Goodbye Velcro Hands, Cracked Lips, & Dry Skin: 3 Effective Natural Winter Skincare Tips
- Jordan Mini
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’re a lifelong New Englander, like me, you know winter can be brutal — not just on your car, heating bill, or mood, but on your skin too. Some mornings it feels like Jack Frost snuck in overnight with a straw to suck the moisture right out of you! You might layer up to hide cracked heels or an itchy scalp from the world, but your comfort still matters — even if no one else sees it.
As late fall settles in, temperatures drop and humidity disappears. This sudden shift is a major culprit behind the loss of moisture you may notice in your skin, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Have you ever noticed your hands sticking to your sweater, or your lips cracking after a walk through a blustery Maine morning? Those sharp cold winds and dramatic temperature changes can create what I like to call “Velcro hands” (so dry they cling to fabric) and gargoyle lips like a crumbling old statue. I've experienced both and I am not down to do it again.
Those are classic signs that your skin needs some extra TLC. Thankfully, preventing these issues is surprisingly simple — and naturally achievable. The good news? You don’t need a complicated routine or harsh chemicals to protect your skin this winter. With a few natural habits and the right products, you can keep your skin hydrated, soft, and glowing — even when temperatures drop and the humidity disappears. Let’s walk through each problem and how to handle it.
Here are three essential tips to winter-proof your skin.
Soothe Itchy Scalps & Flaky Skin
Problem: Cold, dry air steals moisture from your scalp, leaving it itchy and flaky
Least Expected Solution: Wash your hair less!
Skip shampoo if your hair feels clean.
Rinse with lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can worsen dryness.
Spend more time conditioning your hair especially if it feels dry.
Benefit: Your scalp stays soft and itch-free, and you’ll prevent unnecessary dryness that can lead to flaking. You likely also save on your water bill & save on shampoo too!
More In Depth Answer: Shampoo is designed to remove dirt, buildup, and excess oils, but winter slows down that buildup. If your scalp is already clean and dry, washing too frequently can strip away the oils that protect your skin which can lead to irritation. Try skipping shampoo on days when your hair feels clean. You can still rinse with water if you'd like as this will clean to some degree without pulling away oils. Additionally, use conditioner if your hair needs softness or is naturally rather dry. Do avoid very hot water (even if its tempting to warm your cold winter bones) because it dries the scalp further. Bonus tip is to avoid using high heat on hair driers too.
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Combat Cracked Lips with Nourishing Lip Balm
Lip balm is strong contender on my list of "if you could only bring 10 things" because I mean seriously can you have enough lip balm, ever? I keep one on my night stand, one in my purse, one at my desk, and somehow I seem to keep finding them in my washer when I forget to take them out of my pants pockets too. Ugh.
Problem: Winter winds and dry indoor air can leave lips cracked, sore, and uncomfortable.
Solution: Protect and hydrate your lips with a natural balm made for winter weather.
Apply before heading outdoors.
Reapply after meals and before bed.
Look for lip balms with high quality moisturizing and barrier protecting ingredients like cocoa butter, jojoba, and beeswax
Benefit: Your lips stay soft, healthy, and ready for mistletoe kisses — no more gargoyle lips!
More In Depth Answer: Lip balm is a year-round essential, but winter turns it into a full-on superhero. Dry winds and cold air pull moisture from your lips faster than you can say “chapped,” and protecting them proactively makes a huge difference. When I formulated our lip balm at Spriggits, I focused on creating the right balance of hydration, moisture, protection, and sustainability. It’s infused with three organic powerhouse herbs, plus organic beeswax for a protective barrier, organic cocoa butter for deep nourishment, and organic jojoba oil for long-lasting softness. Applying lip balm before heading outside helps shield your lips from cold air by creating an extra barrier just like putting on sunglasses help with the sun and wind. Reapply after eating is a good idea. Lastly always use some before bed so it can soak in overnight.
Our Spriggits Organic Lip Balm combines three herbally-infused oils to nourish and protect lips naturally. Grab yours today!
Heal Velcro Hands & Repair Cracked Heels
Problem: Hands and feet often take the worst hits in winter — frequent washing and dry air can lead to painful cracks.
Solution: Give your hands and feet some extra love with natural moisturizers and protective routines.
Steps to Repair Dry Skin:
Wash in warm not super hot water using gentle moisturizing soaps.
Lock in that hydration with lotion.
Cover hands & feet with gloves or socks overnight to boost absorption.
Repeat daily until your skin feels soft again.
Benefit: Say goodbye to rough, uncomfortable hands and heels, and enjoy skin that feels soft, hydrated, and protected all winter long.
More In Depth Answer: Exfoliating helps remove the dry buildup that winter creates, but over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and push it to overproduce oil. I like using natural soaps (and making them) with moisturizing butters like shea or cocoa butter, which cleanse while leaving your skin soft. I also reach for our sugar scrubs when I want a gentle buff paired with non-drying soap and nourishing oils. At Spriggits, we make our oh-so-popular lotion bar using organic oils, butters, and wax to help replenish your skin barrier. The best time to use it is right after a shower: towel off, then apply the lotion bar to lock in all that fresh hydration. Remember, your skin needs both water and moisture to stay healthy. Even something as simple as not drinking enough water during the day affects your skin’s hydration — consider this your sign to grab a glass of H2O.
Don't neglect your skin! Use Spriggits' lotion bar head to toe or where your body wants it most - likely your hands and feet! Then you're sure to survive even the coldest Maine winters and beyond. Heck! It's travel-friendly, so bring it wherever you go.
Winter Ready Skincare
The cold doesn’t have to mean sacrificing healthy, glowing skin. By following these three simple, natural steps: soothing your scalp, protecting your lips, and repairing your hands and feet — you can enjoy a winter season with skin that feels nourished and comfortable.
Remember, hydration + moisture = happy skin. Want a full winter survival kit? Check out our Spriggits Winter Skincare Collection and make dry, cracked skin a thing of the past.
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