Five Remedies for Dry Winter Skin

Introduction.

The changing seasons have a major impact on the condition of your skin. When the temperatures drop and winter rolls around, many people struggle with keeping their skin soft and vibrant. Cold air, lack of sunshine, indoor heaters drying out the air, hot showers, indulging in holiday drinks and sweets… there are so many factors that can cause your skin to become lackluster. Here are a few tips that I give my clients to keep their skin looking its best during the winter months.

1. Make sure to moisturize daily.

During winter, the air contains less moisture, which increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL). As a result, skin becomes more vulnerable to dehydration and irritation. Daily moisturizing is essential year-round, but it becomes non-negotiable in colder months.

I recommend moisturizing both morning and evening after cleansing. Personally, I rely on face oils during winter and increase my usage slightly to reinforce the skin barrier. Applying oil before heading outdoors can also help protect the skin from harsh wind and cold while giving the complexion a natural, healthy glow.

I personally will use a little extra Holy Grail Face Oilto keep my skin moisturized and healthy looking. I even put some on before going out to give my skin a natural glow.

2. Don't use harsh cleansers.

Since your skin is naturally more compromised during the winter, I suggest taking a look at the ingredients in your cleanser to make sure they are not contributing to your dry skin. Certain ingredients tend to strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and dry. Common culprits include sulfates (usually listed on the ingredient panel as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS), benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, and artificial fragrance (often listed as ‘fragrance’). If you are experiencing dry skin and your cleanser contains any of these ingredients, it may be beneficial to switch to something else.

I am a huge fan of oil cleansing and often recommend my clients use a non-comedogenic oil to cleanse with. If you need suggestions, I just wrote a blog post on non-comedogenic oils which you can read by clicking here. Alternatively, I would recommend using ourFountain Of Youth Cleansing Clay. I formulated this cleanser with a blend of carrier oils that eliminate clogged pores and restore your skin's barrier, combined with Kaolin clay to gently polish your skin’s surface, Apple Cider Vinegar to combat microbes, and a blend of essential oils that tone and deep clean your skin. The result is perfectly cleansed skin that feels soft and moisturized, never dry and tight. It’s best to use in the evening, and in the morning, I like to use warm water and a washcloth.

Winter skin is already compromised, and harsh cleansers can worsen dryness and sensitivity. Take a close look at your cleanser’s ingredient list—many common formulas contain ingredients that strip the skin’s natural oils.

Ingredients to watch for include:

• Sulfates (such as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS)

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Alcohol

• Artificial fragrance (often listed simply as “fragrance”)

If your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing, your cleanser may be contributing to the problem.

I often recommend oil cleansing with a non-comedogenic oil, which removes impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. I’ve written a separate resource on non-comedogenic oils for those looking to explore that approach further.

Alternatively, a gentle clay-based cleanser formulated with nourishing oils can effectively cleanse while maintaining moisture. When used in the evening, this approach removes buildup from the day without leaving skin dry or irritated. In the morning, cleansing with warm water and a soft washcloth is often sufficient.

3. Practice gentle exfoliation—less is more

When skin is dry, its natural exfoliation process slows, allowing dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface. Gentle exfoliation once or twice per week helps smooth texture, reduce flaking, and improve product absorption.

For facial exfoliation, I prefer finely textured, non-abrasive options. Organic sugar works well because the granules dissolve easily and are less likely to cause micro-tears. Mix a small amount with a cleanser or oil and massage lightly.

Avoid salt or coffee grounds on the face. While popular for the body, avoid using salt or coffee grounds as these can cause micro-abrasions and irritate the delicate skin of your face.

If you are unsure where to start, our Fountain Of Youth Cleansing Clay is designed to provide gentle exfoliation with the kaolin clay base while nourishing the skin with it's botanical oils.

4. Use a facial steamer.

Steam can be an effective way to reintroduce moisture and soften the skin. At-home facial steamers are widely available and can be used once or twice per week for about 10 minutes per session.

If you do not own a steamer, you can safely create steam by pouring hot (not boiling) water into a heat-safe bowl and leaning over it at a comfortable distance. Draping a towel over your head helps contain the steam. Always exercise caution to avoid burns and never place your face too close to the water.

Steam can be especially beneficial before cleansing or applying nourishing products, as it helps soften buildup and improve absorption.

5. Hydrate with electrolyte water.

Hydration plays a critical role in skin health, yet many people unintentionally drink less water during winter. Increased salt intake, alcohol consumption, and indoor heating can all contribute to dehydration.

Drinking excessive amounts of plain water in a short period is not always effective. Over-dilution can temporarily disrupt electrolyte balance, which is essential for proper cellular hydration. Electrolytes—such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium—help regulate fluid balance and support overall skin function.

Instead, when I feel dehydrated, I prefer to fill up a big glass jar of water at the beginning of the day and add either an electrolyte packet, or a pinch of sea salt, and slowly sip that throughout the day. A practical approach is to fill a large glass container in the morning and add an electrolyte packet or a small pinch of high-quality sea salt, then sip slowly. This supports hydration at the cellular level, which directly impacts skin plumpness and vitality.

A commonly cited guideline is to aim for approximately one ounce of fluid per pound of body weight per day, adjusting based on activity level and individual needs. I cannot confirm this guideline is universally appropriate for all individuals, but it serves as a useful starting point for many healthy adults.