JUARA Skincare
JUARA Skincare

Our Holistic Guide to Healthy Winter Skin

Metta Murdaya -
How To Keep Skin Moisturized In Winter

If your skin feels dry and itchy in the winter, you’re not alone. Over three-quarters of Americans get dry skin in winter.¹ But it's not inevitable. 

We explain some science-backed tips and tricks that can help you keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the colder months. 

Key Takeaways

  • In winter, cold temperatures and dry air can dry out and irritate the skin.
  • A high-quality moisturizer can help keep skin hydrated, and experts recommend applying it within minutes of washing to lock in moisture.
  • In the evening, a night cream can support your skin's repair and recovery process.
  • Consider switching to a gentle cleanser to avoid irritating dry skin.
  • Lifestyle changes that help prevent dry skin include avoiding hot showers, drinking enough water, and using a humidifier.

See More: What Do Fatty Acids Do for the Skin?

Keeping Your Skin Hydrated in Winter

Metta Murdaya, co-founder of JUARA Skincare, says:

"Winter months often bring cold, dry weather, which can lead to dry skin. Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial for skin health and overall wellness. To support your skin through winter, be sure to use a gentler cleanser and overnight treatments for maximum hydration."

There's lots to love about winter. Beautiful snow-covered landscapes. Celebrations that bring loved ones together.

But then there's the weather.

If you're not a fan of wintery cold weather, you're not alone. According to one survey, nearly half of Americans would get rid of winter before any other season.² Another survey found that Americans' least favorite months are January and February.³

That's partially because winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin. In fact, 83% of Americans say their skin feels different in winter.

Fortunately, there are lots of ways to support your skin through the winter months. 

Understanding Winter Skin

In many parts of the world, winter means two things: cold and dry. Neither of these are particularly kind on skin.

The central issue is hydration. As temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, our skin often struggles to retain moisture.

As skin dries out, it can become itchy and irritated. Dry skin is also more vulnerable to damage and less able to do its job protecting us.

Furthermore, common winter behaviors can make this skin situation worse, not better. Hot showers, indoor heating, and frequent hand washing can all contribute to skin dryness and undermine the skin barrier. 

Little wonder, then, that 77% of Americans experience dry skin and 41% experience itching during winter.

However, none of that is inevitable. There are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and happy all winter long. 

Bonus: Does Body Oil Actually Moisturize Skin? Here's The Truth

person applying cream to dry hands skin cells lip balm dead skin cells skin care routine dry winter air glycolic acid

Winter Skin Care to Combat Dryness and Support Healthy Skin

The first step to ensuring healthy winter skin is adjusting your skincare routine. 

Moisturize After Washing

Moisturization is important throughout the year. But in winter, when skin is more likely to become dry, moisturizing is absolutely crucial.

One way of maximizing the effectiveness of your moisturizer is by applying it right after you wash. 

For example, one study found that the water content in the skin's outer layer was "significantly higher" when moisturizer was applied "immediately after bathing." 

Another thing to consider is how gentle your moisturizer or lotion is. If your skin is already dry, it's likely more sensitive than before. It could therefore be irritated by harsh ingredients, like synthetic fragrances.

You might also consider a moisturizer with bioactive ingredients that can further support dry skin. 

For example, essential fatty acids are a crucial component of the skin barrier. Research suggests they can support your skin's repair process. A 2025 review concluded that certain essential fatty acids can help improve skin health.⁹

JUARA's Sweet Black Tea and Rice Moisturizer contains rice bran oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It also has kombucha, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors, and five-flavor berry, which can help promote collagen production. 90% of users said this moisturizer left them with smooth, soft skin.

Gentle Cleansers

As we mentioned, dry skin is often sensitive skin. Therefore, you might want to switch out your cleanser for something more gentle. 

For example, commonly used ingredients like sulphates can strip your skin of the natural oils that help keep it hydrated. Salicylic acid is another widely used ingredient that can worsen skin dryness.¹⁰ And synthetic fragrances can be irritating for dry, cracked skin.

