As winter brings colder temperatures and drier air, skin often becomes itchier and flakier, prompting the need for adjusted care routines. Wellness Mama founder Katie Wells shares natural approaches to maintain hydration and protect the skin barrier during this season. These include environmental tweaks, topical products, and internal hydration methods.
Winter weather challenges skin health through cold air, reduced sunlight, and indoor heating, which collectively dry out the skin and impair its barrier function. This leads to issues like inflammation, a dip in vitamin D levels, and heightened risks of conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Keratinocytes in the epidermis release pro-inflammatory cytokines and cortisol, making skin more reactive to irritants.
To counter these effects, heavier creams and lotions create a protective barrier, while increasing overall hydration is essential. Sauna exposure can boost skin circulation, enhance hydration, and stabilize pH, helping skin retain moisture in dry conditions. Research indicates saunas aid faster recovery from water loss and pH disruptions. Similarly, contrast therapy—alternating hot and cold temperatures—builds resilience, a practice seen in northern cultures and among athletes.
Environmental adjustments play a key role; indoor heating can reduce humidity to 10-20%, drier than the Sahara Desert's 25% level, exacerbating dehydration and visible signs like fine lines. Using a humidifier restores moisture to the air and skin. Internally, structured water, such as from natural springs or devices like the Mayu Swirl, improves cellular hydration. Wells notes personal benefits: "I’ve noticed better hydration myself since switching to structured water." Incorporating minerals and salt water supports this from within.
Topical options include natural brands like Alitura for moisturizers, Annmarie Gianni's herbal facial oil, One Skin's peptide-based products, and Toups & Co's tallow balm. For DIY enthusiasts, recipes abound: winter bliss lotion bars, whipped body butter, Himalayan salt scrubs, and soothing balms for lips and heels. Gentle scrubs remove flakes without harshness, and warm baths with colloidal oatmeal or coconut milk provide relief, using water that's warm but not hot to avoid further moisture loss.
Wells emphasizes starting small with a few favorites amid daily routines, promoting pampering for overall well-being.
