Winter Skin SOS: Simple Steps to a Radiant, Healthy Glow

Winter can be a beautiful season, but it’s also the time when our skin struggles the most. Cold winds, low humidity, indoor heating and sudden temperature changes all disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, dullness and increased sensitivity.

The good news? Small, thoughtful adjustments can make a dramatic difference. With the right routine and a little extra care, your skin can stay hydrated, calm and glowing throughout the colder months.

Here are my top tips for healthy, radiant winter skin - all simple, effective and backed by evidence and experience.

1. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier protects against moisture loss, irritation and inflammation - and winter is when it needs the most support.

Look for moisturisers containing ceramides, squalane and humectants to help repair and reinforce the barrier.

A strengthened barrier helps reduce redness, dryness and that “tight” feeling many people experience in cold weather.

Tip: If your skin feels sore or irritated in winter, try “doubling up” - a hydrating serum followed by a nourishing moisturiser to lock everything in.

2. Hydrate Deeply (Inside and Out)

Cold air outside + central heating inside = moisture quickly leaving the skin. Increasing hydration is one of the simplest ways to transform winter dryness.

Consider:

• A hyaluronic acid serum under your moisturiser

• A richer or more occlusive cream at night

• Adding a humidifier to your bedroom (even a small one helps)

• Warm herbal teas to gently boost hydration if you’re less thirsty in winter

Hydration works quickly: most people notice an improvement in 48-72 hours.

3. Be Gentle With Your Actives

Retinoids, AHAs and BHAs are wonderful for skin renewal, but winter is the time to use them mindfully to avoid sensitivity.

You might want to:

• Reduce the frequency

• Avoid layering multiple strong actives together

• Apply a barrier-supporting serum afterwards

• Switch temporarily to gentler exfoliation methods

This allows you to continue working on brightness, texture and fine lines - without compromising the skin barrier.

4. Don’t Forget SPF

Even in winter, UVA rays (the ageing rays) are present all year and penetrate clouds and windows. Using SPF 30+ daily protects collagen, prevents pigmentation and keeps your skin looking bright.

Tip: Choose a hydrating SPF so it doubles as a moisturiser. Many patients find this easier to keep up with in winter.

5. Support Your Skin From Within

Your holistic wellbeing shows on your face - and winter is the perfect time to nurture it.

For healthy, glowing skin:

• Prioritise omega-3 rich foods (salmon, flaxseed, walnuts)

• Keep protein high to support skin repair

• Enjoy warm, hydrating meals like soups and stews

• Prioritise restorative sleep

• Incorporate gentle movement or breathwork to reduce stress

This inside-out foundation is what gives long-term resilience, not just quick fixes.

When to Ask for Expert Help

If your skin feels unusually dry, irritated, spot-prone or sensitive in winter, it may be a sign that your routine needs adjusting.

A personalised plan can make the world of difference - especially if you’re using actives like retinoids, peels or vitamin C.

I’m always happy to help tailor a winter routine to your skin type, lifestyle and goals.