It’s 7:00 AM on a cold February morning, and the heat has been running all night. Your throat is parched, and as you swing your legs out of bed, you notice they are, too: dry flakes in place of the supple bounce you swore was restored after last night’s shower. Your forehead feels tight, and as you reach for your phone, the skin across your knuckles crack, turning the day’s first moments into a painful wakeup call.
The cold truth: winter is hard on skin. Whether it’s dryness, flakiness, tightness, or itchiness, winter can bring discomfort that lingers all season.
The good news? Caring for dry winter skin doesn’t need to be complicated. It doesn’t require a 10-step routine or trend-driven skin “fixes”. Instead, relief can come from a few simple swaps that restore moisture, comfort, and even a dewy glow.
Take heart – like an early morning at the end of February, there’s light in sight.
What Causes Dry Skin During Winter?
The biggest cause of dry skin in winter is lower humidity. When the temperature drops, humidity does too, accelerating water loss in the skin. And it’s not just the outdoor temperature – indoor heating from fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and central heating all pull humidity from the environment, contributing to moisture loss.
When these conditions combine, you might start to notice skin taking on a rougher texture, flakiness, itching, and cracked skin. Fine lines may appear more prominent, and skin can appear dull.
Cold weather influences our habits, too. We might try to warm up with a steaming bath or shower. Cold and flu season (hopefully) has us washing our hands more often. We may be drinking less water. All of these perfectly natural responses can lead to that tight, itchy feeling.
How to Treat Dry Winter Skin?
You can start treating winter dry skin with a few simple lifestyle changes.
- Add moisture back into the air - Dermatologists recommend using a humidifier to help restore moisture levels indoors. When the air holds more hydration, your skin can too.
- Turn the (water) temperature down - Warm showers may feel comforting in winter, but hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Keep showers lukewarm and limit them to five or ten minutes.
- Hydrate from within - Though you may not crave a cold glass of water in the winter, eight glasses a day can keep skin healthy and help prevent dullness. Try decaffeinated tea or warm water with lemon to maintain healthy hydration levels.
You’ll also want to take a closer look at your skin care products, choosing ones specially formulated to restore moisture and treat seasonally dry skin. Experts recommend a few rules of thumb:
- Use creams rather than lotions - Creams better help prevent water loss, whereas thinner lotions evaporate quickly and offer less protection against dry air.
- Layer light to heavy – Apply thinner products – like a hyaluronic acid serum – first, followed by a thicker cream. This approach helps maintain moisture and keeps skin feeling comfortable throughout the day.
- Avoid harsh fragrance – Synthetic fragrances can contain chemicals that dry or irritate the skin. Look for products with natural fragrances only, or those with the term “fragrance-free”. Unfortunately, products labeled “unscented” often contain masking ingredients that can be just as drying.
Rest assured, LATHER never uses synthetic fragrances in our products – just natural oils and botanicals that care for your skin.
The Best Moisturizers for Winter Skin Care
When winter pulls moisture from your skin, these are the formulas that quickly restore it, layering in hydration, comfort, and protection. Think of them as your hydration heroes: simple, no-nonsense solutions that just get the job done.
- Your first layer of replenishment: Mega Moisture Magnet
- Think of this as a tall drink of water for dry winter skin. This lightweight hyaluronic acid serum helps plump and revitalize while supporting lasting hydration. Use it on delicate facial skin, hands, or wherever skin needs mega moisture.
- For hard working hands: Hand Therapy
- Cold air and constant washing can leave hands rough and tight. This rich yet fast-absorbing cream softens dry skin with shea butter, oat, and olive extracts. Just a small amount leaves hands feeling smoother, more comfortable, and ready to face the elements again.
- For fragrance-free comfort: Comfort Crème
- When skin feels extra dry or stressed, this gentle, fragrance-free cream provides steady relief. Recognized by the National Eczema Association, it moisturizes with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to help skin feel calm, soft, and supported, without heaviness or irritation.
- For deep, buttery hydration: Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter
- Thick, creamy, and comforting, this ultra-rich body butter softens rough winter texture and leaves skin feeling silky. Sweet almond oil, milk proteins, and honey extract nourish deeply, delivering lasting moisture without a greasy finish.
Comfort, Without Complication
Winter may bring extra challenges, but taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. Small changes in your daily routine, plus a few key products formulated for moisture and comfort, help ensure that even the coldest mornings are easier to face.
