4 minutes

Winter comes with fun things, like the holidays, and not so fun things, like winter skin. Learn simple ways to prevent winter skin so you can enjoy yourself without discomfort.

Winter’s here! And as it settles in, many of us notice a familiar discomfort: dry, tight, flaky skin. This phenomenon, often called “winter skin,” is more than just a seasonal nuisance—it can lead to significant irritation if left unaddressed. But why does winter skin happen, and what can you do to keep your skin healthy and hydrated during the colder months? Let’s explore the causes, prevention methods, and even hair care tips to help you thrive this winter.

What Is Winter Skin?

Winter skin refers to the dryness, flakiness, and irritation that occur as temperatures drop. This happens largely because of an unpleasant synergy between the dropping temperatures outside and the reliance on indoor heating, which reduces humidity inside and dramatically disrupts your skin’s moisture balance. If it were cold for a few days, this wouldn’t be a problem. But because winter is prolonged, your skin starts to get drier and drier.

Without care, you can end up with winter skin that feels tight, itchy, and might even flake and crack. People that deal with conditions like psoriasis or eczema often find these issues even more difficult and troublesome to manage.

Why Does Winter Skin Happen?

Winter skin isn’t caused by one single factor. A combination of environmental and lifestyle changes contributes to its onset:

Low Humidity Levels: Cold air naturally holds less moisture than warm air, which makes it more difficult for your skin to stay hydrated.
Indoor Heating: Heaters create dry air that further robs your skin of moisture—the more direct the heat source, the more drastic the problem.
Hot Showers: Long, hot showers are incredibly tempting in winter, but they not only dry your skin but they strip away your skin’s natural oils and leave you with dry skin.
Harsh Winds and Cold Exposure: The wind and low temperatures weaken your skin’s barrier, increasing moisture loss.
Reduced Water Intake: Many people drink less water in winter, which can reduce skin hydration from the inside out.
Decreased Sebum Production: Your skin naturally produces less oil during the winter, which makes it harder to retain moisture.

How to Prevent and Treat Winter Skin

While winter skin can be frustrating, it’s preventable and treatable with a few adjustments to your routine. Here’s what you can do:

Winter Skin Prevention Tips

Use a Humidifier: Keep the air in your home hydrated to counteract indoor heating.
Moderate Indoor Temperatures: Don’t overheat your home; moderate warmth is better for your skin.
Avoid Long, Hot Showers: Use pleasantly warm water instead, and keep showers brief.
Stay Hydrated: It’s harder to drink in the winter when it’s cold and you don’t feel thirsty, but drinking water can help keep your skin hydrated.
Dress Smart: Protect your skin from the elements with scarves, gloves, and hats.

Winter Skin Treatment Tips

Moisturize Immediately After Bathing: Apply a rich moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration. Look for creams or ointments with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
Switch to Gentle Cleansers: Use non-foaming, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils.
Exfoliate Gently: Remove dead skin cells once a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant to help your moisturizer work more effectively.
Focus on Dry Areas: Use targeted treatments for particularly dry areas, like hands and feet. Overnight, apply a thick cream and wear gloves or socks to lock in moisture.

Winter Hair Care Tips

Your skin isn’t the only part of you that suffers during the winter. Your hair and scalp are also at risk of becoming dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Here are some easy-to-implement tips to help your hair fare better this winter:

Hydrate Your Scalp: Use a weekly moisturizing treatment to combat dryness and itchiness.
Use Gentle Hair Products: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that hydrate rather than strip moisture.
Limit Heat Styling: Avoid excessive use of blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands. If you must use them, use a high-quality heat protectant and set your equipment to the lowest setting you can.
Deep Condition Regularly: Incorporate a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to nourish your hair and protect it from winter damage.
Protect Your Hair Outdoors: Simply wearing a hat, beanie, hoodie, or scarf shields your hair from the elements. For even more protection, choose materials like silk or satin to avoid friction and breakage.

A Balanced Approach to Winter Care

Winter doesn’t have to mean months of suffering through dry, flaky skin and brittle hair. By understanding why these issues occur, you can prevent them no matter how far the thermometer dips this winter. And luckily it’s usually as simple as getting some quality moisturizer, adjusting your daily routine a bit, and treating your hair and skin with a bit more care during the colder months.

This winter, don’t just survive—thrive, with healthy, hydrated skin and hair. And of course, if you’re looking to revive your skin and give it some extra TLC, we have some ideas, like facials, peels and more.