4 Practical Tips for Managing Dry Skin and Hair in Extreme Winter Weather

Winter can be a beautiful season with its snowy landscapes and cozy moments, but it’s also when skin and hair face some of their harshest challenges. The cold air outside and dry, heated air indoors can wreak havoc, leaving skin flaky and hair brittle. Over the years, I've found a few simple, affordable solutions that work well for me and my family. Here are my top tips to keep your skin and hair healthy during the coldest months of the year.

1. Prioritize Skin Care: It's All About Balance

Taking care of your skin in winter isn't just about slathering on moisturizer. For me, skincare hasn’t always been straightforward. I was lucky to avoid acne as a teen, but in my early thirties, with two kids and monthly hormonal shifts, I started experiencing breakouts like clockwork a week before my cycle.

In college, I dealt with sweat-induced breakouts around my hairline and on my back from workouts. My dermatologist told me I had sensitive skin and recommended something surprisingly simple: washing the affected areas with antibacterial hand soap. It was a budget-friendly fix that worked well back then, but now my skin needs a bit more TLC. Here’s what I’ve learned works best for my skin:

• Wash Your Bedding Frequently: This one is so underrated. Clean pillowcases and bedding can make a world of difference. I aim for weekly washes but often stretch it to every two weeks. Even tossing pillowcases in with a load of laundry between full washes helps keep bacteria off your face or spraying your pillowcase with peroxide after waking up keeps that lingering bacteria in check.
• Change Your Towels Often: Wet bathroom towels are breeding grounds for bacteria. Switch them out every day or two to avoid transferring bacteria onto your freshly cleaned skin.
• Gentle Cleansing Routine: I wash with antibacterial soap only if my skin isn’t too dry, then follow with a gentle cleanser. One trick I’ve learned is to apply cleanser to a dry face, let it sit, and then add water. Rinse gently without scrubbing too hard.
• Moisturize and Protect: I use a heavy moisturizer at night after a shower. For the daytime, I rotate between niacinamide twice a week and salicylic acid to exfoliate. Vitamin C helps with dark spots, and sunscreen is non-negotiable—even in winter! Sunlight reflecting off snow can still damage your skin.

2. Hydrate Your Hair: Prevent Brittle Strands

Winter air doesn’t just dry out your skin — it’s tough on hair too. I’ve learned that investing a little extra time in haircare can save you from dealing with split ends and dull, lifeless strands:

Deep Conditioning Treatments: Coconut oil is my go-to. I apply it as a mask once a week, leaving it on for about 30 minutes before washing it out. It leaves my hair soft and shiny.

• Avoid Overwashing: Washing hair too frequently strips it of natural oils. I aim for 2-3 washes per week and use a gentle shampoo.
• Protect Your Hair from the Elements: On windy days, I’ll tuck my hair under a hat or scarf to protect it from cold air and prevent windburn on my scalp.

3. Create a Humidity Haven Indoors

Dry indoor air is one of the biggest culprits behind winter skincare and hair woes. Combat it by creating a more humid environment at home:

• Use a Humidifier: This is a game-changer for keeping your skin hydrated. Set one up in your bedroom to help your skin and hair recover overnight.

4. Explore Natural, Budget-Friendly Remedies

You don’t need to spend a fortune on products to protect your skin and hair. A few natural solutions I’ve found helpful include:

• Oatmeal Baths: Soothing for dry, itchy skin. Blend plain oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your bathwater.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Great for soothing windburned skin. I keep a bottle of pure aloe vera in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. Look for pure aloe; not the chemical aloe they try to sell you for sunburns.
• Oil Cleansing: Double cleansing has become a popular skincare trend, and it’s especially helpful in winter. Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and dirt, followed by a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid stripping your skin.

Winter doesn’t have to mean months of suffering through dry, flaky skin and brittle hair. With a few adjustments to your routine and some budget-friendly solutions, you can keep your skin and hair looking and feeling healthy all season long. Everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s about finding what works best for you. I hope these tips inspire you to experiment and find your winter skincare and haircare sweet spot.

Have any tried-and-true winter care tips? I’d love to hear them in the comments!