From November to February, the air in Bangladesh turns dry and cool, and many people notice tight, flaky cheeks, rough elbows, itchy shins and cracked lips. Even oily skin can feel dehydrated in winter. The good news is that winter skincare does not need to be complicated. A gentle cleanser, the right moisturiser and lip care will fix most problems. This guide walks you through a simple winter routine for dry skin, with products we stock and prices in taka.
Why skin gets dry in winter
Cooler, drier air pulls water out of the skin, and long hot showers wash away the natural oils that hold moisture in. The result is a weakened skin barrier, which shows up as tightness, flaking, dullness, itching and sometimes redness or stinging when you apply products. Winter skincare is all about cleansing gently and putting back what the cold takes away.
Step 1: Switch to a gentle cleanser
Foaming or soap-based face washes that feel fine in summer can strip dry skin in winter. Choose a cream or hydrating gel cleanser that leaves your face soft, not squeaky.
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (৳1,149): a non-foaming cream cleanser for normal to dry skin, with no sulfates, no fragrance and no drying alcohol, plus CeraVe’s three ceramides.
- Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser (৳2,249): a cream-to-foam wash with niacinamide, panthenol and aloe, for people who still like a light lather.
- Simple Water Boost Micellar Gel Wash (৳759): a soap-free water-gel wash for dry and dehydrated skin, with no colour or perfume.
Step 2: Add a hydrating serum (optional)
If your skin feels tight even after moisturiser, a hydrating serum underneath helps. Apply it to slightly damp skin.
- CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum (৳2,799): hyaluronic acid, three ceramides, cholesterol and vitamin B5 in a light, fragrance-free serum.
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (from ৳599): a light essence with 96% snail secretion filtrate for hydration and a healthy glow.
Step 3: Use a richer moisturiser
This is the most important winter step. Look for ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, panthenol and oat, and apply within a minute of washing, while your skin is still slightly damp.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (from ৳899): a rich, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic barrier cream with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Accepted by the National Eczema Association and suitable from age three.
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream 453g (৳3,199): a rich, fragrance-free cream for dry to very dry sensitive skin, with glycerin, petrolatum, niacinamide and panthenol. The big tub covers face and body for the whole family.
- Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream 30ml (৳699): a Korean ceramide cream for dry, sensitive skin that works on face and body. A good travel-size trial.
- Face Facts Ceramide Gel Cream (৳579): for combination or oily skin that gets dry patches in winter but hates heavy creams. Fragrance-free, with five ceramides.
Step 4: Sunscreen still matters
Winter sun is softer, but UVA rays, which cause tanning and dark spots, are just as present. Keep a daily sunscreen in your morning routine. Dry skin often prefers a cream or milk texture over a gel. Browse our sunscreens, or read our sunscreen guide for oily skin if your skin is combination.
Step 5: Look after your lips
- By day, use a lip balm with SPF, like The Derma Co Kojic Acid Lip Balm SPF 30 (৳549).
- At night, apply a thick layer of a lip mask such as the LAIKOU Strawberry Lip Mask (৳189), or Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips (৳249).
- Avoid licking your lips. Saliva evaporates and leaves them drier.
Step 6: Don’t forget your body
Shins, elbows, knees and hands usually get the driest. Apply a body lotion right after bathing, while skin is still damp.
- Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion 200ml (৳1,499): unscented, for very dry, sensitive skin, with a triple oat complex and shea butter.
- Vaseline Aloe Soothe Lotion (from ৳749): a light everyday body lotion with aloe vera and glycerin that absorbs without greasiness.
- E45 Cream 125g (৳1,349): a fragrance-free emollient cream and UK licensed medicine for dry, flaky skin.
- Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume 200ml (৳4,129): an ultra-soothing, fragrance-free balm for very dry to atopic-prone skin.
A simple winter routine
| Morning | Night |
|---|---|
| 1. Gentle cleanser (or just water if your skin is very dry) | 1. Gentle cleanser. Use a cleansing oil first if you wore sunscreen or makeup |
| 2. Hydrating serum (optional) | 2. Hydrating serum (optional) |
| 3. Moisturiser | 3. A richer moisturiser, applied more generously |
| 4. Sunscreen and SPF lip balm | 4. Lip mask |
Winter skin habits that make a big difference
- Use lukewarm water, not hot, for your face and shower.
- Keep showers short, and moisturise within a few minutes afterwards.
- Pause strong exfoliants and retinol, or use them less often, if your skin stings.
- Drink enough water and keep a hand cream near the sink.
Save with our winter combos
Want everything in one order? Our winter combos bundle the essentials for less than buying each item separately:
- Derm Winter Rescue Combo: Cetaphil cleanser, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 340g and an SPF lip balm, for very dry skin.
- Barrier Repair Routine Winter Combo: a complete 4-step routine for stinging, flaky skin.
- K-Beauty Deep Hydration Winter Combo: a Korean layering routine for deep moisture.
- Dry Skin Daily Duo: just a gentle face wash and NIVEA Soft, for no-fuss winter care.
Frequently asked questions
Should oily skin use a different moisturiser in winter?
Often, yes. Many oily-skin people switch from a gel to a light cream in winter. If heavy creams break you out, a ceramide gel cream is a good middle ground.
Can I use body lotion on my face?
Some fragrance-free creams like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream work on both, but many body lotions contain fragrance and are too heavy for the face.
Why does my skin sting when I apply products in winter?
Stinging usually means your skin barrier is damaged. Simplify your routine to a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturiser and sunscreen, and pause acids and retinol until the stinging stops.
When should I see a doctor?
See a dermatologist if your skin cracks and bleeds, itches badly, shows red, scaly patches that do not improve with moisturiser, or if you suspect eczema.
Shop winter skincare
Browse moisturisers, cleansers and body lotions. Every product is sourced from trusted suppliers, with cash on delivery across Bangladesh: ৳100 inside Dhaka, ৳150 outside Dhaka.