Every October I hear the same thing in clinic: “My skin has suddenly gone dull, tight and sensitive.” It is not your imagination. Winter changes what your skin needs, and a few small adjustments make a big difference. Here is how I advise my patients to look after their skin through the colder months.
What winter does to your skin
1. Low humidity. Cold air holds less moisture, so skin loses water faster and feels tight, flaky and dull.
2. A weakened barrier. Cold stress makes the skin barrier less efficient, which is why products that were fine in summer can suddenly sting.
3. Wind. It strips surface oils and leaves cheeks and lips chapped.
4. Central heating. Dry indoor air does the same job as the wind, all day and all night.
5. Hot water. A steaming shower feels lovely but removes your natural oils. Lukewarm is kinder.
6. Flare-ups. Eczema, rosacea and sensitivity often get worse in winter.
Your winter skincare routine
Morning: a gentle cleanser (or simply water), an antioxidant serum, a barrier-supporting moisturiser and SPF, every day. UV does not take a winter break, and it is still the biggest driver of skin ageing.
Evening: cleanse, then use a retinal or stronger active if your skin tolerates it, followed by a richer moisturiser. If your skin feels raw, reduce how often you use actives rather than stopping everything. Your barrier comes first.
Weekly: do not over-exfoliate. Winter skin needs less scrubbing, not more.
Nutrition and lifestyle
Your skin is built from what you eat. Oily fish, nuts and seeds support the skin barrier, colourful fruit and vegetables supply antioxidants, and enough protein provides the building blocks for collagen. Drink water, go easy on alcohol, and protect your sleep, because your skin does most of its repair overnight.
Clinic treatments that suit winter
Autumn and winter are a very good time to invest in your skin. You are out of strong sun and recovery is easier. At my Battersea clinic, the treatments I most often recommend for winter skin are:
Polynucleotides to improve hydration, texture and overall skin quality.
Skin boosters, BabyGlow and Profhilo for deep, lasting hydration from within.
SkinPen microneedling to support collagen and smooth texture.
The Perfect Peel to brighten dull, uneven skin.
Medical grade skincare, a plan built around your skin.
Winter skin FAQs
Why is my skin so dry in winter? Lower humidity, wind and central heating all pull water from the skin, and cold weather makes the barrier less able to hold onto it.
Do I still need SPF in winter? Yes. UVA penetrates cloud and glass all year round and contributes to ageing and pigmentation.
Can I still use retinal in winter? Usually yes, but build up slowly and pair it with a good moisturiser. If your skin is irritated, use it less often until it settles.
What is the best treatment for dull winter skin? It depends on your skin and goals, which is why I always begin with a consultation. Many patients do well with polynucleotides or a skin booster.
The takeaway
Be gentle, keep moisturising, never skip SPF, and treat winter as the season for repair. If you are not sure where to start, book a consultation with me in Battersea and we will build a plan for your skin.
