Dry air, happy skin: a winter routine for Interior Alaska

From October to April most homes in Interior Alaska run the furnace or wood stove almost nonstop. Cold outdoor air holds very little moisture, and once it is heated indoors the relative humidity can drop well below what skin is comfortable with. The result is the familiar winter list: tight cheeks, flaky scalp, tired eyes and cracked knuckles.

You do not need a complicated routine. A few steady habits go a long way.

1. Moisturize while skin is still damp

Apply a rich cream within a few minutes of washing your face or showering. Damp skin holds on to moisture better, and a thicker cream works as a seal against dry indoor air. Mature or very dry skin usually prefers a cream over a light lotion in winter.

2. Keep showers warm, not hot

A long hot shower feels wonderful at minus 30, but hot water strips natural oils. Keep it warm and short, then pat dry instead of rubbing.

3. Give your scalp some attention

Hats, dry air and static are hard on the scalp. A soft silicone scalp brush used while shampooing helps lift flakes and product buildup without scratching.

4. Add moisture to the room

A humidifier in the bedroom, a pot of water on the wood stove or a few houseplants all help. Aim for comfortable, not damp, to avoid condensation on cold windows.

5. Do not forget your neck and shoulders

Shoveling, scraping windshields and hunching against the cold all add tension. A few minutes with a heated massager in the evening is a small, worthwhile habit.

6. Drink water, even when it is cold

It is easy to drink less when you are not hot or sweating. Keep a water bottle at your desk and refill it through the day.