January 14, 2026

Written by Dev Admin

Why Moisturizers Stop Working in Winter & What Dermatologists Recommend Instead

One of the most common complaints dermatologists hear during winter in Riyadh is:
“I apply moisturizer constantly, but my skin is still dry.”

According to Dr. Zeinah Al-Halees, this frustration is understandable—but often misunderstood. In winter, the issue is rarely about not using enough moisturizer. Instead, it is usually a sign of skin barrier dysfunction.

At Reveal Clinics, Dr. Zeinah treats many patients whose skin continues to feel dry, tight, or irritated despite using high-end creams. Understanding why moisturizers stop working is the key to fixing the problem.

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Why Moisturizers Fail During Winter

1️⃣ Increased Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

Riyadh’s winter air is extremely dry. Low humidity increases TEWL, meaning:

water escapes from the skin rapidly
moisturizers cannot retain hydration effectively

Even thick creams may fail if moisture loss is not controlled.

2️⃣ A Damaged Skin Barrier

The skin barrier acts as a protective wall. In winter:

lipid levels decrease
barrier proteins weaken
microscopic cracks develop

When this happens, moisturizers sit on the surface instead of repairing the skin.

3️⃣ Wrong Type of Moisturizer

Many winter products focus only on occlusion (sealing) without addressing:

barrier repair
inflammation
hydration at deeper levels

Without repairing the barrier, sealing alone is ineffective.

4️⃣ Overuse of Active Ingredients

Retinoids, exfoliating acids, and harsh cleansers:

weaken an already stressed barrier
increase sensitivity
reduce moisturizer effectiveness

Winter skin often needs less activity and more repair.

5️⃣ Application Timing & Technique

Applying moisturizer:

on completely dry skin
after over-cleansing
without hydration underneath

reduces its effectiveness significantly.

✅ Effective for severe or resistant acne

✅ Reduces oil production and prevents clogged pores

✅ Helps minimize acne scarring

✅ Long-term remission after treatment

✅ Improves skin clarity and confidence

Signs Moisturizer Alone Is Not Enough

Dr. Zeinah often sees patients with:

dryness returning within hours
burning or stinging after product use
redness or inflammation
flaking despite frequent moisturizing
worsening eczema or dermatitis

These are indicators of barrier damage, not product failure.

What Dermatologists Recommend Instead

Rather than switching endlessly between moisturizers, Dr. Zeinah advises a medical skin barrier approach.

✔ Step 1: Repair the Skin Barrier

Barrier-focused care includes:

ceramides
cholesterol
fatty acids

These components rebuild the skin’s natural defense system.

✔ Step 2: Add Hydration Before Moisturizing

Hydration adds water; moisturizers seal it.

Effective routines include:

hydrating serums
applying moisturizer on damp skin
layering products correctly

✔ Step 3: Reduce Barrier Stress

During winter:

limit exfoliation
pause harsh actives
switch to gentle cleansers

This allows the barrier to heal.

✔ Step 4: Consider In-Clinic Treatments

For persistent dryness, dermatologist-guided treatments may be recommended to:

restore deep hydration
calm inflammation

strengthen skin resilience

Who Is Most Affected by Moisturizer Failure in Winter?

sensitive skin types
patients with eczema or rosacea
individuals using active skincare
people over 30
patients undergoing aesthetic procedures

❓FAQs – Winter Moisturizers & Dry Skin

Should I use thicker creams in winter?

Not always. Barrier repair matters more than thickness.

Can oily skin experience winter dryness?

Yes. Oily skin can still be dehydrated.

Is it okay to stop actives in winter?

Often temporarily, under dermatologist guidance.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If dryness, irritation, or sensitivity persists.

📅 Book Your Consultation – Winter Skin Dryness in Riyadh

If your moisturizer is no longer working and your skin feels persistently dry, irritated, or sensitive, it may be time for a medical skin assessment.

Book your dermatology consultation at Reveal Clinics with Dr. Zeinah Al-Halees for expert diagnosis and a personalized winter skin treatment plan designed for Riyadh’s climate.

📍 2484 Muhammad Al Maqdimi, An Nafal, Riyadh
🌐 reveal-clinics.com
📞 +966 11 504 8687

👉 When moisturizers fail, medical care makes the difference.

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