When Winter Bites, Your Skin Does Not Have To

A real tester note from Illinois, plus my go-to cold weather hand care tips.

Every once in a while, someone sends me a message that makes me stop what I’m doing, grin like a goof, and immediately want to frame it.

This week’s “frame it” moment came from Linda in Illinois. She’s been testing Sarcastic Narwhal soap samples in weather that honestly sounds illegal.

Here’s what she wrote:

“The soap samples I received are really getting tested in this (IL) weather. When I left for church Sunday morning the wind chill was five below. The regular temp was three degrees. I was bundled up… I wear gloves, but with this kind of cold the skin dries out really bad. My hands are still looking good and so soft I love it. Your soaps are amazing… and smell good too!”

Linda, if you’re reading this, thank you. Also, please stay warm.

And if you are out there battling cracked knuckles, dry cuticles, and that tight “paper skin” feeling every time the forecast drops, this post is for you.

Why winter is so hard on hands

Cold weather is a one-two punch:

• Low humidity outside means moisture evaporates faster from your skin

• Indoor heat dries the air even more

• Frequent handwashing (because life) strips oils your skin uses to protect itself

• Wind chill can make everything feel harsher, especially on exposed areas like hands

So even if you wear gloves, your hands can still take a beating.

What a good bar soap should do in winter

Let’s be real. Soap is not lotion. It cannot “replace” moisturizer.

But a well-formulated, properly cured handmade bar can absolutely make winter skin feel more comfortable because it can:

• Clean without that squeaky, tight feeling

• Leave skin feeling smoother after rinsing

• Feel gentler for frequent washing, especially hands

That is the goal behind Sarcastic Narwhal bars. Clean, balanced, and cozy.

The winter hand routine I swear by

If your hands get dry fast, try this simple routine for a week:

1. Wash with lukewarm water. Hot water feels great, then your skin gets mad.

2. Pat dry, do not scrub dry. Leave a tiny bit of dampness behind.

3. Moisturize right away. Even a small amount helps lock in water.

4. Keep a “checkpoint” lotion. One by the kitchen sink, one by your bed, one in the car.

5. Overnight rescue: lotion plus cotton gloves for 2 to 3 nights.

If you want bonus points, cuticle oil is your best friend.

What this testimonial means to me

Handmade soap is a small thing that shows up in big ways. It’s in the quick sink wash before school drop-off. It’s the “I need a reset” shower after a long day. It’s the extra two minutes of care you give yourself in a season that can feel tough and hurried.

So hearing, “My hands are still looking good and so soft,” in a five-below wind chill situation?

That’s the kind of feedback soapmakers live for.

Want to try a bar that holds up in winter

If you’re dealing with dry winter hands and you want to see what our bars are like, come visit sarcasticnarwhal.com and grab a scent that fits your vibe.

And if you’ve tried Sarcastic Narwhal already, I would love to hear how your skin feels after a week of use. Your notes help me keep making better bars, one batch at a time.

Friendly note: everyone’s skin is different, and results vary based on environment and routine. This post shares one customer’s experience and general skincare tips, not medical advice.