Key takeaways

• Cold wind outside and dry heat inside is the hardest combination for skin.
• Keep showers short and lukewarm, and pat skin dry.
• Richer balms outlast lotions in a Saratoga winter.
• Dry hands and shins itch first, so protect them early.
• A short routine you actually keep beats an elaborate one.
• Winter in Saratoga is beautiful and hard on skin. The wind off the Adirondacks is cold and dry, and the heat indoors is drier still. By January, many of us are dealing with tight cheeks, rough hands and an itch that shows up around bedtime.
• Some simple habits, started before the first deep freeze, make the season far more comfortable.

Why does winter make skin itchy?

Winter makes skin itchy because cold air holds very little water, and heating systems dry out the air in your home. Skin loses moisture to both, and the outer layer gets rough and tight.

Skin tends to feel this more with age, since it makes less natural oil. Shins, hands, elbows and the back of the neck are often the first places to complain.

Everyday habits for comfortable winter skin

The easiest change is the shower. Hot water feels wonderful after a walk around Congress Park in January, but it strips oils from the skin. Keep showers short and lukewarm, and pat dry instead of rubbing.

Moisturize within a few minutes of getting out, while skin is still damp. Pay extra attention to the hands, which get washed all day and exposed to cold each time you step out.

A humidifier in the bedroom helps too, as does cotton under wool. Wool is lovely, but it can bother dry skin when it touches it directly.

What kind of product works in a Saratoga winter?

Rich beats light when the temperature drops. Thin lotions are mostly water, and they can evaporate fast in dry winter air. Balms made from oils and beeswax stay on the surface and help hold moisture in.

If dryness and itching are a regular part of your winter, look for natural itch relief in the form of a simple balm made with soothing botanicals. Froya Organics makes a Dry and Itchy Balm for Face and Body with Arctic botanicals, meant to soothe dry, itchy skin.

If an itch is intense, spreads or doesn’t improve, talk to a doctor. Persistent itching can have causes that a balm can’t address.

A winter routine you’ll keep

Here’s a routine that works through a Saratoga winter.

• Morning: cleanse lightly, then apply balm to damp skin.
• After outdoor walks: reapply to cheeks, lips and hands.
• Evening: a warm, short shower, then balm from neck to toes.
• Weekly: a quick check of dry spots, with extra balm where needed.

Keep a small tin of balm in your coat pocket and another by the sink. When it’s close at hand, you’ll use it.

Saratoga is known for its mineral springs, and a long soak is tempting. Keep it short, and follow it with balm.

Where winter dryness shows up first

Hands go first. They get washed constantly and exposed to cold every time you step outside. Keep a hand balm by every sink, and use it after each wash.

Shins and lower legs come next, since skin there has fewer oil glands and wool trousers rub against it. Apply balm right after your shower, before you dress.

Lips and the skin around the nose also suffer in cold wind. A plain balm on the lips and a small dab near the nostrils during cold season takes seconds.

Caring for skin on winter walks

A walk through the park or down Broadway is good for you, so don’t skip it. Cover your face with a scarf in strong wind, and put on balm before you go out.

When you come in, don’t rush to a hot shower or a hot radiator. Let your skin warm up slowly, then apply balm to cheeks and hands.

Keep your thermostat a little lower if you can, since cooler indoor air is less drying. Wash hands with lukewarm water and a mild soap, and pat dry.

These habits cost nothing, and they keep dry skin from getting worse.

Winter skin FAQs

Why does my skin itch more at night?

Skin loses moisture more easily when you’re warm in bed, and there are fewer distractions at night. A balm before bed often helps.

How often should I moisturize in winter?

At least twice a day, plus after every hand wash if your hands are dry.

Can I use balm on my whole body?

Yes. Many people use a face and body balm on dry areas like shins, elbows and hands. Test a small patch first.

When should I see a doctor about dry skin?

See a doctor if the itch is severe, you have a rash that spreads, or dry skin doesn’t improve with regular care.

What fabrics are best for dry skin in winter?

Soft cotton or bamboo next to the skin, with wool on top.

Do I still need sunscreen in winter?

On bright days outdoors, snow reflects light, so a mineral sunscreen on exposed skin makes sense during long stretches outside.