Why Your Skin Gets Drier in Winter (And What To Do About It)
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Winter arrives and suddenly your skin starts behaving like a forgotten pot plant. One minute it's soft and happy, the next it's dry, flaky and demanding attention.
If you've noticed your skin feeling tighter, rougher or itchier during the cooler months, you're certainly not alone. Winter is one of the toughest seasons for our skin. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and indoor heating can all work together to strip moisture from the skin, leaving it feeling uncomfortable and looking dull.
The good news? With the right products and a few simple changes to your routine, you can keep your skin feeling soft, nourished and glowing all winter long.
Why Does Skin Become Drier in Winter?
Your skin has a natural protective barrier that helps keep moisture in and environmental irritants out. During winter, the air contains less moisture and this can weaken that protective barrier.
As moisture evaporates from the skin more quickly, you may notice:
- Dry, rough patches
- Tightness after showering
- Flaking skin
- Increased sensitivity
- Itchiness
- Dull-looking skin
- Dry hands and cracked cuticles
For many people, winter is the season when their skin needs a little extra support—and that's where a nourishing skincare routine becomes essential.
The Hot Shower Trap
There are few things more tempting on a cold morning than a long, steaming hot shower. Unfortunately, your skin isn't always a fan.
Hot water can strip away the natural oils that help keep skin soft and protected. While you don't need to suffer through icy showers, using warm water instead of very hot water can help prevent unnecessary dryness.
Following your shower with a rich PBSC Body Butter or nourishing Body Oil can help replenish moisture before your skin has a chance to dry out.
Don't Skip Exfoliation
Many people assume that dry skin shouldn't be exfoliated, but the opposite is often true.
When dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin, they can prevent moisturisers and body oils from properly absorbing. Gentle exfoliation removes this barrier and helps your skincare products work more effectively.
Using a PBSC Body Scrub once or twice a week can help reveal smoother, softer skin while preparing it to absorb all the goodness from your body butter or body oil.
The key word here is gentle. Over-exfoliating can do more harm than good.
Start With A Nourishing Cleanse
Winter skincare starts in the shower.
Many commercial soaps can leave skin feeling stripped and tight, especially during the colder months. Choosing a gentle cleanser helps support your skin barrier rather than working against it.
PBSC's Deluxe Natural Cleansing Bars are handcrafted with nourishing plant-based ingredients designed to cleanse without leaving your skin feeling dry. They're the perfect first step in a winter skincare routine that focuses on hydration and comfort.
Switch to Richer Moisture
If your lightweight summer moisturiser isn't cutting it anymore, winter is the perfect time to step things up.
PBSC Body Butters are packed with rich plant-based ingredients such as shea butter and plant oils to help deeply nourish and protect dry winter skin.
These richer formulations help lock moisture into the skin for longer, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and comfortable throughout the day.
Think of it as swapping a light summer blanket for a thick winter doona.
Body Oils Are Winter's Best Friend
One of the simplest ways to keep skin hydrated during winter is to apply a body oil straight after showering while your skin is still slightly damp.
This helps seal moisture into the skin and leaves it feeling silky soft.
A nourishing body oil can be especially helpful on areas prone to dryness, such as legs, elbows and arms.
Don't Forget Your Hands
Hands often suffer the most during winter. Frequent hand washing, cold weather and exposure to the elements can quickly leave them feeling dry and rough.
Keeping a nourishing cream nearby and applying it regularly can make a significant difference.
Your future self will thank you when you're not battling cracked knuckles in the middle of July.
Hydration Starts From Within
While skincare products help from the outside, staying hydrated remains important for overall skin health.
Drinking enough water throughout the day and maintaining a balanced diet rich in healthy fats can help support healthy-looking skin year-round.
A Winter Routine That Works
A simple winter skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated:
✓ Use warm rather than very hot water when showering
✓ Exfoliate gently once or twice a week
✓ Apply a rich moisturiser or body butter daily
✓ Use a body oil after showering
✓ Keep hands moisturised
✓ Stay hydrated
Small changes often lead to the biggest improvements.
How PBSC Helps Support Winter Skin
At PBSC, we create skincare designed to nourish and care for your skin through every season.
Our products are handmade in small batches and are always 100% plant based, palm oil free and cruelty free.
During winter, many of our customers reach for our body butters, body oils and exfoliating scrubs to help keep their skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable despite the cooler weather.
Because winter should be about cosy jumpers, warm drinks and snuggling under blankets, not itchy, uncomfortable skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I exfoliate dry skin?
Yes. Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and allows moisturisers and body oils to absorb more effectively. The key is not to overdo it.
How often should I exfoliate in winter?
For most people, once or twice per week is ideal. This helps keep skin smooth without causing irritation.
Is body butter better than lotion in winter?
Body butters are generally richer and provide longer-lasting hydration, making them a great choice for winter skin.
Why does my skin feel tighter after a shower?
Hot water can remove natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and tightness. Try reducing the water temperature and applying moisturiser immediately afterwards.
What is the best time to apply body oil?
The best time is straight after showering while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture and leaves skin feeling soft and nourished.