Winter skin shouldn’t mean suffering. Cold air and low humidity are the perfect storm for xerotic eczema (also called winter eczema or asteatotic eczema). The good news? With the right care, you can keep skin calm, comfortable, and hydrated all season long.

In this guide, we’ll explain what xerotic eczema is, why it happens in colder months, and how to protect your skin barrier with simple prevention strategies — plus how Rejûvaskin’s Skin Recovery Cream and Hydrating Facial Cleanser can support your winter skin routine.

What is Xerotic (Winter) Eczema?

Xerotic eczema is a type of eczema that develops when the skin loses too much water. Cold, dry air and indoor heating strip away natural oils, leaving skin cracked, itchy, and inflamed. The result is rough, scaly patches — often on the shins, arms, or trunk — that resemble a “dried riverbed” pattern (Medscape, 2023).

It’s most common in winter, especially among older adults, but anyone can experience flare-ups if their skin barrier is compromised (StatPearls, 2023).

Common Winter Triggers

• Low humidity & cold air: Pulls moisture from the skin.

• Hot showers & harsh cleansers: Strip protective oils.

• Indoor heating: Creates dry environments that worsen dehydration.

• Age and sensitive skin: Naturally thinner, drier skin is more vulnerable.

(Cleveland Clinic, 2022; American Academy of Dermatology, 2024)

Prevention: Daily Winter Skin Routine

1. Keep Baths Short & Lukewarm

Stick to 5–10 minute showers with warm (not hot) water. Right after bathing, pat skin gently and apply moisturizer within minutes to lock in hydration (American Academy of Dermatology, 2024).

2. Choose Barrier-Restoring Moisturizers

Lotions often aren’t enough in the winter. Instead, use a rich cream or ointment with hydrating and soothing ingredients. Rejûvaskin’s Skin Recovery Cream is designed with botanicals and polypeptides to restore and calm stressed skin — perfect for daily eczema-prone skin.

3. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

Harsh soaps disrupt your barrier. Opt for a cleanser that hydrates as it cleanses. Rejûvaskin’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains Exo-P™, aloe, and natural botanicals to remove impurities without stripping skin.

4. Use a Humidifier Indoors

Adding moisture back into the air helps prevent dryness and flare-ups (National Eczema Association, 2023). Keep one in your bedroom for overnight relief.

5. Protect Skin from Irritation

Avoid scratchy fabrics like wool. Wear gloves during housework or cold weather to minimize friction and prevent cracks.

Managing Flare-Ups

Sometimes, prevention isn’t enough. If itchy patches appear:

• Moisturize more often — apply a thick layer whenever skin feels tight.

• Topical corticosteroids (prescribed by your doctor) may be needed for short-term relief of inflammation (Ference & Last, 2021).

• Wet wrap therapy — using damp, medicated dressings overnight — can help severe flares (National Eczema Association, 2023).

If skin becomes red, painful, or shows signs of infection, see a dermatologist for tailored care.

The Rejûvaskin Difference

Winter eczema can feel discouraging, but you don’t have to let it disrupt your season. By pairing dermatologist-backed prevention strategies with barrier-boosting formulas like Skin Recovery Cream and Hydrating Facial Cleanser, you can keep your skin soothed, hydrated, and healthy — no matter how cold or dry it gets outside.

Key Takeaways

• Xerotic eczema = dry, cracked, itchy skin triggered by winter air.

• Prevention starts with gentle cleansing, rich moisturizing, and humidifying indoors.

• Rejûvaskin’s products support barrier repair and hydration to help calm and protect winter-prone skin.

Works Cited

American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Dry skin: Relief from itching and prevention tips.  [link]

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Asteatotic eczema (eczema craquelé). [link]

Ference, J. D., & Last, A. R. (2021). Choosing topical corticosteroids. American Family Physician, 103(6), 337–343. [link]

Medscape. (2023). Asteatotic eczema clinical presentation. [link]

National Eczema Association. (2023). Wet wrap therapy for eczema. [link]

StatPearls. (2023). Asteatotic eczema. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. [link]