Dry skin relief is finally here!
Winter may bring cozy sweaters and hot cocoa, but it also comes with one not-so-fun guest: dry skin. If your skin feels tight, flaky, or just uncomfortable as the temperature drops, you’re not alone. The combination of cold air outside and cranked-up heat inside works together to strip moisture from your skin. It seems that no matter what you do, your skin is dry, and your regular routines and regimens aren’t cutting it. But don’t worry—with the right care, keeping your skin soft and hydrated all winter is possible. We have some practical tips to help you say goodbye to winter dryness for good!
Why does cold weather make our skin so dry?
We all know that winter’s dry, frigid air can wreak havoc on your skin. But why? There are two main reasons: low humidity in the air and the dead skin cells from your summer tan.
1. Humidity
Low humidity in fall and winter can draw out moisture from your skin. But add in a few windy days, and you probably notice your skin is feeling extra dry and uncomfortable. It may even begin to crack in places, which can be painful, too. Escaping to the indoors may seem like a cozy option during the colder days, but indoor heating only worsens dry skin problems by stripping the air—and your skin—of much-needed hydration. To make matters worse, your skin produces less oil in colder months, weakening its natural barrier. Combined with hot showers, which further deplete moisture, it’s no wonder skin feels drier at this time of year.
2. Dead Skin Buildup
As if the weather wasn’t enough, remember that beautiful glowing summer tan? Unfortunately, there’s a small price to pay for it. During the summer, your skin builds a protective barrier from the sun and heat. It helps in the dog days of summer but works against you in the colder months. That natural barrier that has built up can stop your body’s natural oils from reaching the surface of your skin. As a result, your skin struggles to retain moisture and feels extra dry, even when you’ve applied moisturizer over and over again.
Top tips to beat your dry winter skin
Tip #1 – Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the winter. When the air gets colder and drier, your skin loses moisture faster, and drinking enough water helps replenish it from the inside out. Opting for filtered water is even better, as it removes impurities that can affect your overall health and skin clarity. Hydrated skin stays more elastic, smooth, and resilient against dryness, flakiness, and irritation. So, sip on that filtered water throughout the day—your skin (and the rest of your body) will thank you!
Tip #2 – Cool it in the Shower
Hot showers might feel amazing in the winter, but beware! Steamy hot showers can dry your skin by washing away its natural oils, making it itchy and irritated. If you’re prone to eczema or flakiness, hot water can worsen things by messing with your skin’s protective barrier. The good news? You can keep your skin happy by sticking to warm (not scorching) showers and keeping them short—about 5-10 minutes. Equally important–don’t forget to slather on a rich moisturizer immediately to lock in that hydration. Heavier, oil-based moisturizers can work best to protect your dry winter skin.
Tip #3 – Use a Humidifier
Using a humidifier in your bedroom during winter can be a game-changer for your skin and overall health. The heat in your house can dry out the air, leaving your skin extra dry in the morning and for the rest of the day. A humidifier adds vital moisture back into the air, helping your skin stay hydrated and clear your nasal passages. Plus, it can even improve your sleep by reducing dryness in your throat and sinuses—an easy way to wake up feeling refreshed and comfortable! For an added boost and to hydrate your skin, diffuse essential oils into the air. Frankincense, lavender, geranium, and ylang-ylang are some oils used to combat dry winter skin.
Tip #4 – Winter Diet Musts
What you eat plays an influential role in keeping your skin hydrated and healthy during the winter. Foods with healthy fats and omega-3s, like salmon, walnuts, and avocados, support your skin’s natural protective barrier. They help lock in moisture and shield your skin from dryness, keeping it soft and hydrated. Don’t forget to load up on hydrating foods, too—think juicy fruits like oranges and water-packed veggies like cucumbers. These foods provide an extra boost of hydration while delivering essential vitamins your skin craves. Pairing good fats with water-rich foods helps it stay smooth, soft, and glowing all winter long.
Tip 5 #- Rethink Your Sheets
While you may not think of your bed sheets as having much of an impact on your skin, think again! Bed linens can surprisingly affect your skin, especially in winter. While cotton sheets are cozy, they can be rough on your skin and absorb moisture, drying it out overnight. Switching to organic bamboo or silk sheets can help—they help your skin retain hydration while you sleep. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, while silk can help prevent irritation (and wrinkles!). Treating yourself to new sheets can help your skin stay hydrated during those frigid months.
Tip #6 – Don’t Neglect the Lips
While we are on the topic of dry skin, we think it’s important to give your lips some extra love this winter. Dry, cracked lips are incredibly uncomfortable and are all too familiar in the winter. The cold air and low humidity can quickly zap moisture from your lips, leaving them vulnerable to chapping. A quality lip balm with ingredients like shea butter or beeswax creates a protective barrier to lock in hydration. Look for one with SPF, too, since your lips are just as exposed to UV damage in winter as in summer. Keep a balm handy and reapply often—you’ll thank yourself when your lips stay soft and smooth all season long!
Tip #7 – Exfoliate!
Winter skin struggles to stay hydrated because it can’t properly retain moisture beneath that layer of summer skin buildup. Regular exfoliation helps remove these dead cells, allowing your skin to breathe and better absorb hydrating products. Exfoliation is essential for healthy, glowing skin, especially during these cold months. Cold air and dry indoor heat can cause dead skin cells to pile up even more. The unfortunate result is skin that is both dull and flaky. Gently exfoliating twice weekly removes that buildup, allowing your moisturizer to sink in and do its job. It also boosts circulation, giving your skin that fresh, rosy look we all love in the colder months. Just remember to keep it gentle—harsh scrubbing can do more harm than good, so stick with a mild exfoliator for best results!
Final Thoughts
Managing your skin to stay hydrated during the winter doesn’t have to be challenging if you have the right approach. You can keep your skin feeling soft and nourished by staying hydrated, moisturizing regularly, and using gentle products. Don’t forget to layer up with hydrating foods and protect your skin with a humidifier at home. Small changes, like switching to silk sheets or using a good exfoliator, can make a big difference.
At Knew Health, we aren’t experts on your skin, but we pride ourselves on supporting your health and wellness in every way possible. Whether it’s finding organic sheets through Wellzyperks or getting a discount on your organic skin care products, your Membership Perks are a great place to start for pampering your winter skin. With our seven practical tips, you can continue to enjoy the season without letting dry skin steal the spotlight!
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information will be used at your own risk based on your judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.
