Winter Skincare

Winter brings cold air, low humidity, wind, and indoor heating — all of which strip moisture from the skin. The skin barrier becomes compromised, leading to dryness, flaking, redness, and sensitivity. The strategy shifts from oil control to barrier protection and deep hydration.

• Switch to a cream or balm cleanser — foaming cleansers strip too much. • Use lukewarm water (hot water damages the barrier). • Moisturiser should contain ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids. • Add an occlusive layer at night (petroleum jelly, Cicaplast, or facial oil). • Consider a humidifier in your bedroom (30–50% humidity ideal).

• **Ceramides** — rebuild the barrier. • **Squalane** — lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural sebum. • **Hyaluronic acid** — apply to damp skin for maximum benefit. • **Shea butter** — rich emollient for dry areas. • **Panthenol** — soothes and hydrates. • **Urea** — gentle exfoliation + deep hydration for very dry skin.

• Retinol can be more irritating in winter — reduce frequency or use the sandwich method (moisturiser → retinol → moisturiser). • AHAs increase photosensitivity — no change needed in winter but still use SPF. • Vitamin C is still important in winter (oxidative stress from indoor heating + blue light from screens). • If your skin becomes too dry or irritated, pause all actives and focus on barrier repair for 2–4 weeks.

• UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off snow (snow reflects up to 80% of UV!). • SPF 30+ is still necessary, especially if you ski, snowboard, or spend time outdoors. • UVA rays are consistent year-round and penetrate windows. • Many winter moisturisers contain SPF — but standalone SPF is more reliable.

**AM**: Gentle cream cleanser (or just water) → Vitamin C → Ceramide moisturiser → SPF 30–50 **PM**: Oil cleanser → Cream cleanser → Retinol (3x/week, sandwich method) → Rich moisturiser → Facial oil or Cicaplast **Weekly**: Hydrating sheet mask or overnight sleeping mask (1–2x/week)