Skin Health · Pune
Dry skin and eczema in Pune's winter: why it flares and how to manage it
5 min read · Published 21 September 2026 · Updated 21 September 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr Shanvi Jadhav, Consultant Dermatologist
Pune's winter does not look severe on a thermometer, but the air becomes dry, mornings are cool, and the sun stays strong through the day. That combination pulls moisture out of the skin quickly. People with eczema, sensitive skin or simply a busy hot-shower habit often find this the most uncomfortable season of the year.
What dry air does to the skin barrier
The outer layer of skin holds water with a mix of lipids. When the air is dry, water leaves the skin faster than it is replaced, the barrier develops tiny gaps, and the skin becomes tight, flaky and easily irritated. For people prone to eczema, this is often enough to trigger a flare of itchy, red, sometimes cracked patches.
The habits that make winter skin worse
Long hot showers strip lipids from the skin. Foaming, fragranced soaps do the same. Woollens worn directly against the skin irritate it, and skipping moisturiser because the skin does not feel oily leaves the barrier exposed.
Sunscreen is still needed: winter sun in Pune is strong, and UV is a factor in both pigmentation and the irritation that drives eczema.
A winter routine that works
Shorter, lukewarm showers with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. A thicker moisturiser applied within a few minutes of bathing, while the skin is still damp. A cotton layer under woollens. Sunscreen in the morning. For lips and hands, which dry out first, a plain balm or hand cream reapplied through the day.
When it is more than dry skin
If patches are red, intensely itchy, weeping or cracked, or if dryness is not settling with regular moisturising, that suggests eczema or another condition rather than simple winter dryness. Psoriasis, fungal infection and contact allergy can all look similar. A dermatologist can diagnose the cause and prescribe treatment that calms the flare, rather than leaving you to cycle through products.
At Own Skin, eczema and sensitive-skin plans are built around barrier repair first, with prescription treatment where needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I stop using sunscreen in winter?
- No. Pune's winter sun is strong, and UV exposure worsens both pigmentation and irritated skin.
- Can eczema be cured?
- Eczema is managed rather than cured. Good barrier care and prescribed treatment for flares can keep it well controlled.
- Is coconut oil enough as a moisturiser?
- Oils sit on the surface and reduce water loss but do not add moisture. A proper moisturiser applied to damp skin generally works better, and a dermatologist can recommend one for your skin type.
Related treatments at Own Skin
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation. Sources and references: shared on request at the clinic.
