorption.  The relationship between moisturizers and transdermal formulas are a bit like the relationship between fluid consumption and meal timing.  Drinking fluids before a meal and allowing time for that fluid to be released into the intestines before eating stimulates digestion and allows for efficient breakdown of the food.  However, if you consume fluids during mealtime (or do not allow time for fluid to pass into the intestines before eating), you will likely hinder digestion and cause problems with absorption.  It is a similar relationship with the timing of moisturizer application and transdermal product application.  Hence, allow the moisturizer to permeate and hydrate the skin before applying our transdermal products.  If you rub in one of our transdermal products before allowing the moisturizer to permeate and hydrate the skin, it will interfere with absorption just like in the relationship between fluid consumption and meal timing.

Combatting winter dryness also means changing the environment. Central heating, wood stoves, and car heaters rapidly dry indoor air. To counter these effects:

• Use a humidifier: Maintaining indoor humidity between 40 and 48 percent minimizes transepidermal water loss and keeps mold growth concerns to a minimum. A humidifier with a humidistat in the bedroom can make a noticeable difference in your skin (and reduce sore throats and respiratory infections).
• Avoid direct heater air exposure: Sitting close to heating vents accelerates surface dehydration.
• Protect skin outdoors: Wind and cold stress damage the barrier further. Covering exposed areas and applying a light barrier cream before going outside helps maintain hydration.  Feel free to use occlusive moisturizers on any area you do not intend to apply our products (such as the hands and face).

Making these small environmental adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

Skin reflects systemic hydration and nutrition. Water supports circulation and nutrient delivery to skin cells, while specific dietary components strengthen the skin barrier from within.

• Hydration: Drinking roughly 2–3 liters of water daily (adjusted for body size and activity level) helps maintain skin turgor. Herbal teas and water-rich foods contribute as well.
• Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like flaxseed, chia seed, and fatty fish improve lipid composition in the stratum corneum, promoting smoother, less inflamed skin.
• Antioxidant support: Vitamin C aids collagen synthesis, vitamin E protects cell membranes, and together they reduce oxidative stress caused by cold, dry air.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A, especially retinol found in liver, enhances skin cell production and turnover, stimulates collagen synthesis, and is anti-inflammatory.  It also regulates sebum production.  Together, these effects result in more supple, elastic skin which retains moisture.

A nutrient-dense diet not only boosts hydration but also enhances the skin’s natural resilience to environmental changes.

Supplements can complement dietary and topical measures, especially when lifestyle or climate challenges make it difficult to maintain balance naturally. Among the most relevant for winter skin:

• Essential fatty acids (EFAs): Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) and omega-6 (GLA from borage or evening primrose oil) strengthen barrier lipids.
• Vitamin D: Deficiency is common in winter due to reduced sunlight, and low vitamin D levels can impair skin barrier recovery and hydration.
• Zinc and selenium: Both trace minerals play roles in antioxidant defense and cellular repair.  Protocol Support contains ample zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E.
• Bone broth and collagen: Drinking bone broth or oral collagen supplementation may enhance dermal elasticity and hydration by stimulating fibroblast activity.

When combined with good topical practice, these nutrients help maintain soft, supple skin even in harsh weather.

Hydrated skin provides a more dynamic interface for diffusion of transdermal products. The keratinocytes are plump, and intercellular lipids are aligned yet fluid, allowing controlled passage of properly formulated molecules.

While hydration alone doesn’t guarantee transdermal absorption, it removes one of the biggest obstacles to it. When considering a properly developed formulation, ensuring that potent actives reach systemic circulation instead of remaining on the surface largely comes down to keeping the skin’s water-lipid balance stable.

Many people unintentionally worsen their dryness through everyday habits. Recognizing and correcting these can make a substantial difference.

