12/18/2025
Why Skin Care Matters More Than You Think (Especially in Winter)
Skin care isn’t about trends or vanity. It’s about protecting the largest organ of the body, especially during winter when cold air, wind, indoor heat, and low humidity strip the skin of moisture. The skin is our first line of defense against dehydration, inflammation, and environmental stress. When the skin barrier weakens, dryness, sensitivity, flare-ups, and premature aging increase.
Hydration Is the Foundation of Winter Skin Health
Winter air holds very little moisture, which means skin loses hydration faster. Hydrated skin maintains elasticity, heals more efficiently, and better protects itself. Supporting hydration requires both internal habits and topical care.
Herbs have been used for centuries to support skin health. Aloe vera helps soothe inflammation and improve moisture retention. Calendula calms sensitive or irritated skin and supports collagen production. Chamomile reduces redness and oxidative stress. Rose helps balance the skin’s natural pH while improving tone and hydration. Gotu kola supports collagen synthesis and skin firmness, particularly as skin matures.
Sugar Scrub or Salt Scrub: Choose Wisely in Winter
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and improves absorption of moisture, but winter is not the season for aggressive exfoliation.
Sugar scrubs are ideal for winter skin. They are gentler, dissolve easily, and naturally attract moisture, making them best for dry, sensitive, aging, or inflamed skin. Use once a week at most.
Salt scrubs are more abrasive and stimulating. They are best reserved for thicker areas like feet, elbows, knees, and hands. In winter, salt scrubs should be used sparingly, as overuse can worsen dryness and compromise the skin barrier.
Less exfoliation in winter allows the skin to repair and retain moisture.
Why SPF Still Matters in the Dead of Winter
Many people stop using sunscreen in winter, but UV exposure does not stop just because it’s cold or cloudy. UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and skin damage, are present year-round and can pe*****te clouds and windows.
Daily SPF helps protect the skin barrier, prevent hyperpigmentation, and reduce long-term sun damage. For daily use, apply about a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen for the face and neck, or roughly one quarter teaspoon. For full body exposure, such as outdoor activities or travel, about one ounce, or a shot glass amount, is recommended.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, especially if you are at higher elevations, like Taos or Santa Fe, where UV exposure is stronger even in winter.
How Much Sunlight Is Healthy in Winter
While protecting the skin is important, some natural light exposure supports vitamin D levels, circadian rhythm, and overall mood. Short periods of sunlight, around ten to twenty minutes on exposed skin depending on skin tone and location, can be beneficial. This does not mean prolonged sun exposure without protection. It means intentional light exposure balanced with SPF use, especially on the face.
Sunlight supports the body. Sunscreen protects the skin. Both can coexist.
Simple, Practical Winter Skin Care Habits
Use lukewarm water instead of hot to prevent stripping natural oils. Switch to cream or oil-based cleansers instead of foaming ones. Moisturize immediately after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. Layer hydration, starting with a hydrating serum or oil and sealing with a thicker moisturizer. Use a humidifier indoors when possible. Stay hydrated internally and nourish the skin with healthy fats and nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3s.
Winter Skin Care Is Preventative Care
Caring for your skin in winter is an act of protection and preservation. Gentle cleansing, mindful exfoliation, herbal support, hydration, and daily SPF help the skin repair, renew, and stay resilient through the harshest season.
Save this for later or share it with someone whose skin is struggling this winter.
References (APA Style)
Baumann, L. (2009). Skin ageing and its treatment. Journal of Pathology, 211(2), 241–251. https://doi.org/10.1002/path.2098
Draelos, Z. D. (2018). Cosmetic dermatology: Products and procedures. Wiley-Blackwell.
Gupta, M., Mahajan, V. K., Mehta, K. S., & Chauhan, P. S. (2014). Aloe vera: A review of its clinical effectiveness. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 59(3), 302–307. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.131400
Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Rafiee, E., Mehrabian, A., & Feily, A. (2014). Skin wound healing and phytomedicine: A review. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(6), 303–310. https://doi.org/10.1159/000357477
Abstract. Skin integrity is restored by a physiological process aimed at repairing the damaged tissues. The healing process proceeds in four phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. Phytomedicine presents remedies, which possess significant pharmacological effects. It is popul...
