A Practical Guide for Patients, Caregivers & Healthcare Teams
Winter can be a tough season for skin. Dry air, indoor heating, colder temperatures, and wind all play a part in making skin more fragile and uncomfortable. And for many of the patients we support — from wellness clients to assisted living residents to hospice patients — these changes can feel even more noticeable.
At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we see how quickly winter skin concerns can affect comfort and overall well-being. Thankfully, compounded topical medications offer individualized support that often works far better than a standard off-the-shelf product.
Below is an overview of the most common winter-related skin challenges and how custom topicals can help keep skin healthy, protected, and comfortable throughout the season.
Why Skin Struggles More in the Winter
When the weather cools down, humidity drops and indoor heating systems pull additional moisture from the air. Even healthy skin can become dry or irritated, but patients with chronic conditions, age-related changes, limited mobility, or certain medications are especially vulnerable.
During the winter we commonly see:
Dry, cracked, or itchy skin
Slow-healing wounds
Skin thinning or fragile areas
Chapped lips or painful skin splits
Pressure-related irritation
Increased sensitivity
These aren’t small issues — they impact comfort, mobility, rest, and quality of life. That’s where compounded topicals can make a meaningful difference.
How Compounded Topicals Can Help
Compounding allows us to create custom creams, ointments, gels, and balms designed specifically for each patient. We can adjust:
Strengths
Ingredient combinations
Thickness or texture
Scent or no scent
Application style for caregivers
Bases for sensitive or fragile skin
This personalization is especially helpful for babies and young children, older adults, patients in long-term care, and anyone dealing with sensitive or compromised skin.
Here are some of the most helpful ways compounded topicals support patients during the winter months:
Dry, Cracked, or Irritated Skin
Cold weather and indoor heat are a tough combination. Many patients need more than simple moisturizers to stay comfortable. Compounded formulas can include:
Urea for deep moisture
Hyaluronic acid to hold hydration
Vitamin E for skin repair
Ceramides to support the skin barrier
Gentle emollient bases for sensitive or aging skin
These blends provide more relief than everyday lotions and are especially effective for skin that breaks down easily.
Slow-Healing or Chronic Wounds
Wound healing can slow down in the winter, particularly for older adults or anyone dealing with circulation issues, diabetes, or long-term illness. Compounded wound care topicals can be customized to:
Support moisture balance
Provide gentle antimicrobial action
Reduce discomfort
Help control odor
Promote healing
These options are especially helpful for assisted living and hospice patients, where comfort and consistent care are essential.
Thin, Fragile, or Sensitive Skin in Older Adults
As we age, skin naturally becomes thinner and more delicate — and winter dryness only adds to the challenge. Compounded topicals can help support the skin, making it more resilient and reducing the risk of tears, bruising, or irritation.
These formulas are often very gentle, easy to apply, and designed to protect the skin without causing additional dryness.
Painful Cracks on Hands, Feet, or Lips
Frequent handwashing, cold temperatures, and dry indoor air can lead to painful splitting or cracking. Compounded options can include:
High-moisture foot or hand creams
Urea-based formulas for tough cracks
Balms for lips or facial irritation
Soothing ointments that stay in place longer
These options often provide much faster relief than standard products from the store.
Comfort-Focused Care for Hospice
For hospice patients, even minor discomfort can affect rest, appetite, and overall comfort. Compounded topicals can help with:
Itching
Dryness from oxygen use or frequent wiping
Painful skin areas
Moisture balance for fragile skin
Gentle wound care
These products can be made in bases that are easy to spread, absorb well, and feel soothing, making daily care more comfortable for the patient and easier for caregivers.
Why Compounding Makes a Difference
Every patient is different, and winter doesn’t impact everyone the same way. Compounding gives us the ability to create something that meets the exact needs of the person using it — not a general solution meant for the masses.
Patients benefit from:
Fewer unnecessary ingredients
Personalized strengths
Better absorption
A formula that matches their skin type
Caregivers benefit from products that:
Spread easily
Are clearly labeled
Fit into daily care routines
Reduce the number of separate creams needed
It’s all about making care smoother, simpler, and more effective.
Winter Skin Tips for Patients & Caregivers
A few small changes go a long way:
Moisturize right after bathing
Choose gentle soaps and cleansers
Stay hydrated
Consider a humidifier indoors
Avoid very hot showers
Keep an eye out for any early signs of skin breakdown
Reach out early if something looks or feels concerning
Consistency is the key — small daily habits help prevent bigger issues.
How Mountain Care Pharmacy Can Support You This Winter
Whether you’re caring for a loved one at home, managing residents in assisted living, working in hospice, or simply looking for better options for your own winter skin concerns, compounded topicals can provide real relief.
If you’d like to explore customized options or discuss what might work best for your situation, we’re always happy to help and walk through the possibilities with you.
Winter Time Riddle
Answer this riddle for a chance to win a $10 dollar gift card!
