As the seasons change, so do the needs of your skin. The crisp autumn air quickly gives way to the winter chill and while you add more layers to keep you warm, your skin needs special care to combat the unique challenges of the winter weather.
With enviromental shifts such as dry air, cold winds and central heating, your skin is more vulnerable to dryness, dehydration and sensitivity.
Why does my skin become drier and more sensitive?
During the winter, you may notice your skin feels drier and tighter than usual. This is because the cold air outside holds less moisture, and when combined with other enviromental factors the skin becomes dry, dehydrated.
So, if you’re experiencing more redness, tightness, or discomfort, it’s not just your imagination—your skin really is struggling to cope with the harsh winter conditions.
Factors That Affect Your Skin in Winter
Several environmental changes contribute to these seasonal skin struggles:
1. Cold Air: Cold air lacks humidity, which means there’s less moisture available to keep your skin hydrated. This dryness often leads to flakiness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier.
2. Harsh Winds: Winter winds can be harsh and unforgiving. The wind strips away the natural oils that protect your skin, leaving it exposed to the elements and more prone to redness and dryness.
3. Indoor Heating: While it’s nice to stay warm indoors, central heating, and car heaters create dry, hot environments that suck moisture from the air—and your skin. Prolonged exposure to these conditions can leave your skin feeling parched and dehydrated.
4. Hot Showers: After spending time in the cold, a hot shower feels comforting. However, hot water can be damaging to your skin, leaving it more prone to dryness and irritation, especially when followed by exposure to cold, dry air.
5. Decreased Sun Exposure: The shorter days and reduced sunlight in winter mean lower levels of vitamin D, which can affect your skin’s overall health and its ability to retain moisture. While you still need sun protection, lower UV exposure can contribute to dull and tired-looking skin.
6. Reduced Water Intake: In the colder months, we tend to drink less water, which can lead to dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, it’s reflected in your skin, making it appear dull and exacerbating dryness.
Why You Need to Adapt Your Skincare Routine
Changing your skincare routine with the seasons isn’t just about adding a richer moisturiser (though that certainly helps). Your skin’s needs to shift with the environment, and taking a proactive approach helps protect and maintain your skin’s health during the winter months. Here are some reasons why you should adapt your skincare :
• Moisture Retention: In winter, your skin loses moisture faster, so you need richer, more nourishing products that provide long-lasting hydration and help lock in moisture.
• Barrier Protection: A compromised skin barrier can lead to increased sensitivity, breakouts, and even infections. Incorporating products that strengthen and protect your skin’s barrier function is key to avoiding irritation.
• Soothing Irritation: The extreme conditions of winter can make your skin more prone to redness and inflammation. Switching to gentle, soothing products with anti-inflammatory properties can help keep irritation at bay.
• Repairing Damage: Winter skin damage can accumulate over time, from dry patches to windburn. Incorporating products that support skin repair and regeneration ensures your skin stays resilient.
Winter Skincare Essentials
To combat the effects of winter, consider incorporating the following into your routine:
• Richer Treatment Creams: Our Dry Skin Rich Cream provide long-lasting hydration and reinforces your skin barrier.
• Concentrates: I always descibe these as your underwear for your skin. Our Nurturing Night Balm is the ultimate serum for a very dry skin packed with Omega Oils and Vitamins A,C,E and B
• SPF: Don’t skip sunscreen, even in winter! UV rays can still cause damage even on cloudy days, so keep sun protection in your routine. Our Daily DNA Defence SPF30 as the winter coat you need for your skin
Winter may be harsh, but with the right skincare routine, your skin can thrive even in the coldest months. By understanding the factors that affect your skin in winter and making the necessary adjustments, you’ll ensure that your skin stays hydrated, healthy, and glowing all season long. So, as you layer up for the cold, don’t forget to give your skin the extra care it needs!
If you're unsure what your skin needs, why not book a seasonal skin care review with one of our skin experts? We'll help you tailor your routine to keep your skin looking and feeling its best throughotu the winter!
Love Helen x
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