Instead, look out for ingredients that help keep skin hydrated. One example is hyaluronic acid. Research has shown that sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, helps keep skin hydrated and supple.¹¹

Another example is ceramides. These lipid molecules make up about half of your skin's outer layer. In skincare products, they support skin barrier function and help keep skin hydrated.¹²

For example, one study found that ceramide cream increased skin hydration and significantly decreased water loss from the skin for 24 hours.¹³

JUARA's Sensica Gentle Gel Cleanser contains ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and antioxidant-rich centella asiatica to hydrate, soothe, and strengthen skin. 

person applying cream outside wearing a hat broad spectrum fragrance free season long at least spf broad spectrum spf lactic acid hydrating serum

Overnight Treatments

While we sleep, our skin switches to repair and recovery mode. A high-quality night cream can help protect your skin and keep it hydrated during this crucial process.

Night creams are generally thicker, richer moisturizers, designed to support the skin while it repairs and recovers. It's worth looking for a cream with powerful bioactive ingredients that can also contribute to this process. 

One example is retinoids, and their gentler cousin retinols. Research has shown that these compounds can support skin repair. In fact, a 2025 review even concluded that retinoids can support wound healing.¹⁴

However, retinoids can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. JUARA's Miracle Tea Recovery Creme for Menopausal Skin contains bio-retinol, a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol that helps refine skin texture and softens fine lines without irritation.

Other Tips for Winter Months

Skincare products are just one part of the process of supporting and protecting your skin during winter. There are plenty of easy lifestyle changes you can make to help keep your skin hydrated throughout colder months. 

Drinking Water

Drinking water might sound obvious. But research suggests that 75% of Americans don't drink enough water.¹⁵

Dry skin can be a sign that you aren't drinking enough water. Experts generally recommend 11 cups of fluid daily for women and 16 for men.¹⁶

Swap Hot Showers for Lukewarm Showers

When it's cold outside, a steaming hot shower can be tempting. But that hot water might actually make dry skin worse. 

Unfortunately, hot water strips away your skin's natural oils. These oils are important for skin hydration, so losing them is no good.¹⁷

Consider switching to short, lukewarm showers if possible.

Of course, water temperature is far from the only thing that makes bathing luxurious. A natural, luxe body oil can transform a regular shower into a spa-like experience. 

For example, JUARA's Candlenut Glow Body Oil is lightly scented with the iconic scent of candlenuts. Candlenut oil also happens to be rich in essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid, which helps keep skin moisturized and soft. 

"It's a dry oil that's got a signature velvety feel," explains JUARA co-founder Metta Murdaya, in conversation with Dr. Arini Widodo. "The fragrance is kind of like a walk on the beach in the morning."

Use Sunscreen

Winter might be the darkest season, but that doesn't mean you should ditch the sunscreen. Experts recommend wearing sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.¹⁸ 

That's because the UV radiation in sunlight damages skin. It can undermine skin barrier function and contribute to skin dryness. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from that damage.

person applying sunscreen season long uv rays overall health year round body lips

Consider a Humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture to the air. If the air in your home is particularly dry during winter, a humidifier might help.

How humid is humid enough? Well, experts generally recommend humidity levels of 30-50%. In winter, that range narrows to 30-40%, as higher levels can cause condensation on windows.¹⁹

Choosing the right humidifier is important. One that's designed for a room bigger than yours can make the air too humid, while one that's too small for the room won't add enough moisture to the air.

Conclusion

Dry skin in winter might be common, but it's not inevitable. There are plenty of ways you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated through the colder months. 

Building a winter-appropriate skincare routine is important. A high-quality moisturizer is a must, and applying it after washing can help lock in moisture. At night, a thicker, richer cream can support your skin's repair process.

Dry skin is also more likely to be sensitive. Switching to a gentle cleanser can avoid potential irritation. 

