Expert Tips To Fix Dry Winter Skin

“If your skin is dry, it may feel taut, itchy and rough to the touch. Redness, cracking and flaking are also signs of dryness. Cold weather, harsh soaps and detergents, as well as long hot showers can exacerbate the issue, so keep all of this in mind, but know that winter dryness as a condition is very common. While you’d need confirmation from your GP, an underactive thyroid can also be a big cause of dry skin, so be sure to get this checked out if the problem continues to worsen after winter has passed.” – Dr Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist 

“You want to avoid anything too astringent and stripping both on your face and body in the winter. I’m talking about ingredients like denatured alcohol – these can be very drying and dehydrating. I’d also avoid SLSs (surfactants) which are often found in cleansers to aid foaming, but can further irritate dryness and irritation. Likewise, retinoids and salicylic acid can also dry out already sensitised skin, so take it easy and put them on pause while you treat the issue first.” – Tiffany Salmon, skincare expert & Scientia Beauty ambassador

“I recommend using products that feature ceramides during the colder months. They are proven to retain water and boost your skin’s barrier. Hyaluronic acid is a no-brainer too – nothing is better for overall skin health and suppleness. Peptides are also having a moment  – they work hard to stimulate collagen and boost your skin’s energy sources. The result is firmer, softer, smoother-looking skin. I love squalane and shea butter, as both are so nourishing. If you’re really struggling with dryness or irritation, look for occlusive products such as La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast, Aquaphor or a cold cream. These have formulas that provide a barrier against your skin and extreme temperature changes.” – Michaella Bolder, facialist & skincare expert

“I recommend using a very mild gel or cream cleanser for washing your skin and moisturising generously at least twice daily. Layer a hydrating serum underneath your moisturiser or choose a slightly thicker cream than you’d normally use. In terms of ingredients, give glycerin, ceramides and hyaluronic acid a go. All three provide instant relief from dryness and lock in moisture. As Tiffany says, it’s important you step down in frequency from certain ingredients or hold off altogether. Try to alternate ingredients which brighten the skin while doubling up as barrier enhancers for extra moisture – this includes what I’ve just mentioned, but also niacinamide.” – Dr Justine

“A change in routine is key. I like to think of winter as a time you should ‘strengthen your skin’s immunity’. Do this by layering up – from thin to thicker textures. This will treat any issues and lock in as many ingredients as possible to nurse your complexion back to better health. I am a big believer in incorporating a steamer into your routine twice a week – this helps increase circulation and boosts your skin’s moisture levels. I recommend limiting exfoliating ingredients to once or twice or week, or whenever skin feels a bit needy.” – Michaella 

“Look into getting a ‘reset’ treatment that involves a deep clean paired with a peel. At this time of year, I see lots of breakouts and dullness in all types of skin, but also puffiness due to stagnation of the lymph nodes. This is mainly to do with having more sugar in the diet. With that in mind, look for deep cleansing facials and, if you can, opt for a resurfacing peel as well – preferably one that contains lactic acid as this is gentle, but it will also exfoliate and whisk away dead cells while also adding moisture back into your skin.” – Hadda Akrim, global wellness & skin expert

“I recommend trying a facial that incorporates dermabrasion. This is a treatment that simultaneously infuses hydrating, skin-boosting ingredients into your complexion while also sloughing away dull, dead skin cells. It’s clever, quick and requires no downtime. You can follow up from the treatment with a daily enzyme cleanser to keep your cell turnover high for better glow and skin smoothness. Acid-based tonics or overnight creams that contain gentle exfoliators are a great addition post dermabrasion.” – Debbie Thomas, skin & laser expert

“Surprisingly, you can go over the top with moisturiser. Applying too much can cause your skin to become ‘lazy’, signalling that it has enough water, lipids and proteins. The result? A slowdown of your skin’s natural production of these important nutrients. While it’s paramount you use a moisturiser, do so sparingly and stick to application morning and night. I also advise using a gentle exfoliator – PHAs are brilliant for this – to remove dead skin cells and any product build-up. This will also help your moisturiser to absorb fully and work to its best potential.” – Tiffany 

