Why Seniors Need Richer Moisturisers in Winter
There’s something cosy about winter — the warm cuppas, woolly socks, and movie marathons under a blanket. But for our skin? Not so much. Cold air outside and dry heat inside can turn even the most resilient skin into a flaky, itchy mess. And for seniors, that’s amplified tenfold.
As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner, drier, and a little more sensitive to change. So when winter rolls around, it’s not just about dry hands — it’s tight cheeks, cracked heels, and the kind of itch that keeps you up at night. That’s where richer moisturisers come in.
How Winter Affects Senior Skin (and Why Moisture Matters)
Winter and mature skin aren’t exactly best mates. The season brings extra challenges that can make already-sensitive skin feel dry, tight, and downright uncomfortable. Here's why this happens — and why switching to a richer moisturiser is more than just a seasonal upgrade.
1. Skin Gets Drier as We Age
As the years go by, our skin slows down oil production and loses natural hydration faster. The result? A thinner, less elastic skin barrier that’s more prone to dryness, cracks, and irritation. In cold weather, that dryness gets magnified. What once felt like a bit of flakiness can turn into full-on chapping if it’s not addressed.
The National Library of Medicine explains that mature skin has fewer lipids (fats) to help it retain moisture. So when winter rolls in, that already-delicate barrier takes another hit — making richer creams essential for keeping hydration in and irritation out.
2. Cold Air + Indoor Heating = Double Trouble
Stepping from cold, dry outdoor air into a heater-blasting room might feel nice, but your skin doesn’t love it. According to Harvard Health, both cold air and indoor heating zap moisture from the skin — often without you noticing until it’s too late.
This constant yo-yo between chilly breezes and dry, heated air weakens the skin barrier even more, leaving it feeling tight, itchy, or flaky. For seniors, this can be especially uncomfortable and even lead to small breaks or tears in the skin if left unaddressed.
3. Older Skin Is Naturally Thinner and More Fragile
Ageing skin loses collagen and fat, making it more delicate and less resilient to environmental stressors. According to SCC Living, this increased fragility means winter dryness isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s a health one.
Even minor dryness can cause cracking or peeling, and in more severe cases, lead to painful sores or increased risk of infection. A richer moisturiser forms a protective shield, helping to cushion the skin and keep it resilient through winter months.
4. Dry Skin Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Flaky skin may not sound like a big deal, but for older adults, it can escalate fast. The team at AgingCare warns that untreated dryness can lead to fissures (those tiny cracks you sometimes see near joints or heels), which can open the door to bacteria and infection — especially for individuals with diabetes or reduced mobility.
And let’s not forget comfort: dry skin can be itchy and painful, disrupting sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life. Prevention is key, and moisturising properly is one of the simplest, most effective ways to do it.
5. Richer Moisturisers Work Better in Winter — and That’s Backed by Science
Winter skincare for older adults isn’t about slapping on just any cream. According to a 2023 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, skin in later life responds best to emollient-rich formulas. These thicker moisturisers don’t just sit on the surface — they actively seal in moisture, support the skin’s barrier function, and reduce transepidermal water loss (a fancy term for moisture escaping your skin).
Look for ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or petrolatum in winter moisturisers — they’re like blankets for your skin, keeping it calm, soft, and protected.
Top Moisturiser Picks for Seniors This Winter
Now that we know why older skin needs extra love in the colder months, let’s talk about the moisturisers that truly deliver. Whether you're caring for yourself or a loved one, these options are rich, gentle, and made for sensitive, ageing skin that needs deep, lasting hydration.
1. QV Intensive Moisturiser
Best for: Extremely dry, cracked, or eczema-prone skin
The QV Intensive Body Moisturiser is a balm-like formula is a winter warrior. It’s water-free, meaning it won’t sting even when applied to inflamed or broken skin — a huge plus for seniors dealing with winter flare-ups. With petrolatum and paraffin to lock in moisture, it forms a barrier against the elements and gives instant relief to dry, tight areas. Use it after bathing or anytime your skin’s feeling parched.
2. QV Cream
Best for: Daily all-over use, especially on rough patches
The QV Cream 500g is a classic go-to for a reason. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with squalane — a natural skin oil — to help replenish what ageing skin loses over time. It's perfect for elbows, hands, knees, or anywhere dry skin tends to take hold in winter. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and lanolin-free, so even the most sensitive skin types can use it confidently.
3. QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Cream
Best for: Managing mild to moderate eczema and sensitive skin long-term
Eczema tends to flare up when skin is dry, which is why winter can be especially tough. The QV DermCare Eczema Daily Cream is a dermatologist-backed cream, enriched with ceramides to repair the skin barrier and relieve dryness, itchiness, and discomfort. The big 1kg pump makes it easy to use for daily care — at home or in aged care settings.
4. MoliCare Skin Body Lotion 500ml
Best for: Those who want hydration with a lightweight feel
Not everyone loves a heavy cream. This Molicare Body Lotion is a hydrating lotion that features almond oil and panthenol in a water-in-oil formula that nourishes without the greasiness. It absorbs beautifully and smells lovely too — ideal for daily use on arms, legs, or after a warm shower. Bonus: the Nutriskin Protection Complex helps strengthen the skin barrier over time.
5. TENA ProSkin Body Lotion
Best for: Lightweight everyday moisture with skin-safe ingredients
Gentle, non-greasy, and packed with vitamin E and caring oils, this lotion is designed for fragile ageing skin. It’s pH balanced and endorsed by the Skin Health Alliance, making it a safe and soothing choice for daily hydration. Great for full-body care, especially if you’re applying lotion multiple times a day.
6. QV Ceramides Cream
Best for: Restoring skin barrier and preventing future dryness
This powerhouse formula is rich in ceramides and glycerin, two essential ingredients for rebuilding the skin's protective layer. QV Ceramides is a fantastic winter moisturiser for the face or body — especially for skin that feels tight, itchy, or prone to flare-ups. Absorbs quickly without residue, and works well under clothing or as a night treatment.
Each of these products was selected with senior skin health in mind. Whether you're managing winter eczema, flaky patches, or just want to keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable, these moisturisers offer the deep nourishment and protection you need.
Richer Moisture, Healthier Skin
When it comes to winter skincare, seniors need more than just a quick dab of lotion. Mature skin is more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and cracks—especially when the temperature drops and heaters crank up. The right moisturiser doesn’t just soothe—it supports the skin’s natural barrier, locks in hydration, and helps prevent problems before they start.
Whether you’re dealing with eczema, general dryness, or just looking for an everyday lotion that actually works, richer moisturisers are an investment in skin comfort and long-term care.
Visit Our Epping, Victoria Store!
Come and visit our friendly team at the Platinum Health showroom in Epping!
We stock a wide range of dermatologically backed moisturisers for dry, sensitive, and ageing skin. You can explore options in person, get advice tailored to your needs, andpick up everything you need to keep skin healthy this winter—from head to toe.
Find us at:
Unit 2/51 Trafalgar Road, Epping VIC 3076
Open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Or shop online at your convenience—we deliver Australia-wide.
Important Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available health resources. While we do our best to provide helpful guidance, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you or someone in your care has ongoing skin issues, allergies, or sensitivities, please consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine or using new products.
Platinum Health is not liable for any adverse outcomes related to misuse or misapplication of products featured in this article.
