Winter in the cold north. It’s cozy sweaters, winter sports, and that crisp, frosty air we all adore—but it’s also a serious challenge for your skin and hair. If you’re constantly wondering why winter seems to steal your glow and leave you battling dryness, we’re about to take you through the science of why this happens (and why it’s not just your imagination).
Let’s go beneath the surface, straight to the cellular level, and uncover what’s really going on—and why your winter routine needs to work harder than ever.
Humidity (or Lack Thereof)
Winter air simply can’t hold moisture like warmer air can. That low-humidity environment draws moisture from wherever it can—including your skin and hair.
The impact on skin: The skin’s top layer, known as the stratum corneum, relies on moisture to protect and maintain balance. When air humidity drops, it’s like nature’s reverse osmosis, pulling water from the skin to restore balance with the dry air around it. This leaves your natural moisture barrier compromised, resulting in dull, tight, and flaky skin.
The PLBC pro tip: Opt for a ticker day moisturizer, something that will give you great moisture and protection all day! We LOVE the new Rhode Barrier Butter Balm.
The effect on hair: Hair’s outermost layer, the cuticle, relies on humidity to stay smooth and sealed. Without it, the cuticle lifts, leaving hair exposed and vulnerable to breakage. This is why your hair feels brittle and frizzy—each strand is literally reaching for any trace of moisture it can find.
The PLBC pro tip: This is your sign to get the Urban Moisture mask, and if you already have it, it’s time to bring it back into your rotation!
Indoor Heating
Indoors, central heating keeps you toasty but drops indoor humidity even further. Most heated homes can reach humidity levels comparable to some of the world’s driest deserts—no wonder your skin feels parched!
What it means for your skin: When air lacks moisture, water evaporates right from the deeper layers of your skin in a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This leaves the skin’s protective barrier compromised, creating that feeling of tightness and dryness that no amount of moisturizer seems to fix. Over time, the skin can become sensitized, more prone to irritation, and even develop redness as it struggles to adapt.
The PLBC pro tip: Invest in a humidifier for your bedroom. It’s an absolute game changer. and you can get an aesthetic one that will blend in nicely in your decor.
What it means for your hair: Hair, too, suffers. Without moisture in the air to counteract the effects of heating, hair becomes more prone to static, breakage, and that “flyaway” look that makes hats suddenly very appealing. Over time, this dryness can also weaken the hair shaft itself, leading to hair that appears dull, limp, and increasingly susceptible to split ends.
The PLBC pro tip: Don’t forget to sleep in protective hairstyles like a low loose braid and make sure to never sleep on your wet hair!
Cold Temperatures and Blood Circulation
Here’s a fact for your next skincare trivia night: when it’s cold, blood flow to the skin’s surface slows down to keep warmth focused on your body’s core. This “vasoconstriction” means less nutrient flow to your skin and scalp.
For skin, this means: Limited blood flow slows down cell turnover, allowing dead cells to linger on the surface. Hello, dullness and flakiness. Without fresh cells replacing the old, your skin loses its radiance, becoming more prone to rough patches and irritation. This reduced circulation can also mean less delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen, making it harder for the skin to repair itself and respond to environmental stressors.
The PLBC pro tip: This is your sign to keep it up with your daily exercice to keep the blood flow going! A small walk, yoga or pilates will make a huge difference.
For hair, this means: Hair follicles don’t get the nutrients and oxygen they need for optimal growth, leading to slower, weaker hair growth. The result? Hair that feels as lifeless as it looks. Hair that isn’t nourished from the root is not only more prone to thinning and fallout but is also likely to grow in weaker and less resilient, meaning it may be harder to style and more prone to breakage.
The PLBC pro tip: The ultimate tool for increased bloodflow on the scalp? The CloudNine.
Less Sunlight
Winter’s shorter days mean less exposure to sunlight, which is our primary source of vitamin D. This can lead to a deficiency, affecting both skin and hair.
For the skin: Vitamin D plays a key role in skin barrier repair and renewal. Without it, your skin is more vulnerable to moisture loss, irritation, and inflammation—common issues during colder months. A weakened barrier leaves the skin exposed to environmental damage, which can accelerate visible aging and make skin more prone to rough texture and uneven tone.
The PLBC pro tip: Get a natural light lamp for your office or your desk. In the dark winter months they make a huge difference!
For the hair: Vitamin D receptors in hair follicles influence the hair growth cycle, particularly the growth (anagen) phase. Without adequate vitamin D, hair growth slows, potentially leading to a weaker hair structure over time. A deficiency can also impact hair density and fullness, leading to thinner strands that are more prone to dryness and damage from environmental stressors.
The PLBC pro tip: Start including a Vitamin D supplement to your routine.
The Hot Shower Trap
A hot shower feels heavenly when it’s cold outside, but it comes at a cost. Hot water strips away your skin’s natural oils—the very layer responsible for sealing in moisture.
Skin takeaway: Hot water compromises the skin’s lipid layer, which protects against environmental aggressors. It disrupts the barrier and leaves skin dehydrated and prone to sensitivity. Over time, this daily stripping of oils can exacerbate dryness and lead to visible redness, itching, and even micro-tears in the skin’s surface, making it harder to recover.
The PLBC pro tip: no one likes to hear this, but turn down your water temperature a few notches, or keep the shower time to a minimum.
Hair takeaway: Hot water lifts the hair’s cuticle, allowing moisture to escape and making hair feel rough, dry, and unmanageable. In winter, this leads to hair that’s more susceptible to frizz and breakage. Over time, prolonged hot showers can contribute to a weakened hair shaft, making it less elastic and more prone to damage from brushing, styling, or exposure to cold air.
The PLBC pro tip: Wash and wet your hair slightly less often during the winter. With the cold air and temperature, your scalp will get greasy slightly slower so don’t hesitate to push your wash routine by a day.
The Winter Diet Shift
During winter, we often eat fewer fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids—nutrients that play a big role in skin and hair health.
For the skin: Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, the protein that gives skin its structure. Low collagen means skin that’s thinner and less resilient to dryness and damage. Without sufficient antioxidants like vitamins C and E, the skin is also less equipped to combat oxidative stress, leading to premature signs of aging and an uneven complexion.
The PLBC pro tip: Find a juice or smoothie recipe that you absolutely love that includes a variety of citrus!
For the hair: Omega-3 fatty acids nourish hair from within, helping retain moisture and reduce inflammation that can affect the scalp. Without them, hair becomes more susceptible to dryness and stress. A lack of essential fatty acids can also affect the scalp’s health, potentially leading to flakiness or irritation that impacts both comfort and hair quality.
The PLBC pro tip: This is your sign to start driking bone broth in the morning or as your afternoon drink for a boost of collagen and you have a good reason to eat sushi more often for that extra Omega-3.
Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface means you can choose skincare and haircare that truly address winter’s unique challenges. This season, take time to replenish, nourish, and protect—because winter might steal your warmth, but it doesn’t have to steal your glow.