• Steamy showers and long baths: Hot water feels soothing but dissolves sebum and disrupts lipid bilayers.
• Overuse of occlusive balms: While temporarily protective, they can reduce skin respiration and block absorption pathways.  Products that contain heavy oils, petrolatum, beeswax, silicones, or mineral oil are likely occlusive.
• Excess exfoliation: Physical and chemical exfoliants remove dead cells but can also strip necessary surface lipids during dry months.
• Ignoring seasonal changes: Skincare routines should adapt to climate. A formula suitable in summer might be inadequate in winter’s low humidity.  And if you live in a desert climate, treat your skin like it is winter all year long.

The key is moderation and awareness—adjusting how the skin is cleansed, protected, and nourished in response to environmental stress.

Recent research also highlights the importance of the skin microbiome in maintaining hydration and barrier function. Beneficial bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes help modulate immune activity and lipid metabolism. When the skin is overly dry or cleansed with harsh products, this microbiome becomes imbalanced, leading to inflammation and slower healing.

Using microbiome-friendly cleansers and moisturizers—those free of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents—helps preserve this ecosystem. Balanced skin flora contribute to faster barrier repair, reduced redness, and improved responsiveness to topically applied actives.  Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap is an example of a product that avoids harsh surfactants and antimicrobial agents.

Putting these pieces together, a practical, evidence-based winter skincare routine might look like this:

1. Morning:
• Wash face and body with mild Castile soap.
• Pat skin dry and apply a non-occlusive moisturizer immediately.  Non-occlusive moisturizers are typically water-based lotions and creams, with water, glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid as main ingredients.  Avoid oil-based occlusive formulas containing heavy oils, petrolatum, mineral oil, and silicones as main ingredients.  Oils, balms, and ointments are typically oil-based occlusive moisturizers better suited for your pre-bedtime routine, which allows for overnight rejuvenation.
• When the skin has a matte appearance, follow with your transdermal product application while the skin remains slightly hydrated.
2. Daytime:
• Maintain room humidity between 40-48% and drink water regularly.
• Reapply light moisturizer to your body or an occlusive barrier cream to hands and other exposed areas as needed.  Light moisturizer goes on areas where you typically apply transdermal products, while heavier occlusive moisturizer is reserved for areas you do not intend to apply transdermal products or for intensive overnight repair.
3. Evening:
• If you have any very dry patches of skin, apply a robust moisturizer to that area before going to sleep.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom overnight for consistent 40-48% humidity.

Consistency with these steps will drive improvement. Do not expect an overnight fix in all scenarios.  But within two to four weeks, even the most parched skin should experience smoother texture, less flaking, and improved tolerance to transdermal formulas, along with improved absorption.

Although dryness peaks in winter, barrier protection should remain a priority throughout the year. Skin that maintains stable hydration and lipid balance resists not only cold air but also summer sun, swimming pools, and pollution stress. The habits that strengthen the barrier—modest cleansing, regular moisturization, balanced diet, and appropriate supplementation—confer benefits that extend well past the season.

Advanced product lines like those from Spectrum Sciences complement these efforts by providing scientifically engineered transdermal systems that harmonize with the skin’s natural physiology. When barrier health is maintained, such formulas perform at their intended potential, delivering actives efficiently and comfortably.  We are driving innovation in this area, and you can expect a big announcement from us in the coming days.

Dry skin in winter is more than a seasonal annoyance—it’s a biological signal that the skin barrier is struggling. Cold air, indoor heating, and reduced humidity strip away essential lipids and water, leaving skin vulnerable to irritation and less receptive to topical treatments.

The solution lies in a comprehensive approach: gentle hygiene, smart moisturization, balanced nutrition, and supportive environmental habits. Supplements that target skin structure and hydration can further reinforce these effects. When combined with advanced transdermal technologies—like those developed by Spectrum Sciences—these steps create conditions where active ingredients can truly perform.

Healthy, hydrated skin is not only more comfortable; it’s also more capable. By supporting your skin through the demands of the winter months, you build a stronger, smoother foundation for everything applied on top—science, skincare, and season all working in harmony.

For more insights into advanced transdermal technologies and formulation science, visit Spectrum Sciences and join our mailing list for more articles like this, special discounts, and product releases!