Winter Skin Care: Dealing with Cold, Wind and Dry Heating Air

Frost and icy wind outside, dry heating air inside: in winter, many people's skin quickly feels tight, rough or reddened. With the right winter skin care and a few simple habits, you can get through the cold season far more comfortably. Here's what really helps.

Why does skin feel so dry in winter?

Several factors come together in the cold season:

• Cold air: It can hold less moisture, so outdoor air is often drier than you'd think.
• Heating air: When cold outside air is warmed indoors, relative humidity drops sharply. Skin then loses moisture more easily.
• Wind: It increases evaporation from the skin's surface and quickly makes cheeks, nose and lips feel rough.
• Temperature swings: Constantly switching between freezing cold and warm rooms is demanding for many skin types.
• Hot showers: Tempting in winter, but hot water strips skin lipids particularly strongly.

The result: the skin's protective lipid layer is put under strain, and skin feels tight and rough – even for people who barely have any issues in summer.

What kind of care does winter skin need?

The basic rule: in winter, your care can be richer and your routine gentler.

• Cleanse gently: A mild cleanser and lukewarm water are enough. In the morning, plain water is often sufficient.
• More lipids, less water: Light summer gels and fluids often aren't enough now. A nourishing cream or water-free balm supports the skin barrier better.
• Layer up: If you like, apply a water-based serum with humectants first, then seal in the moisture with a balm.
• Less is more: Strong exfoliants and lots of active ingredients at once can irritate stressed winter skin even further.

Mornings: protecting your skin from cold and wind

Before you head out, your skincare has one main job: forming a protective film. Take a pea-sized amount of balm, warm it between your fingertips and press it gently onto your face and neck – especially cheeks, nose and chin, which bear the brunt of the wind. Ideally apply it a few minutes before leaving the house so it can sink in.

Our Primal Gems Tallow Day Balm is made for exactly this: grass-fed beef tallow, squalane, grapeseed oil, vitamin E and tea tree oil in a water-free formula that absorbs quickly and protects the skin barrier during the day against cold, wind and dry heating air.

Evenings: balancing out heating air

In the evening, your care can be as rich as feels good to you. Applied after gentle cleansing onto still slightly damp skin, lipid-rich care can do its work undisturbed overnight – and you wake up with skin that feels more supple.

Your surroundings matter too:

• Don't overheat rooms: A cooler temperature, especially in the bedroom, is pleasant for both skin and sleep.
• Air rooms in short bursts: Open the windows wide for a few minutes several times a day rather than leaving them tilted all day.
• Keep an eye on humidity: An inexpensive hygrometer shows you how dry the indoor air is. A humidifier or houseplants can help.
• Drink enough: Water or unsweetened tea are part of a good winter routine.

Common winter mistakes to avoid

• Showering too hot and too long: Keep it lukewarm and short, then gently pat dry and apply your care promptly.
• Over-exfoliating: Rough patches tempt you to scrub. Gently once or twice a week is usually plenty.
• Simply sticking with your summer routine: What worked in July is often too light in January.
• Forgetting lips and hands: Lips have hardly any oil glands of their own, and hands are constantly exposed to water and cold – both need extra attention.
• Scratchy scarves directly on the skin: Rough wool can further irritate sensitive skin on the neck and chin. A soft layer underneath helps.

When should you see a dermatologist?

Dry winter skin is usually harmless and responds well to good care. But if your skin keeps itching badly, weeps, cracks, becomes inflamed or the redness doesn't settle despite care, please have it checked by a dermatologist. Cosmetics can't replace a medical examination.

Frequently asked questions