The Real Reason Winter Skin Feels “Dry”: It’s Moisture Loss, Not Just “Lack of Lotion”
Most people think dry skin is simply “skin that needs more moisture.” In reality, winter dryness is often a barrier problem first.
Your skin barrier (the outermost layer) is often described as a brick-and-mortar system:
-
Bricks = skin cells
-
Mortar = lipids (fats) that hold everything together and help prevent water from escaping
When the “mortar” is depleted or stressed, water escapes faster. That water escape is known as:
TEWL: Transepidermal Water Loss
TEWL is the amount of water that passively evaporates from your skin into the air. In winter, TEWL tends to increase because the environment pulls moisture away more aggressively.
Why TEWL Jumps in Canada During Winter
1) Cold air holds less humidity
Cold air simply can’t hold as much water vapor as warm air. So the air around you is often drier, meaning it can “pull” moisture from skin more easily.
2) Indoor heating dries the air further
Furnaces, baseboard heaters, and wood stoves reduce indoor humidity. That’s why your skin can feel worse inside than outside.
3) Wind increases evaporation
Wind isn’t just cold—it speeds up evaporation from the surface of the skin. That’s one reason lips and cheeks feel especially raw after being outdoors.
4) Hot showers can strip barrier lipids
Hot water + surfactants (cleansers) can remove some of the lipids your barrier needs. In winter, that loss is harder to “bounce back” from.
Bottom line: Winter acts like a moisture vacuum. If your barrier isn’t supported, hydration won’t last.
Why Lips Get Hit First
Lips are uniquely vulnerable because they have:
-
A thinner outer layer
-
Less oil production than other facial skin
-
Constant exposure (wind, talking, breathing through the mouth, licking lips)
So lips often show barrier stress early: tightness, cracking, flaking, stinging.
Plant Science 101: How Botanical Formulas Support Winter Skin
A smart winter formula usually does two jobs:
-
Replenish skin-friendly lipids (so the barrier feels comfortable and flexible)
-
Reduce moisture loss with a protective layer that helps water stay in
In skincare science, that often looks like a blend of:
-
Emollients (smooth and soften)
-
Occlusives (help slow evaporation)
-
Sometimes antioxidants (support skin under environmental stress)
Let’s translate that into plant-based ingredients.
What Plant Oils Actually Do on Skin
Coconut oil: Comfort + softening
Coconut oil is an emollient—meaning it helps skin feel smoother by filling in micro-gaps on the surface. It’s especially helpful when skin feels rough or sandpapery.
Hemp seed oil: Skin-supportive fatty acids
Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids that help support the skin’s natural lipid layer. In winter, that matters because lipid loss is one of the reasons skin feels tight and irritated.
Jojoba oil: “Skin-compatible” feel
Jojoba’s structure is waxy and often described as highly skin-compatible in feel. Practically, that means it can help reduce that “dry-tight” sensation without feeling heavy.
Rosehip oil + Vitamin E: Antioxidant support
Winter conditions (wind, temperature swings, dryness) can stress skin. Antioxidants don’t “hydrate” by themselves, but they can support skin that feels irritated or looks dull from environmental wear and tear.
The Secret Weapon for Winter: Beeswax as a Breathable Barrier
When people say a balm “stays on,” they’re usually describing an occlusive effect—meaning it forms a layer that slows water loss.
Beeswax helps create a protective, breathable layer that:
-
Reduces evaporation (lower TEWL)
-
Helps keep plant oils in place longer
-
Improves “wear time” in wind and dry indoor air
This is why balms can outperform lotions in winter—especially on lips and small dry patches.
Why a “Cooling Finish” Can Feel So Good in Winter
Ingredients like peppermint and rosemary are aromatic botanicals that can create a light, refreshing sensation on application. In the context of winter dryness, that “clean finish” can feel especially relieving—without needing a heavy, sticky texture.
How to Use Plant-Based Balms Like a Pro
The 2-Timing Rule (simple, effective)
-
Before you go outside: apply a thin layer to help reduce wind-driven moisture loss
-
Before bed: apply a slightly thicker layer to support overnight comfort
Spot-treating dry patches
Balms aren’t just for lips. In Canadian winter, common “hot spots” include:
-
Around the nose
-
Cheekbones
-
Chin
-
Any area that feels tight after washing
Use a tiny dab, press it in, and let the barrier layer do its job.
Winter Routine Upgrades That Actually Help
A few science-backed, low-effort shifts:
-
Shorten shower time + reduce water temp (even slightly helps)
-
Apply barrier support while skin is still warm (post-shower is prime time)
-
Run a humidifier at night if you can
-
Choose cleansers that don’t leave skin squeaky (that squeak can signal lipid loss)
The Blunt Botanicals Approach: Functional Plant Formulas for Canadian Conditions
We build formulas that respect what winter actually does to skin:
-
Plant oils to support comfort + barrier feel
-
A protective wax layer to reduce moisture loss
-
Botanical antioxidants + aromatics to support recovery and experience
If you’re building a full winter ritual, many people pair barrier care with warmth-based routines (like baths, mineral soaks, and post-shower topicals) to keep skin and body feeling steady through the season.
Explore the full lineup + ingredients on our website.
Quick FAQ
Why does my skin feel dry even when I moisturize?
If the barrier isn’t supported, water can still escape quickly. Adding a protective layer (like a balm) can help hydration last longer.
Is “deep hydration” different than surface gloss?
Yes. Surface shine can be from oils sitting on top. Deep comfort usually comes from barrier support + reduced moisture loss over time.
Why do I need a balm in winter?
Balms are great at reducing TEWL because they form a protective layer—especially useful in wind and dry indoor heat.