How do I ‘winter proof’ my skin from dryness during cooler months?

Published on 23 May, 2023

As winter approaches, many of us experience changes in our skin. The cold, dry air can wreak havoc on our complexion, leading to dry, flaky and sometimes even sensitive or uncomfortable skin.

Our skin therapist Diane performs facials, laser, peels and microneedling in our Brisbane and Ipswich clinics.

Here, she explains the steps that she takes to protect and improve her patient’s skin during the cooler months.

How do I 'winter proof' my skin from dryness during cooler months? - 1

Every winter, I see hundreds of patients who suffer from sensitive or super-dry skin that can be easily avoided with a few simple home-care routines and maintenance treatments. Improving the hydration of your skin’s barrier and protecting it from impairment is essential for maintaining healthy and resilient skin throughout the year, but even more so in winter. Here are some key tips to achieve this:

Why is my skin more dry in winter?

1. Low Humidity: during winter, humidity levels drop both indoors and outdoors. This lack of moisture in the air can lead to increased water loss from the skin, causing it to become dry and dehydrated.

2. Harsh weather conditions: colder weather and cold wind can strip the skin of its natural oils, compromising its protective barrier and leading to moisture loss.

3. Indoor heating: being indoors with heaters on, especially while you sleep, can further deplete the skin’s moisture content.

4. Hot showers: hot showers may feel comforting in the cold weather, however prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, contributing to dryness.

These factors contribute to what we know as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL. This is something we can improve and prevent, so that the skin remains stable and healthy during seasonal change.

Solutions for dry skin during winter:

1. Hydrate: In winter our need for water tends to decrease and we tend to reach for hot drinks such as coffee or hot chocolate. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will ensure your body stays hydrated from within. This supports skin hydration, from the inside out.

2. Moisturise: use a rich, nourishing moisturiser that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils to replenish and lock in moisture. Apply it immediately after showering or washing your face to seal in hydration. Some of our winter favourites are:

Synergie Hydrolock : an ultra rich luxurious formula for very dry and thirsty skin.
Synergie Lumibalance : this incredible oil will deeply moisturise and prevent water loss, while addressing signs of ageing and dull skin that needs a boost.
Synergie Dermacalm : soothing and repairing formula to help calm those with a dry and sensitive skin. Suitable for those who suffer with rosacea.
Optimum Hydration for Aspect Platinum: HA and peptide moisturising cream. A rich yet lightweight formula that helps to deeply hydrate and protect your skins barrier whilst protecting against free radical damage and slows down the signs of ageing. Instantly soothes and calms flushed red skin.
Essential duo: Age Defying complex from Aspect Platinum: this brilliant and innovative serum works on different pathways within the skin to address dehydration, uneven skin tone and fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Humidify: invest in a humidifier to add moisture back into the air indoors. This helps to combat the dryness caused by heaters. We combine many of our facials with steam to help open pores and prevent congestion.

4. Gentle cleansing: opt for mild cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils. Avoid using harsh exfoliants or scrubs that can further exacerbate dryness. Our favourite gentle cleansers for winter are:

Aspect Hydrating cream cleanser: This cleanser is suitable for all skin types but is in particular kind and gentle for a dry or sensitive skin. Rich in nourishing honey extract, glycerin and omega rich oils that gently cleanse and leave your skin soft and supple.
Synergie Bio cleanse is perfect for those with a normal to dry or sensitive skin. This luxurious milk cleanser is enriched with, antioxidants, lipids, aloe vera, and gentle surfactants that gently cleanses skin and even helps to remove all traces of makeup. Suitable for vegans.

5. SPF protection: Even during winter in Queensland, it is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from sun damage. We recommend:

Synergie Uber Zinc is enriched with 21% Zinc oxide, and powerful antioxidants such as green tea extract and Lycopene to protect against free radical damage.
Dr Sharp SPF50+ Dry touch sunscreen: This formula is dry to the touch, while it remains hydrating, and is enriched with Aloe vera, vitamin E to help soothe skin.

6. Warm showers: take shorter, lukewarm showers instead of long, hot baths. This helps to prevent excessive drying of the skin.

7. Protective clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as scarves, hats, and gloves, to shield your skin from the cold and wind.

8. Don’t forget about the rest of your body!

Nourish your skin from the inside out, and try to reduce anything that can dehydrate the skin too much such as too much coffee and alcohol. Include Omegas in your diet, such as:

We love Green Nutritional’s Omega 3 capsules: all the benefits that omegas provide but without the fish! Derived from microalgae. Perfect for healthy hair, skin and nails!
Synergie B-Juvenate: Non-greasy yet deeply nourishing is the perfect solution for your body. Enriched with 9% Niacinamide for healthy and hydrated barrier, Squalene, Marula oil and green tea extract.

9. Consider skin remodelling boosters : skin remodelling injectable treatments can improve the quality and hydration of the skin for suitable candidates. Used in conjunction with the Profhilo Haenkenium Skin Cream, the injectable product we use is composed of hyaluronic acid, which stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in improved skin texture, firmness, and overall hydration. As with all injectable treatments, these carry benefits, risks and a recovery; visit the treatment page for more information.

10. Invest in a facial: there is nothing more soothing and comforting for winter skin than to take some time out for a relaxing facial. Stress can also contribute to our body’s inability to retain water leading to trans epidermal water loss. Relaxing lymphatic massage with soothing oils to the face and neck, along with deep breath work and nourish masks, will not only leave the skin looking luminous and deeply hydrated but will also reduce high cortisol within the body, relaxing a busy mind.

Understanding the causes of dry skin during winter and adopting the right skincare practices can help you maintain a healthy and radiant complexion all year long. Keep your skin hydrated, moisturised, and protected from harsh conditions. By following these tips and avoiding common pitfalls, you can prevent dryness, discomfort, and enjoy the winter season with nourished skin.

To receive more information on how to change up your homecare during winter, or to discuss some of the results-driven clinical (and beautifully relaxing) skin treatments we offer, please call on 3202 4744 or use our booking form to schedule a complimentary skin consultation.