Winter Skincare for Dry & Sensitive Skin

The positive side of Winter, cosy jumpers, hot chocolate, and frosty mornings. But for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, it can be a bit of a nightmare. The cold weather and low humidity can rob your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and downright miserable. Don’t worry, though – with the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin happy and hydrated all season long.

How Winter Affects Your Skin

Cold weather, indoor heating, and biting winds are the usual suspects behind winter skin problems. They can cause:

1. Dehydration: With less moisture in the air, your skin loses water much more quickly.

2. Irritation: Sensitive skin can become red, itchy, or inflamed thanks to constant temperature changes and exposure to irritants.

3. Barrier Damage: Your skin’s protective barrier can weaken, making it harder to lock in hydration and easier for irritants to sneak in.

Essential Winter Skincare Tips

Here’s how to look after your dry and sensitive skin when it’s freezing outside:

1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
   Ditch any harsh cleansers that strip your skin’s natural oils. Instead, go for a fragrance-free, hydrating option that cleans without upsetting your skin’s balance.

2. Layer Your Moisturisers
   Swap your lightweight moisturiser for something richer and creamier to lock in hydration. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. For extra dry areas, add a hydrating serum underneath.

3. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
   Yes, even in winter! Those UV rays don’t take a holiday. Use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 every morning to keep your skin protected

4. Avoid Long, Hot Showers
   As tempting as they are, hot showers can strip your skin of essential oils. Stick to lukewarm water and pat your skin dry gently with a towel.

5. Use Barrier-Repairing Ingredients
   Products with niacinamide, ceramides, and fatty acids can help restore your skin’s natural barrier, reducing sensitivity and preventing moisture loss.

Building a Consistent Winter Skincare Routine

A consistent routine is your best defence against winter skin woes. Try this simple one:

Morning:

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Hydrating serum

3. Rich moisturiser

4. Sunscreen

Evening:

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Barrier-repairing serum or oil

3. Emollient moisturiser

When to See a Dermatologist

If your skin becomes painfully dry, cracked, or irritated despite your best efforts, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist. They can recommend tailored treatments to get your skin back on track.

Winter doesn’t have to be a struggle for your skin. With a bit of care and consistency, you can keep it calm, hydrated, and glowing all season long.