Skincare is just one part of the process of keeping skin healthy through winter. Consider avoiding hot water, which can dry skin; drink enough water; and if the air in your home is too dry, use a humidifier to rectify that.

Keep Reading: How to Tighten the Skin on Legs in Your 50s

person applying face cream outside in cold weather lips retain moisture low humidity skin care products

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Hydrate Your Skin in the Winter?

There are plenty of ways to maintain a hydrated complexion in winter. 

A high-quality moisturizer is a must. So is a powerful night cream, or cream-based moisturizer, to support your skin's repair and recovery process. You might also benefit from switching to a gentle cleanser to avoid irritating dry, sensitive skin.

In terms of lifestyle, remember to drink enough water. Avoid hot showers, which can dry skin. And if your house is full of dry air, consider investing in a humidifier.

What is the 3-Minute Rule for Moisturizer?

The 3-minute-rule refers to the practice of applying moisturizer within three minutes after washing your skin. The idea is to lock in the water that's in your skin from the wash. In fact, it’s best to apply your moisturizer on damp skin immediately after washing. Damp skin can better absorb skincare products.

How to Stop Getting Dry Skin in Winter?

Dry skin is very common in winter. The majority of Americans experience it. But there are ways you can prevent it, or at least minimize it.

The first step is to tailor your skincare routine to winter conditions. Use a high-quality moisturizer right after washing to lock in moisture, and consider a thicker night cream to support your skin's repair process. Switching to a gentle cleanser can also help avoid irritation, to which dry skin can be more vulnerable.

The second step is tailoring your habits to the cold season. Hot water can strip your skin of the oils it needs to stay hydrated, so consider switching to lukewarm showers. Most people don't drink enough water, which is necessary for keeping skin healthy and hydrated.

And remember to always use sunscreen, even if it's grey and cloudy out. It protects your skin from UV rays, which cause damage and contribute to dryness. 

Sources

  1. Survey Reveals Itchy Skin Ranks Among Americans' Top Winter Troubles
  2. Most Popular Season in Every U.S. State | Breck’s
  3. What is America’s favorite (and least favorite) month? | YouGov
  4. Survey Reveals Itchy Skin Ranks Among Americans' Top Winter Troubles
  5. Cold weather and your skin
  6. Winter skin woes - Harvard Health
  7. Survey Reveals Itchy Skin Ranks Among Americans' Top Winter Troubles
  8. Optimal application method of a moisturizer on the basis of skin physiological functions - PMC
  9. Therapeutic Benefits of Topical Omega‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Skin Diseases and Cosmetics: An Updated Systematic Review - PMC
  10. Does Salicylic Acid Dry Out, Thin, or Darken Skin? Side Effects & Risks
  11. Sodium Hyaluronate in Skin Care: Benefits, Side Effects, How It’s Used
  12. What Do Ceramides Do for Your Skin?
  13. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems - PMC
  14. Retinoids in scarless skin regeneration: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies
  15. How Do I Know If I’m Dehydrated? | Northwestern Medicine
  16. Hydration in Cold Weather
  17. The Impact of Hot Water on Your Skin: What You Need to Know - [ comfort zone ]
  18. What doctors wish patients knew about wearing sunscreen | American Medical Association
  19. How to Find the Right Humidifier for Any Room - Consumer Reports

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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by learning more about our founders and following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

Metta Murdaya Headshot

Metta Murdaya

Co-founder and CEO

Metta Murdaya is co-founder and CEO of JUARA Skincare, a skincare and beauty company inspired by the Indonesian wellness traditions of Jamu. Her award-winning book, Jamu Lifestyle, captures the essence of the Jamu philosophy, emphasizing the power of healthy, intentional, and joyful living. Guided by a deep commitment to societal betterment, Metta inspires individuals to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. As a wellness speaker and retreat guide, she contributes to the Global Wellness Institute’s Aesthetic Health Initiative and serves on the board of Mentari, supporting trafficking prevention and education initiatives in Indonesia and wellness programs in the U.S.