Cold weather skincare

Cosy nights by the fire, getting wrapped up for winter walks… sensitive skin? Yep, all signs that we’re in the clutches of a cold snap. But why do we come up against tight, sensitive skin in cold weather? Dry skin problems don’t have to be an inevitable part of the colder season if you’ve got the right cold weather skincare strategy. Pull on your thinking (bobble) cap and your cosy knitwear, because we’re about to find out how.

Central heating

Who doesn’t love a toasty night in when temperatures fall outside? Problem is, when hot air moves in, the moisture in our skin ups and leaves. The result? Dehydrated skin. Just come in from cold weather? Dry skin can be even worse when there are sudden temperature fluctuations, leading to sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. This is why if you’re suffering from dry skin in winter, it might be more to do with the inside warmth than the outside chill.

Keeping skin hydrated and moisturised will help repair and protect your skin from the drying effect of central heating, without the need to dial down the thermostat.

Snow

It’s snowing! But while we’re eagerly Snapchatting our best snow angel, the sun’s harmful UV rays are sneaking up on our skin. Snow and ice can actually enhance the damaging effects of the sun, bouncing harmful UVB rays and causing them to hit the skin twice. Stay safe in the sun all year round, and don’t skip the daily SPF in your cold weather skincare routine.

Wind

Weather-beaten by the cold wind? You might be suffering from the effects of cold weather on your skin too. Our skin’s natural barrier does a great job at keeping moisture in and irritants out, but harsh winds can strip vital water from the skin, weakening the barrier. When upset, our skin cells are programmed to react - say hello to sensitive, dry, red, or irritated skin. Find out how to hydrate your skin and take steps to repair and build your skin’s barrier by rehydrating and moisturising windswept skin.

Low humidity

Ever wondered why you have extra dry skin in winter? When temperatures plummet, so too does humidity, stripping away with it up to 25% of our skin’s moisture. This can cause cracks in your skin, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity in cold weather. The good news is, we have a few simple tips and tricks that can help rehydrate your skin.