Cold-Weather Skincare Basics: How to Protect Your Skin Barrier in Winter

Winter in the UK brings cold winds and dry indoor heating that can quickly sap moisture from your skin. Many people struggle with dry skin during this season, often wondering how to hydrate skin in winter effectively. Protecting your skin barrier is essential to keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and glowing despite the harsh conditions.

Moisturizing cream to protect your skin during the winter season, elegantly displayed against a cozy, festive backdrop.

Why Your Skin Barrier Needs Extra Care in Winter

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. It acts as a shield, locking in moisture and keeping irritants out. When the barrier weakens, skin becomes dry, flaky, and sensitive. Cold weather and indoor heating dry the air, which pulls moisture from your skin faster than usual.

In the UK, winter air is often cold and dry outside, while central heating indoors creates a warm but dry environment. This combination makes it challenging to maintain skin hydration. Without proper care, you might notice tightness, redness, or even cracks in your skin.

How Heating and Dry Air Affect Your Skin

Heating systems reduce indoor humidity levels, sometimes dropping them below 30%. This low humidity causes water to evaporate from your skin’s surface, leading to dryness and irritation. The skin barrier struggles to hold onto moisture, making it more vulnerable to damage.

If you spend a lot of time in heated rooms, your skin may feel itchy or rough. This is a sign that your skin barrier is compromised and needs support.

Gentle Cleansing to Protect Your Skin

Choosing the right cleanser is crucial in winter. Harsh soaps and foaming cleansers strip away natural oils, further weakening the skin barrier. Instead, opt for mild, creamy, or oil-based cleansers that clean without drying.

Tips for cleansing in winter:

• Use lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid stripping oils.

• Limit washing your face to twice a day.

• Avoid scrubbing or using abrasive tools.

• Pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel.

  Pro tip: It’s better to use thick disposable face towels - they’re more hygienic and especially helpful if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. They prevent bacteria from spreading on your face and keep your skin barrier calmer during winter ❄️

  
  

These habits help maintain your skin’s natural moisture and prevent irritation.

Boosting Indoor Humidity for Skin Health

Increasing humidity at home can make a big difference. Using a humidifier adds moisture to dry indoor air and helps your skin stay hydrated. If you don’t have one, placing bowls of water near radiators or keeping a few indoor plants can also raise humidity levels.

If you live in the UK, be careful with overly high humidity. It’s better to know your indoor levels before adding extra moisture. You don’t need anything expensive to measure it. There are many simple and affordable hygrometers that give you a clear reading. Aim for indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. This range supports your skin barrier and reduces dryness, while anything far above or below can become uncomfortable and unhealthy.

A bedside humidifier gently emits moisture in the softly lit bedroom, providing skin protection during the dry winter months.

Choosing the Right Moisturizers for Winter

Moisturisers are your best defence against winter dryness. Look for creams and lotions that contain ingredients like:

• Ceramides to repair and strengthen the skin barrier

• Hyaluronic acid to attract and hold moisture

• Glycerin for hydration

• Oils such as jojoba or squalane to lock in moisture

  
  

Apply moisturiser immediately after cleansing while your skin is still damp. This helps seal in hydration. For very dry areas like hands, elbows, and feet, use thicker creams or ointments.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are my top 3 moisturiser recommendations

These options have a great price-to-quality balance and often go on sale:

• CeraVe Moisturising Cream - rich, barrier-restoring formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Perfect for dry or compromised winter skin.

  
  

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA - lightweight, non-greasy daily moisturiser with amino acids, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Ideal for normal to combination skin.

  
  

• Avene Hydrance Hydrating Cream - soothing, gentle and deeply hydrating, great for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

  
  

  💛 And don’t forget to moisturise not just your face but your body too!

Additional Tips for a Winter Skincare Routine

• Avoid long, hot showers which can dry out skin.

• Wear gloves and scarves to protect exposed skin from cold wind.

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate from within.

• Use sunscreen even in winter, as UV rays can still damage skin.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate your body and skin.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Winter Skin Care

Dry skin in winter is common but manageable with the right routine. Protecting your skin barrier means using gentle cleansers, boosting indoor humidity, and applying nourishing moisturisers regularly. These steps help your skin stay hydrated and comfortable despite cold weather and dry heating air.

Try adjusting your skincare routine now to keep your skin healthy all winter long. Your skin will thank you with a soft, glowing appearance even on the chilliest days ❤️