How to deal with stressed winter skin
During the winter months, I see a lot of clients that are affected by a number of skin concerns, this year in particular, I’ve seen more skin issues than in previous years; these include skin conditions such as:
● Spots/pimples – these may appear redder during winter, and the surrounding skin is often flaky. Winter sports also tend to be smaller in size, maybe more concentrated in certain areas, and can take longer to heal due to skin dehydration and potential irritation from cold temperatures.
● Very dry skin – this is often accompanied by tightness, flakiness, and a rough texture. It can appear dull and cracked and may even result in itching or irritation.
● Facial redness – the cheeks, nose, and forehead may become flushed, appearing blotchy or inflamed, as well as feeling warm to the touch. If a person is affected by rosacea, this may worsen, leading to heightened redness and discomfort due to weather-induced triggers.
● Inflamed skin – as well as increased facial redness, the complexion may also become slightly swollen and tender. There is also a greater chance of experiencing a skin reaction with inflamed skin, as is the likelihood of itching and blistering.
● An increase in the severity of eczema/psoriasis – these conditions can intensify, leading to heightened itchiness, redness, and flakiness. During the colder months, it’s common for flare-ups to be more frequent.
What causes our skin to be stressed in winter?
There are several factors that impact our skin, particularly in winter. Skin concerns can be more severe as the skin’s protective barrier weakens, moisture levels drop, and various conditions flare up due to increased sensitivity. Low humidity levels outdoors and indoor heating systems strip moisture from the air, leading to dehydrated skin. In addition, cold winds compromise the skin barrier, allowing moisture to escape more easily. Together, these factors result in dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. This compromised barrier also makes skin more susceptible to irritants, exacerbating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Due to weather conditions and the desire to spend less time outside during winter, the skin’s exposure to sunlight decreases. This affects vitamin D levels, which are crucial for skin health, potentially impacting conditions like acne. Hot showers are common in colder weather and can further strip the skin of natural oils, exacerbating dryness. Additionally, people tend to neglect hydration, consuming fewer fluids, which impacts overall skin moisture.
What can I do to help my skin in winter?
Maintaining skin health during winter demands extra care. As a clinic whose care combines well-being and aesthetics, self-care is often recommended as part of our treatment plans. When it comes to skin, diet and lifestyle choices can contribute to how the complexion looks and feels. Adequate hydration aids skin by maintaining moisture levels and supporting its natural functions. A nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like A, C, and E), and omega-3 fatty acids promotes collagen production, fights inflammation, and protects against damage. A healthy gut microbiome influences skin health, reducing inflammation and potentially mitigating conditions like acne or eczema. Collectively, these factors bolster skin resilience, radiance, and overall well-being.
Our in-clinic treatments offer great support to both healthy lifestyle choices and a beneficial skincare routine. It’s important that before enhancing any skincare routine or beginning aesthetic treatment, advice from a professional is sought. Our skin specialist provides expert guidance through a thorough one-to-one consultation. For the skin, we encourage clients to start their skin journey with an in-depth skin assessment using the Opatra Skin Analyser. This device provides advanced images of the skin to a depth of 2 mm, enabling us to detect a range of concerns and their complexity. Not only can we get an accurate picture of the individual’s overall skin health (inside and out), but we can also make detailed predictions on future concerns, as well as the skin’s rate of ageing.
Following a consultation, our skincare specialist will devise a personalised skin plan that includes a tailored skincare programme that focuses on the individual’s skin type and presenting concerns. Getting results is the core priority, so investing in premium active skincare products such as Environ, FILLMED, iS Clinical, pH Formula and Juliette Armand can produce much better results compared to high-street cosmetic skincare. T
What are the Top 3 skincare tips?
1 – always apply daily sunscreen SPF to help protect the outer layers of the skin and prevent cellular damage deeper within.
2 – feed the skin internally with skin-specific skin supplements like Advanced Nutrition Skin Omegas for hydrating, reducing inflammation and improving immunity, and Clear Skin Biome to enhance skin health and clarity, as bad gut health can affect the skin so negatively, even more so during winter when diet is not as good as it could be and stress is high.
3 – level up your moisturiser; get one that is more nourishing and hydrating even for combination/oily skin – all skin types need hydration and protection during winter.
What are the best facial treatments during winter?
Exfoliation and hydration are the two key factors that need to be included, here are some top treatments that deliver both;
Signature Facial – the best facial for personalised skin treatment, layering professional devices and skincare products to get glowing, hydrated skin
Environ Facial – great for improving skin barrier and skin health
Juliette Armand Facial – for addressing sensitive skin issues
Profhilo – deeper hydration and skin plumping, anti-ageing and improves radiance
LED Light Therapy – for calming inflammation, killing bacteria for acne and rejuvenating the skin
If you need any further advice, then book a consultation to discuss your skin needs in more detail and receive your own personalised skin plan.
