Why Winter Is So Hard on Your Skin (and What Actually Helps)

Winter has a way of sneaking up on your skin

If your skin feels tighter, itchier, or just generally uncomfortable this time of year, you’re not imagining it. Winter asks a lot of our skin — cold outdoor air, dry indoor heat( especially from woodstoves), and long, hot showers all pull moisture away faster than our skin can replace it.

For many people, this shows up as flaky patches, irritation, or that constant feeling that no amount of lotion quite solves. And often, the first thing we blame is soap.

What winter actually does to your skin

Cold air simply holds less moisture. When temperatures drop, humidity drops too — both outdoors and indoors once heaters turn on. This drier environment weakens your skin’s natural barrier, making it easier for moisture to escape.

Add in frequent handwashing, hot water, and stronger cleansers, and your skin doesn’t get much of a break. Over time, this can leave skin feeling stripped rather than clean.

Is soap really the problem?

You’ve probably heard that “soap is drying,” but that statement leaves out an important distinction.

Many commercial cleansers rely on harsh detergents (like sodium laurel sulfate) designed to remove oil quickly and completely. True handmade soap, like mine, is created slowly via the cold process method that allows naturally occurring glycerin to remain in the final bar — a humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin.

In winter especially, it’s not soap itself that causes dryness, but how cleansing products are formulated and how often we use them.

What actually helps winter skin

Small changes can make a noticeable difference during the colder months:

• Choosing gentler cleansers that support the skin barrier

• Avoiding overly hot water when possible

• Using soaps with extra conditioning oils

• Letting your skin feel clean, not tight, after washing

In winter, less “squeaky clean” is often better.

The soaps I reach for in winter

During the coldest months, I gravitate toward soaps that feel nourishing from the first use — bars that cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped.

These are the kinds of soaps that work especially well in winter:

• A gentle everyday bar for frequent handwashing

• A richer, more indulgent soap for showers or baths

• A few extras on hand, so you’re not switching products mid-season

If you’re looking for a place to start, I’ve gathered my favorite winter-friendly soaps in one place.

👉 Explore Winter Skin Favorites

A simple shift that makes a big difference

Winter skin doesn’t require an entirely new routine — just a softer approach. Choosing products that work with your skin rather than against it can make daily washing feel supportive instead of drying.

Your skin will tell you when something is working. In winter, comfort is the goal.