As winter is approaching and the temperature begins to drop, you might find your skin reacting to the changing climate. The combination of colder air, biting winds and indoor heating often leads to dryness, flakiness and irritation. These seasonal challenges mean your usual skincare routine might not be enough to keep your skin in its best condition. To keep your skin healthy and glowing through the winter months, you’ll need to adjust your regimen and adopt habits that protect your skin from the harsher conditions.
Why Does Winter Affect Your Skin?
The cold, dry air of winter has a direct impact on the moisture levels in your skin. Lower humidity levels, both outdoors and indoors due to heating, result in moisture being pulled from the skin. This leaves the skin feeling dry and tight, often leading to flaking or even cracking in extreme cases. Add to that the constant shift between cold air outside and warm, dry air inside and your skin’s protective barrier becomes compromised. This can make it more difficult for your skin to retain water, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation.
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can flare up during the colder months, making it even more important to take extra care of your skin during this time.
Moisturise Regularly and Effectively
The foundation of any winter skincare routine is hydration. As your skin loses moisture faster during winter, it’s important to switch from lighter, water-based moisturisers to richer, oil-based creams. These thicker formulations create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, locking in moisture for longer periods. Look for moisturisers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine and ceramides. These ingredients are particularly good at attracting and retaining moisture, helping to keep your skin soft and supple despite the cold.
For best results, apply your moisturiser immediately after washing your face or showering, when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to lock in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out further. Don’t forget about areas that are often neglected, such as your hands, feet and elbows, which can also become dry and cracked during the winter.
Keep Using Sunscreen
Even though the sun may feel weaker during winter, it’s a mistake to skip your daily sunscreen. UV rays can still cause damage to your skin and in some cases, the effects can be even more harmful. Snow, for instance, can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays, increasing your exposure even on cloudy days. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or playing out in the garden with the kids, make sure you’re protecting your skin from potential sun damage.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it to all exposed areas of your skin. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, reapply every couple of hours, just as you would in the summer. By continuing to use sunscreen throughout the winter, you’ll protect your skin from premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and more serious issues like skin cancer.
Be Gentle with Your Skin
Cold weather can make your skin more sensitive, so it’s important to treat it with care. Harsh cleansers and scrubs can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it even drier and more prone to irritation. We advise you go for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that won’t disrupt your skin’s moisture barrier. Cleansing milks or oils can be particularly effective in winter as they remove dirt and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.
Exfoliation is still important but during winter, less is more. Over-exfoliating can lead to microtears and inflammation, which are especially problematic when your skin is already sensitive from the cold. Stick to a mild exfoliator once or twice a week to slough away dead skin cells, but always follow up with a rich moisturiser to replenish your skin.
Stay Hydrated from the Inside
While topical moisturisers play a vital role in keeping your skin hydrated, don’t underestimate the power of staying hydrated from within. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and dull. The dry air caused by indoor heating can dehydrate your entire body, including your skin, so make sure you’re drinking enough to counteract these effects.
Eating a diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can also support your skin’s health during winter. Foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts are packed with antioxidants that help to protect your skin from environmental stressors, while healthy fats found in fish, avocados and flaxseeds keep your skin nourished from the inside out.
Combat Dry Indoor Air with a Humidifier
Indoor heating may keep you warm and cosy during winter but it also dries out the air in your home, which can have a negative impact on your skin. Low humidity levels in heated indoor spaces can reduce your skin’s moisture, making it harder to maintain hydration. A simple solution is to invest in a humidifier, which adds moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated and preventing it from becoming overly dry or irritated.
A humidifier can be especially helpful if you suffer from skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, as it creates a more balanced and comfortable environment for your skin. Consider placing one in your bedroom to improve the air quality while you sleep, allowing your skin to repair and recover overnight.
Protect Your Skin from Harsh Elements
Winter weather exposes your skin to more extreme conditions and it’s essential to protect it from the cold and wind. Harsh winds can cause windburn and chapping, particularly on your face and hands, which are often left exposed. To shield your skin from these elements, wrap up with scarves, gloves and hats whenever you go outdoors.
If you’re particularly prone to dry lips or windburn, apply a rich, emollient balm to these areas before heading outside to create an extra barrier. Products containing beeswax or shea butter can be particularly effective at preventing chapping and keeping your skin protected from the elements.
Need Help with Winter Skin Concerns?
While adopting a good skincare routine can help prevent many of winter’s skin problems, some issues may require professional advice. If you’re experiencing persistent skin concerns such as severe dryness, eczema or other conditions that worsen during winter, it’s important to seek expert help.
Your GP can assess your skin concerns and refer you to Novus Health, where our experienced dermatologists will provide personalised advice and treatments tailored to your needs. Don’t let the winter weather take a toll on your skin, speak to your GP today and take the first step towards healthier, more resilient skin this winter.
