Hot Showers and Dry Skin: How to Stay Cozy in Winter Without Drying Out
When the mornings finally cool off here in Arizona, the first thing I want is a long, steaming hot shower. I think most of us feel that way. But here's what I've learned: that hot water feels wonderful in the moment, and then an hour later my skin feels tight and itchy.
Right now, as cold weather settles in across the country, skin doctors are sharing the same reminder all over the news and social media: your shower habits matter a lot for dry winter skin. So today I want to talk about why hot showers can leave you feeling dry, and some simple ways to stay cozy without your skin paying for it.
Why Hot Water Leaves Skin Feeling Dry
Your skin has a thin layer of natural oils on top. Think of it like a raincoat that helps hold water in.
Hot water is really good at washing oils away. That's why we use it for greasy dishes! But your skin isn't a dish. When very hot water rinses off those natural oils, moisture can slip out more easily.
Now add winter air, which is drier, and a heater running all day. It's easy to see why skin can end up feeling rough, flaky or tight this time of year.
Long showers make it worse. The more time you spend standing under the water, the more of those oils get rinsed away.
What Skin Doctors Suggest
The good news is that the advice is simple, and most of it doesn't cost a thing. Here's what dermatologists commonly recommend for dry winter skin:
- Turn the water down to lukewarm. Warm, not hot. If your skin looks pink or red when you step out, the water was probably too hot.
- Keep showers short. Many skin doctors suggest about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Be gentle. Skip hard scrubbing, especially on days your skin already feels dry.
- Pat, don't rub. Blot yourself dry with a soft towel.
- Moisturize right away. Put on lotion or body butter while your skin is still a little damp.
- Add moisture to the air. A humidifier in your bedroom can help, especially when the heater is on.
But I Love a Hot Shower! How to Stay Cozy Anyway
I understand. A chilly morning calls for warmth. Here are a few ways I keep my shower feeling cozy without cranking the heat all the way up:
- Warm your towel and robe. Toss them in the dryer for a few minutes before you get in. Stepping into a warm towel makes lukewarm water feel like plenty.
- Keep socks or slippers by the door. Cold feet on cold tile is what makes us want hotter water in the first place.
- Let scent do the work. You don't need scalding water to fill your shower with a calming smell. Our Aromatherapy Shower Steamers are made with essential oils. Set one on a shelf or corner where it gets a light splash, not the full stream, and let the scent fill the air while you wash.
- Take a few slow breaths. Sometimes what we really want from a hot shower is a quiet minute to ourselves. You can still have that with warm water.
Pick a Gentle Wash
What you wash with matters too. A harsh cleanser can strip skin the same way very hot water does.
Every bar I make has shea butter, coconut milk and kaolin clay, and every one is sulfate-free. If you like a creamier wash in winter, our Whipped Shea Butter Body Wash & Shaving Cream now comes in a glass jar. Scoop a small amount onto your hands or a soft washcloth and lather. A little goes a long way.
Here's a tip a lot of skin doctors share: on very dry days, you don't have to soap up every inch. Focus soap on the spots that really need it, like underarms and feet, and simply rinse the rest.
The After-Shower Habit That Matters Most
If you only change one thing this winter, make it this one: moisturize right after you step out.
Pat yourself mostly dry, leaving your skin a little damp. Then put on your moisturizer. This helps hold in the water that's still on your skin instead of letting it float away into the dry air.
In winter I reach for something thicker. Our Soothing Aloe Hand & Body Butter now comes in a glass jar, because we're moving all our packaging away from plastic, one product at a time. Warm a small scoop between your palms and press it into your elbows, knees, heels and hands. Those are the spots that usually get dry first.
Don't Forget Your Hands
The same rules apply at the sink. During the holidays we wash our hands a lot: cooking, cleaning, wrapping gifts. Use warm water instead of hot, pat your hands dry, and keep a little body butter by the sink or in your purse. Putting it on right after washing makes a big difference over a whole season.
When to Talk With a Doctor
Dry skin from winter weather is very common. But if your skin is cracked, bleeding, very itchy, or isn't getting better, please talk with your doctor or a dermatologist. Some skin conditions can act up in cold weather, and a doctor can help you figure out what's going on and what's right for you. My products are for everyday care. They are not medicine.
My Simple Winter Shower Plan
- Warm up your towel and set out your slippers.
- Turn the water to lukewarm.
- Set a shower steamer in a corner if you'd like a calming scent.
- Wash gently with a mild soap, focusing on the spots that need it.
- Keep it short and sweet.
- Pat dry, then moisturize while your skin is still a little damp.
That's it. Nothing fancy, just a few small changes that add up. I'm thankful for these cozy, quiet mornings this time of year, and I hope this helps you enjoy yours a little more.
A little about us: I'm Gracie, a third-generation soap maker. My grandmother started our family's soap making, and I'm proud to carry it on. We're a small, faith-centered family business in Waddell, Arizona, and we make everything by hand in small batches.
