5 Tips to Reduce Static Shock This Cold Season

Ah, static shock—that little zap that turns you into a human lightning rod as the colder months roll in. One moment you're reaching for the doorknob, and the next, you're jolted by a mini-electrocution that’s enough to make you jump (and possibly curse).

You might have noticed that this unwelcome sensation is a frequent visitor come fall and winter. But why is that, and what exactly is static shock? Let’s dive in and learn not only why this happens but how to reduce it (hint: lotion is your secret weapon).

What is Static Shock?

Static shock is that surprising little zap you feel when you touch a doorknob, a light switch, or even a friend after walking across a carpet. This phenomenon is caused by static electricity, which occurs when there’s an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of objects.

Here's how it works: when two different materials come into contact and then separate, electrons—tiny negatively charged particles—can transfer from one object to another. This transfer leaves one object positively charged (having lost electrons) and the other negatively charged (having gained electrons). For example, if you walk across a carpet while wearing synthetic shoes, electrons may move from the carpet to your body, creating a surplus of electric charge on you.

When you touch a conductive surface, like metal, the built-up charge quickly discharges, resulting in that small but surprising shock. Essentially, static shock is a quick release of stored electrical energy, often felt in the form of a tiny jolt.

 

Why Do We Experience Static Shock More in Colder Months?

In the colder months, static shock becomes more common for a couple of reasons. First, as the air gets drier, especially in heated indoor environments, it becomes less humid. Dry air is a poor conductor of electricity, allowing static charges to accumulate on your body instead of dissipating into the atmosphere. 

Second, in winter, we often wear more layers, and many of our cozy clothes are made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. These materials are more prone to creating static electricity than natural fibers, contributing to the likelihood of experiencing a static shock.

Now that you’re all charged up on knowledge, let’s get to the real question: how do we keep this static shock at bay? Here are some top tips to keep the sparks under control this cold season:

 

5 Tips for Reducing Static Shock During the Cold Season

1. Moisturize Like Your Life Depends On It (Because, Honestly, Your Comfort Does)

One of the biggest reasons static shock loves you so much in the colder months is that your skin is dry. And dry skin is a breeding ground for static charge. The solution? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. But here’s where a lot of people get it wrong: not all lotions are created equal when it comes to battling static shock. You need a lotion that’s both a hydrator and a moisturizer.

Why both? A hydrator draws moisture into your skin (think of it like a glass of water for your skin), while a moisturizer seals that hydration in and creates a barrier to keep your skin from drying out again. And when your skin is properly hydrated and moisturized, static shock has a much harder time finding a foothold. It’s like giving the electric charge nowhere to hide!

Pro tip: Use lotions that contain ingredients like glyceryl monostearate, which is a humectant (a fancy word for moisture magnet), combined with emollients like shea butter or oils that lock it all in.

Even bigger pro tip: Try Tub Therapy’s The After Series CBD Lotions. Each tub is not just your typical moisturizing lotion—it’s formulated to soothe and hydrate your skin with full spectrum CBD, organic shea butter, glyceryl monostearate, and other nourishing ingredients that target dry, flaky skin while calming any irritation. You’ll feel soft, smooth, and, most importantly, shock-free. Plus, the full-spectrum CBD in the formula gives your skin an extra boost of nourishment.

 

2. Humidify the Air (A.K.A. Give Your Skin Some Breathing Room)

One of the main reasons static shock wreaks havoc during the cold season is due to the dry air. Running a humidifier in your home or office adds moisture back into the air, making it harder for static charge to build up on your body or around your space. Think of it as an invisible barrier that stops those electrons from ganging up on you. Plus, your skin and sinuses will thank you for the added moisture in the air. It's a win-win.

 

3. Wear Natural Fabrics (Because Your Wardrobe Might Be the Real Culprit)

Here’s the deal: synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and even that comfy fleece blanket you live under are prime suspects when it comes to static buildup. These fabrics don’t play nice with electrons and can make static shock worse. Opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk, which are less likely to build up a static charge. If you’re a sucker for that fleece blanket, consider throwing a dryer sheet over it before snuggling up—it can help tame the static.

 

4. Swap Out Synthetic Shoes for Leather Ones

This might surprise you, but your shoes could be a source of static, too. Rubber soles on shoes can cause friction between your feet and the ground, creating more static shock. Leather-soled shoes, on the other hand, help disperse that electric charge, preventing buildup. Fashionable and practical? Yes, please.

 

5. Use a Metal Hanger (Your Closet’s Secret Anti-Static Weapon)

Before you put on that favorite winter sweater (that you suspect will cling to you like a second skin), run a metal hanger over it. Metal helps neutralize the static charge that builds up in fabrics, so you can avoid that annoying crackling sound when you pull it over your head. Your hair will also thank you for not turning it into a staticky mess.

 

Our verdict?

The next time you experience that annoying jolt when you touch your car door or a loved one, remember: it’s just static electricity reminding you that it’s a little too dry out there! Static electricity may be a seasonal villain, but with the right tips, you can zap it out of your life for good. 

Start with proper skin hydration, layer on a good moisturizer like Tub Therapy’s The After Series CBD Lotions to keep the dryness at bay, and make a few small lifestyle changes like adding humidity to your space and wearing natural fibers. Your winter will be way less shocking—both literally and figuratively. And remember, the real hero here isn’t just the weather forecast—it’s your skincare routine.