Winter Skin Woes: Why Your Skin Struggles in the Cold (And How to Fix It)
As the temperatures drop and the heaters switch on, many of us start to notice a change in our skin; dryness, dullness, irritation, and breakouts that seem to come out of nowhere.
I see this every winter, even from clients who usually have balanced, healthy skin.
But there’s good news: by understanding why your skin behaves differently during winter, we can take proactive steps to protect, repair, and support it all season long.
Here’s what’s really happening under the surface and how clinical treatments like chemical peels can help your skin thrive, even in the coldest months.
1. Dehydration from Cold Air & Indoor Heating
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air.
Combine that with indoor heating, hot showers, and harsh winds, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for trans-epidermal water loss where your skin loses hydration faster than it can replenish.
Solution: Deeply hydrating skincare, a barrier-supportive routine, and in-clinic treatments like chemical peels can help clear away dull, flaky surface layers and allow hydrating ingredients to penetrate more effectively.
During your consultation, I can assess your skin’s needs and recommend targeted care.
2. Compromised Skin Barrier
In winter, your skin's natural protective barrier can become compromised, meaning it struggles to lock in moisture and defend against irritants. This often leads to redness, sensitivity, or rough patches.
Solution: A skin consultation with me, will help identify where your barrier might be compromised. I may recommend gentle, restorative chemical peels or skin treatments tailored to support repair without over-stripping the skin.
3. Dullness & Build-Up
Slower cell turnover in winter can lead to a dull, uneven complexion.
Dead skin cells build up on the surface, making your skin appear dry and tired, even if you’re taking care of it at home.
Solution: Clinical chemical peels work deeper than at-home exfoliants to encourage healthy cell renewal and reveal brighter, smoother skin underneath. These treatments are carefully selected based on your skin type and goals, and are especially effective during cooler months when sun exposure is lower.
4. Congestion from Heavy Skincare
In an effort to protect our skin, we often layer on thicker creams in winter.
While this can help with hydration, it can also lead to congestion, breakouts, and blackheads if your skin isn’t properly prepped or exfoliated.
Solution: A balanced approach is key. During a consultation, we’ll discuss your current skincare routine and adjust it to suit the season possibly pairing it with a course of light chemical peels to decongest and rebalance your skin gently.
5. Slower Oil Flow Due to Cold Weather
After 3 chemical peels & at home skincare regime
In colder temperatures, your skin's natural oil (sebum) becomes thicker and doesn't flow as freely. This can cause it to build up inside the pores, leading to congestion, blackheads, or breakouts especially if dead skin cells are also accumulating on the surface.
Solution: A series of personalised chemical peels can help clear congestion and regulate the skin’s natural functions. Combined with a consultation to refine your skincare routine, this creates the perfect foundation for clear, balanced winter skin.
The Power of a Winter Skin Plan
Every skin is different especially in winter.
That’s why I offer skin consultations to create a tailored plan just for you.
Whether you’re struggling with dryness, sensitivity, breakouts or just want to maintain a healthy glow through the colder months, we’ll design a treatment and skincare plan that supports your skin through the season and beyond.
This winter, don’t wait until your skin is stressed to take action.
Start with a professional skin consultation and discover how tailored treatments including clinical chemical peels can help restore balance, hydration and radiance.
Immediately after 1 Chemical Peel