How to Look After Your Skin in Winter

1. What causes our skin to become drier in winter?

“Winter weather is harsh on our skin. The cold air strips moisture from the surface, and indoor heating systems tend to dry out the air, making it harder for our skin to retain its natural hydration. This is enhanced by changes in diet, as we tend to eat fewer seasonal fruits and vegetables during the colder months, which can affect the hydration levels in our skin. To combat this, it’s essential to support our skin from the inside. 

Feed your skin and your gut first thing in the morning to frontload the necessary nutrients that we may be lacking in winter. I always start my day with a smoothie, using a combination of proteins and fibers, another essential is Terra Nova Intense Berries Super-Shake, which contains over 30 superfoods, probiotics and digestive enzymes. Other supplements that can help improve dryness include Omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation, support the skin's lipid barrier, and help retain moisture, as well as Vitamin D supports the skin's barrier function and hydration. Deficiencies are common in winter due to reduced sun exposure.

Also in the cold months of the year our digestion and elimination gets sluggish which may create excess mucus and accumulation of toxins in the body. It’s always a good idea to support your detox pathways with foods or herbs to give an extra boost to your metabolism. At Cloud Twelve I have powder called Gut&Skin Reset which activates all detox channels in the body including liver, lymph, gut, kidneys and skin. It’s effective for maintaining skin health as well as combatting problems like eczema, acne or psoriasis. 

2. Should we adjust how often we exfoliate in winter?

“Yes, winter requires a gentler approach to exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can compromise the skin’s natural barrier, which is already under stress due to the dry weather. We have a non-invasive machine-driven treatment at our Spa called High Impact with uses microdermabrasion to gently exfoliate, microneedling to nourish and hydrate with hyaluronic acid, growth factor, vitamins and peptides. and LED to reset microbiome of the skin and boost cell regeneration. It’s my top recommendation for extra support to your skin in winter.”

3. What ingredients can worsen dryness? Are there any products we should take out of our routine or avoid?

“During winter, it's best to avoid ingredients that can exacerbate dryness or irritate the skin further. Alcohol-based toners and strong retinoids are examples of ingredients that may strip the skin of its natural oils, making it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Instead, focus on products that include anti-inflammatory herbs like chamomile, willow bark, marigold and rose, which soothe the skin while maintaining moisture levels. Liquorice, too, can be beneficial, as it not only brightens the complexion but also helps with redness, a common issue during the colder months. Reduce dehydrating foods and drinks like coffee and alcohol, processed foods and watch out for toxic exposures in food, environment and skincare, these will create oxidative stress which will affect breakdown of collagen and elastin and overall skin barrier function.

4. How can people with specific skin conditions, like eczema or rosacea, manage winter dryness without irritation?

“For those with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, winter dryness can be particularly challenging. The cold weather and dry air can easily trigger flare-ups. To manage these conditions, it's crucial to avoid harsh, stripping products. Instead, opt for herbs like aloe vera, liquorice, gotu kola, nettle which are known for their calming and hydrating properties. Gotu kola is one of my favourite beauty herbs because it stimulates collagen production in the body, while liquorice is the most powerful natural steroid which helps with inflammatory or allergic reactions of the skin such as eczema or rosacea. 

When you have a skin imbalance it’s always important to get to the cause of it whether it’s gut health, stress, hormonal imbalance or immune system dysregulation and work with the triggers like inflammatory foods, toxins, emotional trauma or infections. We can then reset the body by giving it further support with the positive pillars of health like anti-inflammatory diets, herbs, supplements and mindfulness. Everyone is individual and these strategies need to be personalized. I offer complementary 15 minute support calls to explore various ways on getting to the cause of the problem and get long lasting results.”

https://www.cloudtwelve.co.uk/services/jenya-di-pierro-15-minutes-free-support-helpline

5. Are heavier night creams or masks beneficial for winter skin, or can they clog pores?

Heavier night creams can be beneficial in winter, but it's important to choose the right ones. 

6. What would be your top recommendation for combatting winter dryness?

“Winter dryness can be tricky to manage, but focusing on both internal and external hydration is key.

Stay well and healthy xx

Jenya Di Pierro

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02033011012 

EMAIL: [email protected]

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Author: Jenya Di Pierro

Founder, Naturopath & Herbal Medicine Practitioner

BSc, MSc, DipCNM, AMH, ANP