A Simple Winter Skin Routine With Tallow Balm

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Winter brings cold air outside and dry heat inside. You don’t need a new shelf of products to get through it. A few small habits, spread across the day, go a long way. This builds on our simple skin routine without the 12-step stack.

In the shower

• Keep showers and baths to about five to ten minutes
• Use warm water rather than hot
• Close the bathroom door to keep the steam in
• Use a gentle cleanser, and only where you need it
• Pat yourself dry with a towel instead of rubbing

Right after: balm on slightly damp skin

The best moment for balm is right after you dry off, while your skin is still slightly damp. Keep the jar where you get dressed so it’s easy to remember, and scoop with dry fingers.

1. Warm a small amount between your palms until it turns glossy.
2. Press it into your arms, legs, and anywhere that feels dry.
3. Use an even smaller amount on your face, and press rather than rub.

Start with less than you think. You can always add more where your skin still feels tight.

Through the day

• Indoor heat dries the air, so keep a jar handy for spots that feel tight
• Wear a soft cotton or silk layer under wool and other rough fabrics
• Choose loose-fitting clothes over tight ones when you can

Hands get a routine of their own, covered in our guide to tallow balm for dry, cracked hands. Chapped lips and wind-dry cheeks get theirs in tallow balm for chapped lips and winter skin.

At night

• Run a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep, and clean it regularly
• Press a thin layer of balm onto your face and anywhere that feels dry
• For dry heels, apply before bed and pull on cotton socks

Across the week

• Keep the routine steady so you can tell how your skin responds
• Use a little more on cold, windy days and a little less on mild ones
• When you’ll be outdoors, keep using the sun protection you already trust
• Patch test any new jar on a small area first

If your skin still feels very dry after a few weeks of simple care, check in with a board-certified dermatologist.

Which jar for winter

For your face, we suggest Au Naturel, our unscented jar. If you enjoy scent on your body, Harvest Spice has a warm, spiced scent made for cooler months. Warm spice oils can be strong on sensitive skin, so patch test it first.

FAQ

Should I use balm before or after a shower?

After. Pat dry, then apply while your skin is still slightly damp.

How much should I use in winter?

A small amount, warmed first. Add a little more only where your skin still feels dry. On your face, less is usually plenty.

Do I need a humidifier?

It isn’t required, but it adds moisture to dry indoor air, and many people find their skin feels more comfortable with one running at night. Keep it clean.

If your hands are the first to feel winter, read winter care for dry, cracked hands, or try Au Naturel.