Sensitive Skin vs. Winter: How to Protect Your Skin When Temperatures Drop

Winter is brutal on your skin. The cold, dry air outside and the cranked-up heating inside strip away moisture, leaving your skin feeling tight, flaky, and irritated. If you’ve got sensitive or eczema-prone skin, you’ve probably noticed things getting worse. But a few small changes can make a big difference. Here’s how to keep your skin comfortable until spring.

Why Winter Messes With Your Skin

When temperatures drop, so does the humidity. Cold air outside and artificial heat indoors create a moisture-sapping combination that can lead to:

• Persistent dryness
• Irritation and redness
• A weakened skin barrier, making flare-ups more likely

For sensitive skin, this can mean more itching, cracking, and discomfort. But the right approach can help protect your skin and keep things under control.

Winter Skincare That Actually Works

1. Switch to a Gentler Cleanser

If your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh. Ditch anything that foams too much or leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean. Instead, use a mild, soap-free cleanser—extra points if it contains soothing ingredients like colloidal oats.

2. Upgrade Your Moisturiser

Lightweight lotions won’t cut it in winter. You need something thicker, preferably with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter to lock in moisture and support your skin barrier. Apply straight after washing to seal in hydration.

3. Rethink Your Bath Routine

Long, hot baths might feel great, but they’ll dry your skin out fast. Stick to warm (not hot) water and add colloidal oats for extra soothing benefits. When you get out, pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser immediately.

4. Use a Humidifier

Central heating sucks moisture out of the air, which only makes dry skin worse. A humidifier can help put some of that lost moisture back into your environment and stop your skin from drying out as quickly.

5. Protect Your Skin From the Cold

Cold winds can strip moisture from your skin, so wrap up properly. Wear gloves, scarves, and breathable layers, but avoid scratchy fabrics like wool against bare skin.

6. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t doing damage. Sun exposure in winter can still contribute to skin irritation and premature ageing. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day, even when it’s cloudy.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water won’t magically fix dry skin, but staying hydrated does help. Eating foods rich in healthy fats—like avocados, nuts, and oily fish—also supports your skin barrier from the inside out.

Ingredients That Actually Help

Look for these in your skincare products this winter:

• Colloidal Oats – Soothes and protects sensitive skin
• Ceramides – Strengthens the skin barrier
• Hyaluronic Acid – Draws moisture into the skin
• Glycerin – Helps prevent moisture loss

 

Winter Skin Survival: Keep It Simple

Winter doesn’t have to mean months of flaky, irritated skin. A few smart swaps—gentler cleansers, richer moisturisers, and small lifestyle tweaks—can make a big difference. Take care of your skin now, and it’ll thank you when spring rolls around.