Winter Dryness? Try These 5 Natural Remedies for Skin and Hair

Winter brings a magical change to our lives. Morning fog, cool breeze, and the warmth of the sun — it all feels poetic. But beneath this beauty lies a common seasonal struggle: dryness.

Suddenly, our skin becomes flaky, and our hair turns brittle and lifeless. In Dhaka, winter is not just about cold — it’s also about dry air, fog, and excessive dust. Room heaters and blowers suck out all indoor humidity, leaving our skin and hair dehydrated and dull. For those with naturally dry skin, winter can feel like a curse.

Why Does Skin & Hair Become So Dry in Winter?

Before jumping to solutions, it’s essential to understand why this happens.

• Cold air holds very little moisture, and this dry air pulls hydration out of your skin.

• The natural oils on our skin’s surface start breaking down, leading to dryness, roughness, and itching.

• Similarly, the scalp produces less sebum (natural oil) in winter, making hair dry and more prone to breakage and dandruff.

• Hot showers worsen the issue by stripping away even more natural oil.

Natural Home Remedies That Actually Work

All the solutions below use common kitchen ingredients — effective, safe, and easily available.

1. Coconut Oil: The All-Rounder for Skin & Hair

Most households in Bangladesh already have coconut oil, but not many realize its deep restorative power.

Why it works:
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It penetrates deep into the skin and hair, locking in moisture and adding a natural glow.

For Skin:

• Gently massage coconut oil all over your body before bed.

• Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, hands, and heels.

• For cracked heels, apply generously and wear socks overnight.

For Hair (Hot Oil Treatment):

1. Warm 2–3 tablespoons of coconut oil (not too hot).

2. Massage into your scalp and hair.

3. Wrap with a warm towel.

4. Leave for 1–2 hours or overnight.

5. Shampoo and repeat once or twice weekly.

Benefits:
Moisturizes deeply, reduces dandruff, boosts shine, and prevents breakage.

2. Honey & Yogurt: Skin’s Natural Moisturizer

Honey is a natural humectant — it attracts and retains moisture. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and brightens the skin.

DIY Face Mask:

• 2 tbsp yogurt

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional for oily skin)

Mix, apply on a clean face, wait 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Use 2–3 times a week.

Benefits:
Intense hydration, gentle exfoliation, glow enhancement, and reduction of acne scars.

3. Aloe Vera & Glycerin: Best Combo for Dry Skin

Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Glycerin forms a protective layer on the skin to prevent moisture loss.

DIY Moisturizer:

• 2 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel

• 1 tbsp glycerin

• 1 tsp rose water

Mix and store in a clean container. Apply daily on dry areas, especially after shower. Refrigerated, it lasts up to 10 days.

Aloe Vera Hair Mask:

• 3 tbsp aloe vera

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tsp honey

Apply to scalp and hair, leave for 30 mins, and rinse. Use weekly.

Benefits:
Cools, hydrates, soothes itching, promotes hair growth, repairs sun damage.

4. Milk: The Ancient Beauty Secret

Even Cleopatra bathed in milk! Milk contains lactic acid, which acts as a natural exfoliator and brightener.

Milk Cleanser:
Dip a cotton ball in raw milk and gently cleanse your face. Leave for 10 mins and rinse.

Milk Face Pack:

• 2 tbsp raw milk

• 1 tbsp gram flour or flour

• Pinch of turmeric

Apply, leave for 15–20 mins, and wash. Use twice a week.

Milk Hair Rinse:
As a final rinse after shampooing, pour diluted milk on hair. It leaves hair soft and shiny.

5. Egg & Avocado: A Nutrient Bomb for Hair

Eggs are rich in protein; avocado is full of healthy fats and vitamin E — a dream combo for dull hair.

DIY Hair Mask:

• 1 egg

• ½ ripe avocado (mashed)

• 1 tbsp olive or coconut oil

Apply to damp hair from roots to ends. Cover with a shower cap. Leave for 30–45 mins, then wash with cold/lukewarm water (never hot!). Shampoo after. Use once or twice a month.

No Avocado? Use just an egg!
Whisk 1–2 eggs, apply to damp hair, leave 20 mins, and rinse well.

Benefits:
Strengthens hair, reduces split ends, nourishes deeply, enhances shine, and prevents hair fall.

Extra Winter Care Tips

• Avoid Hot Showers: Use lukewarm water and keep baths under 10 mins.

• Moisturize on Damp Skin: Trap moisture by applying oil or cream right after bathing.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink 8–10 glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy from within.

• Use a Humidifier: If using a heater, place a bowl of water nearby or run a humidifier.

• Sleep Well: Skin repairs itself during sleep. Rest is crucial for skin and hair health.

• Don’t Avoid Sunlight: Winter sun is your natural source of vitamin D. Morning sun is best.

Taking care of your skin and hair during winter doesn’t require expensive products. Your kitchen holds powerful, chemical-free ingredients like coconut oil, honey, yogurt, aloe vera, milk, eggs, and avocado — perfect for natural beauty routines.

Stay consistent, hydrate, eat healthy, and sleep well — and you’ll find your skin glowing and hair shining even in the harshest winter days.

Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a routine. Make it yours.