Tackling Dry Skin in the Winter: Your Ultimate Skincare Survival Guide

1 June

Winter is a beautiful season, but it’s not always kind to your skin. As the temperature drops and indoor heating kicks in, many of us find ourselves battling dry, flaky, itchy, and uncomfortable skin. Harsh winds, low humidity, and hot showers all strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dehydration, irritation, and even flare-ups of eczema or dermatitis.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to suffer through the colder months. With a few intentional steps and natural skincare swaps, you can protect your skin barrier, lock in moisture, and maintain a healthy, radiant glow all season long.

Here are 4 deeply nourishing and dermatologist-recommended winter skincare tips that work:

1. Use a Humidifier to Reintroduce Moisture into the Air

In winter, the air inside your home becomes extremely dry due to indoor heating systems, which can rapidly dehydrate your skin. That’s where humidifiers come in. They work by restoring ambient moisture levels, helping to prevent transepidermal water loss, a major cause of dry skin in winter.

Why it works:

Maintains skin hydration while you sleep or work.
Reduces the risk of cracked lips, dry sinuses, and flaky skin.
Ideal for those with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea flare-ups.

Pro Tip: Place a cool-mist humidifier near your bed while you sleep and near your workstation during the day for maximum hydration support.

2. Avoid Over-Showering and Skip Hot Water

It might be tempting to take long, hot showers on a cold day, but excessive washing with hot water strips your skin’s natural oils and disrupts your skin barrier function, making it harder to retain moisture.

Better habits for winter bathing:

Limit showers to 5–10 minutes with lukewarm water.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to avoid irritation.
Pat your skin dry with a towel, don’t rub.

Lock in moisture by applying a rich plant-based body butter or natural oil immediately after bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp.

3. Nourish Your Skin with Natural Oils

Cold weather can deplete your skin’s lipid layer, leading to tight, rough, and flaky skin. The best way to replenish this layer is with natural, non-toxic, hydrating oils that mimic the skin’s sebum.

Best natural oils for winter skin:

Coconut oil: Rich in fatty acids and deeply moisturizing, great for body use.
Jojoba oil: Closely resembles natural sebum and is ideal for facial use.
Rosehip oil: Packed with antioxidants, perfect for repairing dull, stressed winter skin.

Overnight hydration tip: Rub coconut oil into elbows, knees, feet, and hands, then cover with socks or cotton gloves to lock in moisture while you sleep.

4. Add Sugar to Your Skincare Routine for Gentle Exfoliation

When dead skin cells build up during winter, they can prevent your moisturizers from being absorbed properly. Exfoliation is key, but winter calls for something gentle and hydrating, like sugar.

Why sugar works:

Natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) properties help break down dry skin.
Contains humectant benefits to pull moisture into the skin.
Ideal for use in body scrubs or bath soaks.

DIY Winter Scrub: Mix raw sugar, organic coconut oil, and a few drops of lavender or sandalwood essential oil. Use once or twice a week for silky-smooth skin.

Bonus Winter Skincare Tips

Drink plenty of water, hydration starts from the inside out.
Switch to a thicker moisturizer, light lotions aren’t enough in winter.
Use hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid under your moisturizer.
Wear lip balm with SPF, your lips need protection, too!
Avoid alcohol-heavy toners and harsh actives that dry the skin further.

Your Winter Skincare Ritual, Reimagined

Winter skincare is not just about survival, it’s about embracing a slower, more intentional rhythm. It’s a time to check in with your body, listen to your skin’s changing needs, and nourish yourself from the outside in.

At Nala Native, we believe that every season deserves its sacred ritual. Our plant-based, eco-friendly skincare is crafted with ingredients designed to support your skin through every environmental shift, winter included.

Aimee Louise