When winter settles into North Georgia, it brings chilly temperatures and a noticeable drop in humidity. While we might enjoy the crisp air in Alpharetta, Cumming, and Roswell, this winter weather is notoriously tough on our skin.

Many children and adults in our community struggle with dry, cracked skin and chapped lips during these colder months. While the itchiness and flaking are uncomfortable, winter skin issues are actually more than just a cosmetic annoyance.

Our skin is an incredibly important part of our immune system. It acts as the primary barrier protecting our internal systems from outside infections. When skin becomes excessively dry and cracks—even micro-cracks we can't easily see—it creates an open door. Germs can enter more easily, leading to skin infections or spreading illnesses to others in the household.

The good news for local families is that you don't have to suffer through the season. A few simple, consistent shifts in your daily routine can go a long way in protecting your family’s skin health and overall wellness.

Here is your guide to keeping skin healthy during a North Georgia winter.

Simple, Effective Winter Skin Care Habits

If you are currently using the same products and routines you used back in July, it’s time for a seasonal switch. To combat the dry winter air, focus on locking in moisture and avoiding irritants.

1. Rethink bath Time: Warm, Not Hot

When it's freezing outside, a hot bath or shower feels incredible. Unfortunately, hot water is the enemy of hydrated skin. It strips away natural oils, leading to significantly more dryness.

Choose short, warm showers over long baths whenever age-appropriate. Keep water temperatures comfortable—not steaming hot—and try to limit shower time to 10 minutes or less.

2. The Vital Switch: Cream vs. Lotion

This is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Thin, watery lotions often contain alcohol, which can sting cracked skin and actually contribute to further dryness once they evaporate.

Once the temperatures drop, switch everyone in the family to creams. Creams are thicker, heavier, and do a much better job of locking moisture into the skin barrier. For the best absorption, apply the cream immediately after patting dry from a shower, while the skin is still slightly damp.

3. Go Fragrance-Free

Those holiday-scented soaps and berry-scented lotions might smell festive, but they are likely irritating your family's skin. Artificial scents are common chemical irritants that cause allergic reactions and increase dryness. For girls specifically, scented bath products can disrupt vaginal pH and lead to discomfort or infections.

During winter, simple is always best. Look for products labeled "fragrance-free" (not just "unscented," which sometimes contains masking fragrances).

4. Layer Up: Using Ointments

For problem areas—like knuckles, elbows, or cheeks that are already very dry or itchy—a cream might not be enough.

Use the "layering" technique. Apply an ointment (such as petrolatum-based products like Aquaphor or plain Vaseline) right over top of your cream. This creates a heavy-duty seal to trap moisture. These problem areas may need applications 4–6 times a day until they heal.

5. Combating Indoor Heating with Humidifiers

Heating systems in homes throughout Alpharetta and surrounding areas do a great job of keeping us warm, but they also pull moisture right out of the indoor air.

Consider running a cool-mist humidifier in bedrooms at night. When used properly, humidifiers add crucial moisture back into the air, which helps soothe dry skin, chapped lips, and scratchy throats. Note: Be sure to review the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning to prevent mold growth.

Special Attention Areas: Lips and Noses

Winter dryness often attacks the most sensitive areas first.

Simplifying Lip Care Many popular lip balms contain cooling agents (like menthol or camphor) or flavorings that actually cause more dryness in the long run, creating a frustrating cycle of constant reapplication. Keep it simple. Plain Vaseline or Aquaphor are often the most effective tools for healing chapped lips.

Preventing Winter Nosebleeds Dry winter air often leads to dry nasal passages, which is a leading cause of frequent nosebleeds in children. You can prevent this by moisturizing the nostrils. Using a Q-tip with a small amount of plain Vaseline or Aquaphor, gently apply the ointment to the inside lower part of the nostrils (avoid going too deep). This can be done three times daily to keep tissues pliable.

Keep Nails Short Dry, itchy skin leads to scratching. Keep children’s nails trimmed short during the winter. This helps reduce damage from scratching itchy skin and lowers the risk of introducing bacteria into cracks.

When to Ask for Help

Start by choosing a few of these tips that best fit your family's needs and integrate them into your routine.

However, if dryness persists despite home care, worsens into deep cracks, or shows signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or oozing), it’s time to check in with a professional.

Families in Alpharetta, Cumming, and Roswell shouldn't hesitate to contact their pediatrician or family doctor if skin issues become unmanageable. Often, children just need a little extra medical support during the winter months to help their skin heal and stay healthy all season long.