7 Must-Read Tips for Managing Dry, Flaky Skin In The Winter

There are two kinds of people in this world: the unbelievably lucky ones, and the ones who get dry, flaky skin every winter. Skin xerosis (aka dry skin) is a very common condition, and many of us notice it worsens significantly in the cold, dry months. 

The result is typically itchy, lifeless skin. And if your scalp gets dry enough, you might even find dandruff - the flakes that result from an inflamed, irritated scalp.

Our skin needs moisture to stay healthy, and harsh winter temperatures can threaten that. Many skin-care manufacturers use terms like “free radicals” or “ceramides” to convince us that we need certain products.

It will take a little bit of education and diligence to ensure that this winter is one in which we see our skin moisturized and healthy, rather than dry and itchy. Here are a few of our best tips to help you get started:

Consider Visiting Your Doctor

For many of us, dry skin xerosis is nothing to worry about - at least not from a medical standpoint. However, there are underlying skin conditions that can cause dry skin and may lead to more serious symptoms if left untreated.

Some common skin conditions that may involve dry skin include:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Contact dermatitis (an allergic response)
• Psoriasis

Other signs that you may need to see a family doctor or dermatologist is when typical products, such as a moisturizer or facial cleanser, do not provide any relief, or if you experience peeling skin, severe acne or unexplained bruising or lesions.

Avoid Scratching, Even If It’s Tough

The worst part about dry skin is how itchy and uncomfortable you may feel. You may be tempted to scratch at your skin or your scalp, but doing so will only create long-term problems.

When it comes to your scalp, scratching can dislodge dead skin cells and leave your hair and clothing with unattractive white flakes. Scratching your skin can also damage your stratum corneum (the tough outer layer of your skin), which leaves it unable to repair itself and makes the dryness worse.

On top of all this, you may even draw blood or leave your skin scarred - so try your best to avoid the urge to scratch, as strong as it may be.

Adjust Your Skin Care Routine, And Stay on Top Of It

While a lot of us turn to basic moisturizers or exfoliants to tackle our skin care needs, everyone should have a personalized routine that is right for our skin type. Even if you generally have oily skin, sensitive skin, or combination skin, you may still experience dryness in the winter.

When shopping for skin-care products, look carefully at labels and consider whether they are designed for your skin type. In general, avoid harsh soaps and instead go for a gentle cleanser. Even after creating an effective regimen, you might find yourself needing to adjust during the winter.

This is why it is important to moisturize your skin year-round, use a daily gentle cleanser, and exfoliate no more than once or twice per week. When shopping for skin-care products, consider the following effective, natural ingredients:

• Aloe vera: great for ensuring lock-in moisture, although it can dry your skin when overused
• Salicylic acid: a powerful tool for unclogging pores, although daily use can leave skin dry
• Tea tree oil: a popular choice as a daily cleanser. There is even evidence that it can reduce the appearance of acne scars
• Olive oil: it may seem non-conventional, but it can reduce the appearance of sunspots and aging
• Lactic acid: a popular anti-aging skin-care product that can reduce the appearance of fine lines
• Coconut oil: an all-natural moisturizer that is known to protect against bacteria

Using the right products daily and maintaining a consistent routine is key for trapping in the moisture your skin needs, and keeping your skin hydrated and healthy every month of the year.

Remember to Wear Hats and Scarves

Who knew the secret to keeping your skin hydrated would be to accessorize? A key reason for dryness in the winter is the harsh wind and air making constant contact with your skin. 

Most people notice the areas of their skin that are dry are not the areas often covered by clothing, such as the midriff or legs, but instead areas such as the hands, feet, and face. 

Even if you have a stellar skin-care routine, you will struggle to lock in moisture if your skin is not adequately protected. Instead, bundle up under gloves, hats and scarves and stay protected from the elements.

Avoid Heating Your Hair

Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp needs extra care in the winter to avoid losing moisture. If dryness and dandruff are bothersome to you, winter might be the right time to ditch your flat iron or blow dryer.

Any electric tools that use heat to style your hair can increase dryness. Although curly hair might look cute, heating it on the daily will leave it looking dry and lifeless - and potentially flaky, too.

Find the Right Shampoo

Itchy skin can occur anywhere on the body, including the head. If your scalp needs help against winter dryness, you will need a solid hair care and skin care routine.

High-quality dandruff shampoos can lock in moisture, exfoliate dead skin cells, and leave your hair soft and healthy. If dandruff is a struggle in the winter (or year-round), you will need a shampoo and conditioner that repair and moisturize your scalp, and leave you flake free. 

The key ingredient to look for when it comes to dandruff shampoos is Zinc Pyrithione. This compound has proven safe and effective at treating dandruff, so your scalp can return to a state of health. Check out Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo, formulated with Zinc Pyrithione and feel-good ingredients like algae extract and coconut oil, and our Nourishing Conditioner packed with colloidal oatmeal and vitamin E to leave your scalp soothed and moisturized. 

Stay Hydrated With Subscriptions

The last thing you want to do in the wintertime is experiment with your scalp health - or trudge out to a pharmacy every time you run out of dandruff shampoo. Fortunately, with Jupiter, that hassle is a thing of the past.

Jupiter is a proven dandruff shampoo that shows up on your doorstep as often as you need it.

Our products help prevent dryness and flaking. It’s clean, effective, and just what you need to stay flake-free through the dry winter months. Learn more.