How to Protect Your Skin During Winter with Natural Soaps

Winter is coming, and with it comes the biggest enemy of our skin – dry, cold air outside and overheated spaces inside. If you've noticed your skin becoming rough, tight, and cracked, you're not alone. Winter months present a real challenge for our skin, but natural cosmetics can be your best ally.

Why Does Skin Suffer in Winter?

When temperatures drop, air humidity drastically decreases. Cold air outside and central heating inside literally "suck" moisture from our skin. The result? Dry, tight skin that flakes, itches, and even cracks.

Most commercial soaps make the situation worse because they contain aggressive detergents (SLS/SLES) that strip away the skin's natural protective layer. It's like taking off your winter coat exactly when you need it most!

The Power of Natural Ingredients

Natural soaps work differently. They cleanse the skin while simultaneously nourishing and protecting it. Here are the ingredients that are true heroes for winter care:

Glycerin – A natural hygroscopic ingredient that attracts moisture from the air and retains it on the skin. While industrial soaps remove glycerin (to sell it separately!), handmade soaps keep it in.

Olive Oil – Rich in vitamins A and E, it deeply hydrates and regenerates the skin. Ideal for very dry and sensitive skin.

Shea Butter – A natural "cream" that creates a protective layer on the skin without a greasy effect. Perfect for cracked hands and elbows.

Honey – A natural humectant that retains moisture in the skin and has antibacterial properties. Excellent for skin prone to irritation.

Coconut Oil – Quickly absorbed and provides instant hydration without a sticky feeling.

Oat Flakes – Gently exfoliate dead cells and soothe irritated skin. Ideal for atopic skin.

Practical Tips for Your Winter Routine

Water Temperature is Key I know a hot shower is tempting when it's cold outside, but hot water further dries out the skin. Use lukewarm water and try to keep showers under 10 minutes.

Order Matters After bathing, gently pat your skin dry (don't rub!) and while the skin is still slightly damp, apply a natural balm or body oil. This way you "lock in" moisture in the skin.

Hands Deserve Special Attention We wash our hands much more frequently, making them especially vulnerable. Keep natural soap by every sink and apply hand cream after each wash.

Don't Forget Your Lips Lips don't have sebaceous glands, so they're extra sensitive. A natural lip balm with beeswax and shea butter is a must-have winter companion.

Ingredients to Avoid in Winter

• SLS/SLES – Aggressive foaming agents that dry out the skin
• Alcohol – Further dries already dry skin
• Artificial Fragrances – Can irritate sensitive winter skin
• Parabens – Unnecessary preservatives in well-made natural soaps

Our Recommendation: Soaps for Winter Season

During fall and winter, we especially recommend soaps with higher oil and butter content. Formulas with olive oil, shea butter, and honey provide the extra protection and care that skin requires during this period.

For those with extra dry skin, a soap with oat flakes and honey is perfect – it cleanses while simultaneously soothing and hydrating.

Conclusion

Natural cosmetics isn't a trend – it's a return to basics, using what nature offers and what our skin recognizes and accepts. In winter, when skin is under stress, quality natural soap isn't a luxury, but a necessity.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It deserves the best care, especially during the coldest days of the year.