When winter arrives and temperatures plummet, many people assume that the coldest regions of the country suffer the most from dry, cracked, and irritated skin. Popular assumptions often place freezing northern outposts like Alaska at the forefront of the battle against moisture loss. However, an analysis of nationwide online search patterns has revealed a surprising geographical distribution that defies traditional expectations.
The research, conducted by Eight Saints Skincare, examined Google search queries across all fifty states to identify where residents are most actively seeking relief for dry skin. The study evaluated consumer interest in a wide range of remedies and moisture-boosting products, including ceramide-rich creams, hyaluronic acid serums, room humidifiers, and general treatments for dehydrated skin. To ensure an accurate and fair comparison across different state sizes, the researchers adjusted the total search volume on a per-capita basis, measuring queries per 100,000 residents.
Leading the nation by a substantial margin was Colorado, which secured the No. 1 spot with an average of 154.7 searches per 100,000 people. Analysts pointed to the state's distinct environmental conditions as a primary catalyst for the elevated search volume. The unique combination of elevated altitude, frigid winter temperatures, and naturally arid mountain air creates severe conditions that rapidly deplete moisture from the skin barrier, prompting residents to actively seek out hydration remedies.
In second place was California, recording 125.9 searches per 100,000 residents. The finding is particularly notable given that the state is widely recognized for its temperate and sunny climate rather than severe winter storms. Because of its massive population, California generated the highest overall search volume in absolute numbers, but its population-adjusted rate was also high enough to beat out nearly every other state in the country.
New York claimed the third position on the list, logging 123.8 queries per 100,000 residents. Search activity across the Empire State reflected heavy consumer demand for hyaluronic acid serums, ceramide moisturizers, targeted dry-skin treatments, and home humidifiers. Researchers noted that indoor environmental factors often play a major role in metropolitan and northern areas, as continuous indoor heating during chilly seasons can drastically lower ambient humidity levels inside homes and offices.
Nevada took the No. 4 ranking, registering 118.2 searches per 100,000 residents. The Silver State’s prominent placement highlights that dry skin concerns are not driven solely by subzero temperatures. The study incorporated a broad spectrum of hydration-related terms, showing that arid climates and desert environments push residents to search heavily for restorative skincare products.
Massachusetts ranked fifth in the nation, with 117.4 searches per 100,000 residents. Consumers throughout the state showed strong interest in acquiring specialized moisturizers, hyaluronic acid formulations, and humidifiers to combat seasonal skin irritation and keep moisture intact throughout the colder months.
One of the most unexpected findings in the report occurred at No. 6, where Georgia appeared with 116.8 searches per 100,000 residents. The southern state outranked numerous northern territories with substantially harsher outdoor climates. The researchers suggested that the prevalence of forced-air indoor heating systems contributes significantly to dry skin in milder regions, as heating systems can severely diminish indoor moisture levels even when outdoor temperatures remain moderate.
Maryland secured the No. 7 spot, recording 115.2 searches per 100,000 residents. Search records from the state showed consistent consumer interest in barrier-supporting ceramide lotions, humidifiers, and diverse topical treatments specifically formulated to prevent and repair moisture loss.
Rhode Island placed eighth in the study, generating 114 searches per 100,000 residents. Although the state produced a smaller gross volume of queries due to its modest landmass and population size, its standardized per-capita metric demonstrated that its residents are among the most proactive in seeking answers for skin dryness.
New Jersey followed closely at No. 9, with 113.1 searches per 100,000 residents. Garden State residents frequently looked up terms related to general dry-skin treatments, humidifiers, and hyaluronic acid serums. The state’s top-ten presence serves as further evidence that severe subzero weather is not a prerequisite for widespread skin dehydration issues.
Rounding out the top ten was Connecticut, which posted 110.9 searches per 100,000 residents. People living in the Constitution State regularly researched ceramide-based hydration products, humidifiers, and hyaluronic acid to help replenish and safeguard dry, stressed skin.
Beyond the top ten, the study revealed surprising outcomes for states traditionally associated with extreme cold. Despite its severe arctic climate, Alaska ranked only No. 30 in the nationwide search analysis. Midwestern states known for harsh winter freezes also fell far behind in search frequency, with Minnesota placing at No. 23 and Wisconsin dropping all the way to No. 46.
The findings illustrate that skin dehydration is influenced by an intricate mixture of natural elevation, outdoor humidity, and modern indoor living conditions. The drying effects of forced-air heating systems can create dry environments inside residences nationwide, demonstrating that the need for skin hydration extends far beyond the nation's coldest borders.
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