Why Does Winter Make Skin So Dry?
While we’re all about cozy sweaters and hot cocoa, let’s not forget the real winter villain: dry, flaky skin. When winter arrives, the humidity plummets, leaving your skin parched and desperate for hydration. Add in hot showers, harsh fabrics, and all those extra hand washes (looking at you, flu season), and it’s no wonder your skin feels tight, flaky, and, well, cranky. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back (and face, hands, and everything else) with a winter skincare guide that’s as easy as your favorite oversized hoodie.
7 Steps to Combat Dry, Itchy Skin
💦 Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Cold air = less humidity. Less humidity = your skin throwing a tantrum. The fix? Moisturize like your life depends on it. Opt for rich balms that lock in hydration, and don’t skip out on drinking water. Yes, we know it’s harder to chug H2O when you’re dreaming of peppermint mochas, but your skin will thank you.
Pro Tip: Keep a humidifier running at night. Not only will your skin stay hydrated, but you’ll wake up feeling less like a raisin and more like a dewy grape.
🧼 Avoid Harsh Soaps & Sanitizers
That squeaky-clean feeling? It’s your skin crying out for help. Harsh soaps and sanitizers strip away essential oils, leaving you with dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Swap them out for gentle, hydrating cleansers designed to support your skin barrier.
🥰 Show Your Skin Barrier Some Love
Your skin barrier is your first line of defense against the harsh winter elements, but it needs a little help to stay strong. Ingredients like tallow, argan oil, and jojoba oil in our skincare products work to repair cracks, reduce redness, and keep that protective shield intact.
🚿 Avoid the Hot Shower Trap
We know, nothing beats a steamy shower when it’s freezing outside. But here’s the catch: hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and itchiness. Stick to warm water and keep showers short—your skin (and your water bill) will thank you.
🙌 Upgrade Your Moisturizer Game
Winter is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to rich, nourishing products. Look for a thick, natural moisturizer—bonus points if it includes tallow! Don’t forget to show some love to your lips with a balm that actually hydrates (not one that disappears the second you apply it).
🫶 Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Body
Your face gets a lot of attention, but winter dryness doesn’t discriminate. After showering, slather on a rich moisturizer like our bestseller Tallow, Beautiful Whip to keep your entire body soft and itch-free.
Pro Tip: Pay special attention to areas like elbows, knees, knuckles, and feet—they’re often the first to crack under pressure.
❄️ Protect Against the Elements
Before stepping out into the cold, apply a layer of tallow balm to exposed areas like your face and hands. It acts as a shield against harsh winds and helps keep moisture in, so your skin stays soft and calm.
Bonus: Our sMOOch tallow lip balms are perfect for protecting your lips from the drying effects of cold weather.
Goodbye, Itchy Winter Skin 👋
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little extra care and the right products, you can keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and itch-free—even when the weather isn’t playing nice.
Ready to say goodbye to dry, flaky skin? Check out our line of organic tallow skincare, crafted to nourish your skin through every season.
Because your skin deserves the best—without compromises.