November is when the heating goes on, the showers get longer and hotter, and skin starts to feel tight, flaky and itchy. Most people blame the cold, and the cold does play a part. But there is one factor almost everyone overlooks: the water you shower in every single day.
In this guide we look at what really causes dry skin in winter, how chlorine and hard water add to the problem, and a simple shower routine that helps your skin and hair through the colder months.
What causes dry skin in winter?
Your skin has a natural barrier made of oils and lipids that locks moisture in. In winter, three things wear that barrier down at the same time.
- Cold, dry outdoor air. Cold air holds less moisture, so water evaporates from your skin faster.
- Indoor heating. Radiators and central heating dry out indoor air even further, often for hours every day.
- Hot showers. A long, hot shower feels great on a cold morning, but hot water strips away the natural oils that protect your skin.
On their own, each of these is manageable. Together, they leave skin dehydrated, rough and easily irritated. And the water itself can make it worse.
How shower water affects your skin and hair
Tap water is safe to drink, but it is not always kind to your skin. Two things in it matter most in winter.
Chlorine. Water suppliers add chlorine to keep tap water free of bacteria. It does an important job, but on skin and hair it can be drying. Hot water also turns some chlorine into vapour, which you breathe in a steamy shower.
Hard water minerals. In many areas, tap water is rich in calcium and magnesium. These minerals can leave a film on skin that soap struggles to rinse off. Researchers have linked hard water to a weaker skin barrier, especially in people prone to eczema.
Hard water affects hair too. Mineral build-up can make hair look dull, feel rough and resist conditioner. If your skin feels tight right after a shower, or your hair never feels fully clean, your water may be part of the reason.
|
Sign |
Possible cause in the water |
|---|---|
|
Skin feels tight or itchy after showering |
Chlorine, hot water |
|
Soap doesn't lather well |
Hard water minerals |
|
Dull, rough or frizzy hair |
Mineral build-up |
|
White marks on the shower screen and taps |
Hard water (limescale) |
A simple fix: filter your shower water with the T-Shower
You can't change the weather, but you can change the water you shower in. The T-Shower from Milky Plant is a shower filter designed to reduce chlorine and impurities before the water reaches your skin and hair.
Why a shower filter makes sense in winter:
- Gentler on dry skin. Less chlorine means less stripping of your skin's natural oils.
- Softer-feeling hair. Cleaner water helps shampoo and conditioner work as they should.
- Easy to fit. No plumber needed: it fits your existing shower setup.
- Works every day. You shower daily, so the benefit adds up over the whole season.
If you already use the Milky Plant Plus for homemade plant milk or The Watery for drinking water, the T-Shower completes the picture: better water from the kitchen to the bathroom.
A winter shower routine for dry skin and hair
Small changes to your daily shower make a big difference over a whole winter.
- Turn the temperature down. Warm, not hot. If your skin turns red, the water is too hot.
- Keep it short. Five to ten minutes is enough to get clean without stripping your skin.
- Filter your water. A shower filter like the T-Shower reduces chlorine before it touches your skin.
- Use a gentle cleanser. Choose fragrance-free, soap-free washes and skip harsh scrubs.
- Pat, don't rub. Dry off gently with a soft towel and leave your skin slightly damp.
- Moisturise within three minutes. Applying cream to damp skin helps lock in water.
- Condition the ends of your hair. Winter air dries hair too, so give the ends extra care.
- Add moisture to the air. A humidifier or a bowl of water near the radiator helps at night.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my skin so dry in winter?
Cold outdoor air, dry indoor heating and hot showers all remove moisture and natural oils from your skin. Chlorine and hard water minerals in tap water can add to the dryness.
Can shower water cause dry skin?
Yes. Hot water strips natural oils, chlorine can be drying, and hard water can leave a mineral film that irritates skin. Showering in warm, filtered water is gentler.
Does a shower filter help with dry skin?
A shower filter reduces chlorine and some impurities before water touches your skin. Many people find their skin feels less tight and their hair softer after switching.
How often should I shower in winter?
Once a day is enough for most people. Keep showers short and warm, and moisturise straight afterwards.
Give your skin a better winter
Dry skin in winter is common, but it isn't something you just have to put up with. Cooler showers, a good moisturiser and a little extra humidity go a long way. Filtering your shower water tackles the one cause most people never think about.
Ready to make every shower gentler on your skin and hair? Discover the T-Shower from Milky Plant and enjoy softer skin all winter long.
