Winter Skin 101: Tips to Maintain And Protect Your Skin

With the arrival of winter, colder air and indoor heating can take a toll on your skin. As temperature and humidity levels drop, your skin needs a little extra TLC. Winter skin health isn’t just about what products you use (though choosing the right ones can make a big difference!) – it’s also about how you nourish your body and adjust your environment. In this short guide, we’ll explore a holistic approach to winter skincare and share practical tips to help you maintain and protect your skin all season long.

An interesting clinical study carried out in Korea investigated the effects of indoor environments on the skin during the winter period (1). Heating in indoor spaces can promote moisture loss and, due to low relative humidity, increase skin dryness. When this dryness persists, dead skin cells can accumulate and lead to further skin problems. 

The study compared changes in skin condition when exposed to heated indoor environments. After six hours with the heater on, skin pores, roughness, redness and wrinkles significantly increased on the face. Sebum secretion was found to act as a barrier to maintain homeostasis (your stable environment) in the facial skin. On the side of the face where ceramide cream was applied, elasticity, pores and wrinkles improved. The moisture content was also found to be higher. 

Another study focussed on the seasonal effects during winter and summer on the skin (2). It found that during winter, skin becomes drier, rougher, and less elastic due to increased water loss and reduced hydration, while summer conditions improve moisture, thickness, and firmness. These results highlight the need for extra hydration and barrier protection in colder months to maintain healthy, resilient skin.

As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, your skin’s natural barrier can weaken, making it more vulnerable to irritation, redness and dehydration. That’s why adjusting your skincare routine for the colder months is essential - not just to treat dryness, but to strengthen, soothe and shield your skin from environmental stressors. 

There are various tips and tricks to help transition your topical skincare routine for winter. These include:

• Switching to a gentle cleanser: opt for cream or oil-based cleansers to preserve your skin barrier whilst effectively removing impurities. 
• Layering hydration: Apply a toner, hydrating serum and rich moisturiser (in that order!), to lock in moisture and support skin elasticity. 
• Protecting with SPF: Sunscreen remains essential even in winter. 
• Exfoliating wisely: Choose mild chemical exfoliants once or twice weekly to remove dead skin cells and avoid irritation. 
• Targeting dry spots: Use overnight masks or barrier-repair balms on flaky skin for extra nourishment. 

Overall, your goal is to maintain hydration and provide deep moisturisation to support and protect your skin barrier. Dry, sensitive and mature skin types tend to feel the effects of winter the most. The lips, hands and fingers are also particularly susceptible to dryness, so give them some extra care. 

If you’re looking to elevate your winter skincare routine, PCA Skin has a collection of dermatologist-approved formulas that deeply nourish and protect your skin from seasonal dryness.

1. PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser
2. PCA Skin Daily Cleansing Oil
3. PCA Skin Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
4. PCA Skin Hydrating Toner
5. PCA Skin Hydrating Serum
6. PCA Overnight Lip Mask
7. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask

Your skin reflects what’s happening inside your body - meaning that nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle habits play an important role in maintaining a healthy complexion throughout the winter months. When temperatures drop, your skin’s natural repair processes can slow down. Supporting your internal environment is therefore key to support your skin from within: 

• Staying hydrated: Warm water, herbal teas and electrolyte-infused drinks to keep skin plump. 
• Eating skin-loving fats: Incorporate foods or supplements rich in omega-3 and omega-6 (avocados, nuts, salmon) to help reinforce your skin barrier. 
• Boosting antioxidants: Add vitamin-C rich fruits and green leafy vegetables to protect against oxidative stress and combat dullness. 
• Supporting collagen production: Include protein supplements, bone broth or collagen-boosting supplements to maintain skin firmness and elasticity. 

Many of these habits also boost your immune system, helping your body stay healthy and energised during the colder season. Overall, winter nourishment is about balance – hydrating well, eating well and supporting your skin from the inside out with key supplements. 

Some options to incorporate into your routine include: 

1. Ancient and Brave True Hydration Jar
2. Ancient and Brave True Omegas+
3. Altrient C Liposomal Vitamin C
4. Ancient and Brave Noble Collagen Capsules

By prioritising internal nourishment, you can enhance your skin’s natural glow and also promote overall wellbeing.

Your surroundings can have just as much impact on your skin as your skincare routine or diet. During the winter months, indoor heating, dry air, and sudden temperature changes can strip your skin of essential moisture. Creating a skin-friendly environment at home can make a noticeable difference in keeping your complexion hydrated and healthy. Here are some key tips for adjusting your environment to support your skin’s moisture balance and comfort: 

• Use a humidifier to keep air moisture balanced indoors.
• Avoid hot showers to prevent dehydration and irritation (use lukewarm water instead).
• Adjust the heating accordingly as high temperatures can dry out your skin.
• Protect your skin outdoors by wearing scarves and gloves to shield your skin from harsh winds and cold air. 
• Upgrade your sleep environment by using silk pillowcases and a soothing hydrating mist (additional benefit: a relaxing night-time ritual!)

Here are some recommended facial mists at Dermoi!

1. Decree Preparatory Mist
2. Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist

To enhance your evening routine, facial mists and sleep sprays can provide both skin and sensory benefits. They help refresh, hydrate, and relax - perfect for some self-care to help wind down after a cold winter’s day. 

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and care for yourself - and your skin. By strengthening your barrier with the right products, nourishing your body from within, and creating a skin-friendly environment, you can maintain healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin all season long. 

1. Eun Hye Park, Da Jung Jo, Hyo Won Jeon, Seong Jin Na. Effects of winter indoor environment on the skin: Unveiling skin condition changes in Korea. 2023 Jun 1;29(6). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264749/
2. Ifeanyi Uchegbulam, Danby SG, Lewis R, Carré MJ, Raman Maiti. Effect of seasonal change on the biomechanical and physical properties of the human skin. Journal of mechanical behaviour of biomedical materials (Online). 2022 Mar 1;127:105058–8.