“It’s not all about skincare. You have to make a few lifestyle changes too. For starters, keep any baths to under five minutes – especially if they’re very hot – or take a cooler shower instead. Immersing your skin in water for long periods may feel nice, but it has a huge impact on dryness. Your water should be lukewarm, never too hot. Another tip is to close your bathroom door when you shower to increase humidity and, in turn, moisture your skin. It’s worth using a soft towel like the new Resore ones (which are also antibacterial) to gently pat your skin dry. Never rub too hard or this will also exacerbate the issue. Finally, if you’re really suffering with dryness on your hands and feet, pop a pair of cotton gloves over them to increase absorption and soften rough, cracked patches.” – Justine 

“Likewise, avoid harsh, cold weather where possible and don’t sit under air conditioners or heaters for too long – these will literally zap the moisture from your skin.” – Tiffany 

“There is often some confusion whether skin is dry or simply dehydrated. If you have dehydration, this means your skin lacks water and the most common causes are the weather, environment, diet and caffeine – all of which result in diminished water content within the skin. If your skin is dry, this is usually due to a lack of sebum (natural oil), meaning it’s without the essential lipids it needs to retain moisture and build strong barriers to protect against external aggressors – think dryness, itchiness, flakiness and redness. A good test is to gently pinch your cheek. If the skin wrinkles, instead of holding its shape, then you’re on the dehydrated side.” – Tiffany

“As the seasons change, so should your skincare. Think of it in the same way that you would your wardrobe: keep your favourite year-round items, but layer them with some additional key pieces to give you extra protection when it’s needed. To combat dryness, the advice is simple: give your moisture barrier as much love and attention as you possibly can. Focus on simple ingredients – as mentioned earlier – that work hard and keep skin healthy. Drenching skin in a cooling veil of hydration is paramount to keeping it soothed, soft and supple. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and fatty acids are all key to help you mimic the skin’s natural building blocks, so focus on this and be strict with skincare maintenance. A few standout products include Scientica’s Ceramide Skin Rescue Balm, Aveeno’s Body Lotion and the Augustinus Bader Cream – the latter is expensive, but I don’t know anyone who hasn’t used it and benefited from its intense hydration.” – Tiffany 

“If treatments are out of the question due to costs, try light massage techniques at home – these can make a difference to sluggish skin. Do this during your daily cleanse – preferably in the morning when skin is more receptive. I recommend using your full hand and swiping it across the face, always working outwards towards the hairline. Don’t forget your neck and chest. Knuckling movements are key too. They can help release tension around your jawline and forehead. As a technique, this is better done at night just before bed, as it can help improve your sleep. I am a big advocate of gentle tapping and pinching too. Both techniques are a great way to improve circulation and blood flow to your skin’s cells. Go easy and ensure you’re using your fingertips – not your nails. Gently tap and pinch all over your face – you’ll see it redden slightly but this is just fresh, nutrient-rich blood coming to the surface.” – Hadda

“It’s not just the face that shows the tell-tale signs of winter tiredness, our eyes do too and are often neglected. I recommend moving your facial massage to this delicate area to improve any stagnant lymph flow. Work gently using your index and middle fingers to keep everything moving. Try incorporating brightening ingredients within your serum – look to arbutin, kojic acid and tranexamic acid – all are proven to make a difference and resurface skin. A gentle retinol can be great too, but only if you find you can tolerate it in this area.” – Hadda

“Nothing helps reduce puffy eyes and darkness more than a good night’s sleep, but I also recommend a lightweight eye gel. Gel is lightweight, so it will absorb easily to deliver those hard-working ingredients. Gel textures are also immediately hydrating and brightening. For a quick bit of de-puffing, use ice cubes in fast, sweeping motions for roughly two minutes around your eyes. It sounds simple, but it works and feels really good.” – Debbie

Visit DrJustineKluk.com, @Tiffany_Salmon_, ScientiaBeauty.com, @MichaellaBolder, @Minimal_By_Hadda & DThomas.com

DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.