The mechanism by which aeolian sand (AS) influences the core performance system of self-compacting concrete (SCC) remains insuffiiently understood. In this study, AS was used to partially replace river sand (RS) in the preparation of aeolian sand self-compacting concrete (AS-SCC), and the impacts of AS content on workability indices, mechanical performance, and freeze-thaw (F-T) resistance were examined. The mechanism governing performance evolution is interpreted based on changes in pore structure and moisture migration characteristics. A Weibull distribution was employed to establish an F-T damage model, allowing the prediction of material service life. The results indicate that incorporating a suitable amount of AS (20% and 40%) improves workability indices (flowability, passing ability, segregation resistance, and viscosity), fundamental mechanical properties (compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength), and frost resistance of SCC. Microscopic mechanism analysis reveals that fine AS particles effectively fill voids between cement, RS, and coarse aggregates, optimize particle packing, increase system compactness, and consequently enhance overall material performance. Furthermore, the addition of appropriate AS contents refines the internal pore structure of SCC by reducing the proportion of large pores, increasing gel pores and capillary pores, while simultaneously lowering free water saturation and raising bound water saturation. This restricts water migration during F-T cycles and thus enhances frost resistance. The reliability of the developed Weibull F-T damage model was validated through mass loss, dynamic elastic modulus, and compressive strength as damage indicators. Overall, these findings provide theoretical support for the application of AS-SCC in concrete engineering within desert regions.