Why Does My Skin Itch in Winter?

Cold air, indoor heat, and hot showers dry skin out — here's how to calm winter itch.
By Better Human Goods
1 min read

Winter itch is extremely common, and it mostly comes down to dryness. Cold outdoor air holds less moisture, indoor heating dries the air further, and hot showers strip the skin's natural oils — together they leave skin dehydrated, and dry skin tends to feel itchy and tight. It often shows up first on the lower legs, arms, and hands.

The fixes are about adding moisture back and not stripping it away: take cooler, shorter showers, moisturize right after bathing while skin is still damp, and use a richer balm or cream in winter than you might in summer. A humidifier indoors can help too. If the itch is severe, persistent, or comes with a rash, see a dermatologist, since that can point to a skin condition rather than simple dryness. More in tallow for sensitive skin.

Try ATLA tallow balm for dry winter skin.