Why does my skin feel drier in winter?
For those of us who spend our days outdoors running, cycling, gardening, or walking, winter can be a test of endurance not just for our bodies but for our skin, too. The drop in temperature, harsh winds, and dry indoor heating all take a toll, leaving our skin feeling tight, dry, and sensitive.
That’s because your skin barrier, the outermost layer of your skin, is under pressure. When it weakens, moisture escapes more easily, and irritants sneak in. But with a few mindful habits, your skin can stay calm and hydrated through the coldest months.
What is my skin barrier?
Your skin barrier, technically called the stratum corneum, acts like a wall of defence. It’s made up of skin cells (the “bricks”) and natural fats and oils (the “mortar”) that hold them together.
Its job is simple but vital:
- Keep moisture in
- Keep irritants, pollution, and bacteria out.
When your skin barrier is healthy, your skin feels supple and smooth. But if it’s damaged, you might notice dryness, redness, itching, or sensitivity, especially in winter when conditions are harsh.
What Weakens the Skin Barrier?
Several factors can compromise your skin’s natural protection:
- Cold weather and wind strip away natural oils.
- Low humidity means less moisture in the air, drying your skin faster.
- Hot showers and harsh cleansers remove essential lipids.
- UV rays, even on grey days, break down collagen and barrier function.
- Central heating creates a dry indoor environment that pulls water from your skin.
How does winter weather affect our skin?
The air becomes cooler and drier; our skin may become dry and cracked, crying out for hydration.
You might notice:
- Rough texture or flaking
- Redness or increased sensitivity
- Fine lines appear more visible
- Hands that crack or sting
- Lips that chap easily
Your hands often suffer the most. Outdoor exposure, frequent handwashing, and forgetting gloves can leave the skin on your hands dry, sore, and prone to small splits.
Ingredients to help repair your skin barrier
At Dalia Botanique, I design skincare that supports outdoor, weather-exposed skin. Several of our products include ingredients that directly strengthen and restore the skin barrier:
- Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that help seal in moisture and repair the “mortar” of the skin’s protective wall
- CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that supports skin cell energy and protects against environmental stress from sun, wind, and pollution.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps improve barrier strength, reduce redness, and boost elasticity, making it ideal for winter-dry skin.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) is a soothing humectant that attracts water to the skin, reducing dryness and irritation.
These ingredients feature in my hydrating skincare products and help your skin stay resilient no matter what the weather throws at you.
Your Winter Skincare Routine for Barrier Health
1. Gentle Cleansing
Swap foaming or stripping cleansers for something oil-based.
The Dalia Botanique Oil to Milk Cleanser gently lifts dirt and makeup without drying your skin. Enriched with plant oils, it leaves skin clean, soft, and comfortable. No tightness.
2. Replenish and Hydrate
HydraRenew Moisturiser, with Niacinamide, Ceramides, and Mushroom Extracts, is designed specifically to support your barrier through colder months by providing deep hydration and helping your skin recover overnight.
Follow with the Botanical Serum, formulated with garden botanicals that help calm, soften, and lock in hydration. If your skin feels extra dry, layer it over your moisturiser or night cream for an added boost of nourishment and protection.
3. Protect With SPF
Even in winter, UV rays can penetrate clouds and snow, weakening your barrier and accelerating signs of ageing. A daily SPF is non-negotiable. Use it every morning, even on overcast days.
4. Care for Your Hands
Your hands face the same environmental stress as your face, often more.
The Chamomile and Calendula Hand Cream is packed with plant oils and butters to soothe rough, weather-beaten hands and protect against further dryness. Keep one by the sink and another in your bag for easy reapplication.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Your Skin This Winter
Skincare doesn’t stop at your products. A few small habits can go a long way toward protecting your barrier:
- Turn down the heat: Very hot water and high indoor temperatures dehydrate skin.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry air.
- Wear gloves and scarves outdoors to prevent windburn.
- Stay hydrated, as even mild dehydration shows up on your skin.
- Eat healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and oily fish to support your skin from the inside.
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dry, or tight skin. By understanding your skin barrier and supporting it with the right ingredients, Ceramides, Niacinamide, Panthenol, and CoQ10, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures without worrying about irritation or dryness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discover the transformative power of Dalia Botanique skincare products.
At Dalia Botanique, I am committed to creating products that nourish and protect your skin, no matter your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a busy professional, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to look after their skin, we have something for you.
Want to stay up-to-date with the latest skincare tips, get 15% off your first order and hear about our product launches and behind-the-scenes insights?
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for our newsletter to join our community of skincare enthusiasts.
