Photo by Joshua Harkon on Unsplash
Winter can be tough on your skin and not only the skin you see in the mirror. While we often focus on keeping our faces nourished and protected, cold weather, central heating and brisk winds quietly take a toll on the rest of the body too. From dry elbows to cracked lips and rough heels, several areas are far more vulnerable than we realise. Giving these spots a little targeted care can make a noticeable difference in comfort and appearance throughout the colder months. With the right products and simple daily habits, you can keep your whole body feeling soft, soothed and supported until spring returns. Below are five often overlooked areas that deserve some winter focused attention.
Hands
Hands are exposed to harsh winter conditions more than almost any other body part. Frequent washing and cold air quickly strip away natural moisture. Choose a nourishing hand cream rich in ingredients like shea butter or glycerin and reapply throughout the day, especially after washing. Wearing gloves when outdoors creates a protective barrier. For an intensive treatment, apply a thick layer of cream before bed and slip on cotton gloves to lock in hydration overnight.
We recommend: CeraVe Soothing and Repairing Hand Cream
Elbows
Elbows can become particularly rough and flaky during winter due to thicker skin and constant friction from clothing. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week helps remove dry patches and allows moisturiser to penetrate more effectively. Look for a rich balm or body butter and massage it in well after showers. Ingredients such as ceramides and fatty acids work well to soften and smooth this stubborn area.
We recommend: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment
Lips
Lips lack oil glands, making them one of the first places to crack in cold weather. Avoid licking your lips as it accelerates dryness. Instead, apply a hydrating balm regularly, especially before heading outside. Look for formulas with beeswax, lanolin or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. For very chapped lips, use a gentle lip scrub once a week and follow with a deeply nourishing overnight lip treatment.
We recommend: Ere Perez Cranberry Lip and Eye Mask
Knees
Knees are another spot where winter dryness loves to linger. Similar to elbows, they benefit from regular exfoliation to maintain smoothness. Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliating cloth in the shower, followed by a rich cream. Products containing urea or lactic acid can help soften rough texture. Keep knees covered with warm clothing when outdoors to protect against cold air.
We recommend: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque
Heels
Heels often become cracked and uncomfortable during winter due to reduced moisture and increased time in heavier footwear. After bathing, when the skin is soft, gently remove dead skin with a foot file. Apply a thick heel balm containing urea or shea butter and wear socks to help lock in moisture. Weekly foot soaks can also help maintain softness and prevent deeper cracking.
We recommend: Maskology Foot Mask Professional Foot Treatment Booties