Cold outside, dry heated air inside: in winter the skin of many people tightens, flakes and reddens faster than usual. The reason is usually a weakened skin barrier. With the right care it can be supported well – often just a few changes in the routine are enough.
Why the skin suffers in winter
The outermost layer of skin works like a wall: skin cells are the bricks, fats such as ceramides the mortar. This barrier keeps moisture in the skin and irritants out. In winter it is stressed several times over:
- Cold: The sebaceous glands work more slowly, the skin forms less protective fat.
- Heated air: It is very dry and draws moisture out of the skin.
- Temperature changes: The constant change between outside and inside strains skin and vessels.
- Hot showers: Hot water dissolves skin fats and dries out further.
Typical signs
A feeling of tightness after washing, fine flaking, redness and itching are typical signs of a stressed barrier. Lips and hands become cracked, fine dryness lines stand out more. Anyone prone to atopic dermatitis or rosacea notices flare-ups more often in winter.
The morning routine
- Cleanse gently: Lukewarm water or a mild, moisturising cleanser is enough.
- Moisture: Apply a serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to the still slightly damp skin.
- Protect: A somewhat richer cream than in summer, for example with ceramides or squalane.
- Sun protection: Sun protection factor 30 or higher even in winter, especially in snow and in the mountains.
The evening routine
- Cleanse thoroughly but mildly: Remove make-up and sun protection without straining the skin.
- Dose active ingredients: Use retinol or fruit acids less often in winter if the skin is irritated.
- Night care: A rich cream supports regeneration overnight.
Which care suits which skin type
- Dry skin: rich creams with ceramides, shea butter or urea; in the evening one more layer is fine.
- Oily and combination skin: light, non-comedogenic care. Oily skin can also lose moisture in winter – a serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin helps without weighing down.
- Sensitive skin and rosacea: few, fragrance-free products, avoid strong temperature changes and harsh active ingredients.
Ingredients that help in winter
- Ceramides: replenish the fats of the skin barrier.
- Glycerin and hyaluronic acid: bind moisture in the skin.
- Urea: at five to ten percent especially for dry skin on the body, hands and feet.
- Niacinamide: supports the barrier and can soften redness.
- Panthenol: soothes irritated skin.
Common mistakes
- showering too hot and too long
- using peels too often
- using alcohol-containing toners
- trying several new active ingredients at the same time
- licking dry lips
Do not forget body care
On the body, too, the skin dries out faster in winter, especially on shins, elbows and feet. Shower briefly and lukewarm, use moisturising shower oils and apply cream directly afterwards. For very dry areas, lotions with urea are suitable.
Lips and hands
Lips have hardly any sebaceous glands of their own. A lip balm with beeswax, shea butter or lanolin protects, especially before going out. Apply cream to the hands after every wash and wear gloves outside.
Room climate and everyday life
A humidity of about 40 to 60 percent is good for skin and mucous membranes. Regular airing, plants or a humidifier help. Drinking enough and a diet with unsaturated fatty acids, for example from fish, nuts or linseed oil, support the skin from within.
Winter as a good time for treatments
Because the sun is weaker, the winter months are well suited to treatments after which sun should be avoided, for example microneedling or the treatment of pigment spots in the Melasma consultation. Anyone who wishes to improve the skin's moisture from within can get advice on skin boosters.
When medical advice makes sense
If redness, flaking or itching do not improve after two weeks despite good care, weeping, cracked or severely itchy areas form, or flare-ups of a known skin disease occur, the skin should be looked at by a physician.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need sun protection in winter? Yes, at least on bright days and in snow. The UV-A radiation, which contributes to skin ageing, is also present in winter.
Is one cream enough for day and night? With uncomplicated skin often yes. More important than the number of products is that they suit the skin.
Does drinking a lot help against dry skin? Drinking enough is important, but does not replace care from the outside.
Do facial oils make sense in winter? For dry skin a few drops of oil over the cream can help retain moisture. With blemished skin use them sparingly.
May I use retinol in winter? Yes, but often less frequently and always with good care. If the skin reddens or flakes, take a break.
What helps against red cheeks in the cold? A scarf or cloth in front of the face, a protective, richer cream before going out and avoiding extreme temperature changes, for example directly in front of the heater. If the redness persists for weeks or keeps coming back, rosacea may be behind it, which can be treated well.
When should I switch to winter care? As soon as the heating season begins and the skin feels tight – usually in October or November.
We are happy to discuss a care routine that suits your skin in the consultation at the Alpha Skin practice at Theaterplatz 1b in Bonn-Bad Godesberg.