W inter can really take its toll on our skin. As the weather cools and we turn on the central heating again, many of us will notice our skin becoming drier, tighter, and more sensitive than usual.
And, for those living with eczema or other skin conditions, it can be particularly uncomfortable, with itching, inflammation, and recurring flare-ups. But while cold weather may be unavoidable, there are steps that can be taken to help protect our skin and keep it comfortable throughout the season.
Claire Balas, head of education at NAOS, the French company behind the Bioderma skincare brand, says the problem is usually caused by a combination of environmental factors and everyday habits.
“Cold temperatures, wind and low humidity can weaken our skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture,” she tells Irish Country Living.
“And central heating further reduces humidity in the air, increasing water loss from the skin. As a result, skin can become drier, more sensitive and prone to irritation. Even some of our favourite winter comforts, including long, hot showers, can contribute to the problem.”
The good news is that a few relatively simple changes can help protect the skin during the colder months.
We hear plenty about protecting the skin barrier, but what exactly is it?
“The skin barrier is our skin’s natural protective shield,” she explains.
“Its two main roles are to prevent water loss, keeping our skin hydrated, and to protect us from external aggressors, such as irritants, allergens and bacteria.
“When this protective layer becomes compromised, moisture escapes more easily and irritating substances can penetrate the skin.
“The result can be dryness, sensitivity and sometimes inflammation. This is why a consistent skincare routine is often more useful than expensive occasional treatments,” she adds.
Common mistakes
One common mistake, the skincare expert warns, is waiting until skin becomes uncomfortable before reaching for the moisturiser.
“People sometimes rely on occasional hydrating masks or intensive treatments instead of maintaining a consistent daily skincare routine.
“Over-cleansing, harsh exfoliating products and very hot water can also strip the skin of its natural oils.”
Another mistake people make is thinking winter sunshine is less powerful; however, sun protection remains important.
“UVA rays are present throughout the year and contribute to premature skin ageing, so daily sun protection is still important, particularly for the face,” she says.
Thankfully, a winter skincare routine need not involve an expensive collection of products. If your usual cleanser is working well, there may be no reason to change it. However, if skin begins feeling tight or uncomfortable, a gentler, oil-based cleanser may help.
She advises choosing moisturisers containing ingredients that attract water to the skin and support its protective barrier.
“Ceramides help maintain the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin attract and retain moisture.
“Squalane can help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss, while niacinamide supports the barrier and may help calm irritation.
“For particularly dry skin, richer creams containing oils or butters can be useful,” she says. “I would recommend looking for a combination of ingredients that hydrate the skin and support its protective barrier.
“Those with sensitive skin should be particularly careful about excessive exfoliation and heavily fragranced products.
“Retinoids, commonly used to address signs of ageing, can also cause dryness and irritation at first. They should be introduced gradually while keeping the skin well moisturised and continuing to use sun protection,” she advises.
A consistent evening routine can also help, particularly when a richer moisturiser is applied before bed to keep skin comfortable overnight.
Eczema
Dry skin is common during winter, but persistent itching and recurring patches of inflammation may indicate eczema.
The condition affects both children and adults and can become particularly troublesome during colder weather.
“Dry skin feels tight, rough and can be flaky, whereas eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that comes with itching and recurring flare-ups,” Claire says.
“The itch is often one of the biggest warning signs and it can be particularly intense at night, affecting sleep and quality of life.”
Eczema can affect different parts of the body depending on age, she explains.
“In babies, it commonly appears on the cheeks, arms and legs. Older children and adults may experience symptoms in the creases of their elbows and knees, or on their hands, neck and face.
“The skin may become cracked, inflamed or thickened through repeated scratching.”
Importantly, eczema is not confined to childhood.
“Although eczema is very common in children, it can also develop for the first time in adulthood.
“Stress, hormonal changes, sweating, cold weather and irritating skincare products can all contribute to flare-ups.”
Frequent handwashing, detergents and certain fabrics may also aggravate sensitive skin.
She emphasises if a child has eczema, an emollient should be applied every day, even when their skin appears healthy and between flare-ups.
“Short, lukewarm baths or showers, gentle fragrance-free cleansers and soft cotton clothing can also help.
“Overheating should be avoided, as sweating may trigger further itching.”
However, moisturising alone is not always enough.
“During an active eczema flare-up, children may need prescribed topical corticosteroids to control inflammation.
“Age can also make skin more vulnerable to winter conditions. As we grow older, the skin naturally produces fewer lipids, while cell renewal slows and its protective barrier becomes less effective at retaining moisture.
“The skin may also become thinner and more fragile, increasing the likelihood of dryness and irritation.”
For older skin, she recommends a gentle, uncomplicated approach.
“My advice would be to focus on consistency, gentleness and simplicity. Try oil-based cleansers, richer moisturisers and avoid very hot water to help older skin retain moisture.”
What not to ignore
While ordinary dry skin can often be managed at home, persistent symptoms should not be ignored.
“If skin remains very dry despite regular moisturising, if it becomes intensely itchy, starts cracking or interferes with sleep, I would recommend speaking to a pharmacist or GP.
“Increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, crusting or fever may indicate infection and require medical attention.
“Rapidly worsening painful eczema accompanied by clusters of blisters needs urgent assessment.
“The key message is that dry skin can often be managed with good skincare, but eczema is an inflammatory medical condition and sometimes requires specific treatment alongside daily moisturising,” she says.
