How Does the Cold Weather Affect Our Skin Barriers?

When the weather outside is frightful, many of us notice changes in our skin, including dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. These issues often stem from the impact of cold weather on our skin barrier. This blog will explore how cold weather can impact your skin barrier, signs your skin barrier is weakened in winter, and how to protect your skin from the chill. But first, what is the skin barrier?

What is the Skin Barrier and Why Does It Matter?

The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of your skin. It serves as a shield, retaining moisture and blocking harmful substances like pollutants, bacteria, and irritants. A healthy skin barrier is essential for hydration, protection, and overall skin health. When functioning properly, it keeps your skin soft, supple, and resilient against environmental stressors.  

How Does the Cold Weather Impact the Skin Barrier?

Winter brings several challenges that can compromise the integrity of your skin barrier, including:

Lack of humidity:

Cold air holds much less moisture, leading to lower humidity levels. This dry environment causes the skin to lose its natural hydration which can result in dehydration and flakiness.

Harsh winds:

Biting winds can strip away the skin’s natural oils leaving it raw, chapped, and more susceptible to irritation.  

Indoor heating:

While keeping us warm, indoor heating systems reduce indoor humidity, further depleting skin moisture and contributing to dryness. (Holland & Barrett, 2023).

Hot showers and baths:

Long, hot showers may feel comforting in cold weather, but they can strip the skin of essential lipids. This can exacerbate dryness and weaken the skin barrier.

Increased sensitivity:

A compromised skin barrier is less effective at blocking irritants, leading to heightened sensitivity, redness, itching, and flaking.  

Signs Your Skin Barrier is Weakened in Winter

Recognising the symptoms of a compromised skin barrier can help you take proactive steps to protect it. Some of the key signs to look out for include:

• Persistent dryness and tightness
• Increased redness or irritation
• More frequent breakouts  
• Sensitivity to skincare products that previously caused no issues

How to Protect Your Skin Barrier in Cold Weather

Hydrate from the inside out:

Drink plenty of water and incorporate hydrating foods into your diet to support skin moisture levels.  

Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser:

Choose a mild, hydrating cleanser that clean your skin without removing natural oils. Be sure to avoid foaming cleansers that can be too harsh during winter months.  

Switch to a richer moisturiser:

Use moisturisers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids to reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture. (Illinois Dermatology Institute, 2023).

Layer your skincare:

Use hydrating serums followed by an occlusive moisturiser to seal in hydration. This layering approach will help to maintain optimal moisture levels.  

Apply SPF daily:  

Despite cooler temperatures, UV exposure still poses a risk. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily protects the skin from UV damage, which can further compromise the skin barrier.

Limit exfoliation:  

Reduce the frequency of exfoliation to prevent over-stripping the skin. Gentle exfoliation once a week is usually enough during winter.

Winter-Proof Your Skin with MiQuest  

Protecting your skin barrier during the colder months is crucial for maintaining healthy, comfortable skin. By understanding the challenges of cold weather and implementing targeted skincare strategies, you can keep your skin hydrated and resilient all throughout winter.  

Whether you’re looking for prescription dull skin treatment, anti-wrinkle cream, or anything in between, MiQuest has you covered. With dermatology expertise and cutting-edge AI technology, we provide clinically backed and personalised skincare solutions designed to keep your skin healthy and strong all winter long.  

Start your healthy skin journey today or get in touch to find out more about who we are and what we do.  

Citations:

1. "Winter Skin Care Guide," Holland & Barrett, 2023. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/natural-beauty/winter-beauty/winter-skin-care-regime/.
2. "Winter Skin Survival: Protecting Your Skin from Cold Weather Damage," Illinois Dermatology Institute, 2023. https://illinoisderm.com/blog/winter-skin-survival-protecting-from-cold-weather-damage/.