London winters are tough on skin. Between blustery cold winds, hot Tube carriages and central heating, it’s not uncommon for your skin to feel tight and extra sensitive, look dull, or even exacerbate existing conditions like rosacea and eczema. There is a lot of skincare for dry skin, but the trick is knowing what is right for you.
At No23. Skin, our dermatologists know all too well the impact harsh temperatures can have, and most importantly, why, so we’re best positioned to provide a guide to getting your skin back to its healthiest.
It’s easy to think of winter skincare as purely cosmetic and just something that makes you look better. But a healthy skin barrier is actually your body’s first line of defence against infection, allergens, and environmental damage.
This is your go-to guide on how to protect, soothe and calm skin that needs a little more TLC in the colder months of the year.
There’s several reasons why winter can be uncomfortable for your skin. First, cold air strips moisture through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which can leave skin feeling tight, dehydrated and lacking radiance.
Indoor heating is also a culprit, whether that’s the central heating in your office or on the Tube – it pumps out dry, hot air that further diminishes your skin’s moisture levels. Moving between extreme cold and warmth can leave your skin barrier struggling to keep up.
It’s true also for hot showers, which are essential after a busy day running around in the cold, but water that’s too hot can strip your skin of its natural oils (also known as lipids), which are essential for maintaining skin health, leaving you more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
If your skin is already dry, winter amplifies the problem. You might notice flaking, rough patches, and a feeling of tightness that doesn’t go away even after moisturising. Fine lines can appear more pronounced when skin is dehydrated.
Sensitive skin becomes even more reactive in winter. You might experience stinging when applying products, redness that won’t settle, and increased irritation from fabrics like wool scarves.
If you have combination skin, winter often means a dry, tight forehead and cheeks, while your T-zone remains oily. It’s frustrating because different areas need different care. Even oily skin struggles in winter. The combination of cold outdoor air and indoor heating can confuse your skin’s oil production, leading to dry patches and breakouts at the same time.
Winter is notoriously difficult for eczema sufferers. The compromised skin barrier that characterises eczema becomes even more vulnerable in cold, dry conditions. You might notice increased itching, red, inflamed patches, and areas of skin that crack or weep.
Using emollient-rich moisturisers multiple times a day, applying moisturiser to damp skin immediately after washing, and avoiding fragranced products and harsh soaps are small changes you can make to feel more comfortable.
Cold wind and moving between extreme temperatures (outdoor cold to indoor heat) are are also classic rosacea triggers. You might notice increased facial redness, visible blood vessels, and flare-ups that take longer to settle.
We’d recommend protecting your face with a scarf when outdoors, avoiding using very hot water when washing your face and consider booking a dermatology consultation with us if flare-ups are becoming more frequent.
Like eczema, psoriasis often worsens in winter. The dry air and reduced sunlight exposure (which many psoriasis patients find helpful) can trigger flare-ups. Plaques may become thicker, more scaly, and itchier. It’s important to maintain a consistent moisturising routine, even considering light therapy to help with this.
Your skincare routine in winter may need adjustment to maximise its benefits and we’re here to help every step of the way.
In the morning, switch to a cream or milk cleanser – look for calming, hydrating ingredients like ceramides and glycerin – then follow with a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin, a rich moisturiser packed with ceramides and shea butter, and finish with SPF30+ (yes, even in cloudy London – UV rays exist year-round).
At night, try to scale back active ingredients, e.g. reduce retinol frequency and ease off acids, apply a thick night cream or oil filled with ceramides and peptides, and treat extra-dry areas with targeted care; Vaseline on lips, hand cream plus cotton gloves for hands, thick emollients on any eczema patches. Check out our products guide here.
Within your home, use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, avoid sitting directly next to radiators and ventilate rooms regularly to prevent air from becoming too dry.
Sometimes, winter skin problems go beyond what home care can fix. At No. 23 Skin, our consultant dermatologists specialise in creating personalised treatment plans for winter skin problems.
We’re located in the heart of West London, just a short walk from High Street Kensington tube station.
We can prescribe medical-grade treatments, recommend professional procedures, and help you build a skincare routine that actually works for you and your skin, in the long-term, with no fads, simply excellent care with experienced professionals.
Unsure where to start? Give us a call on 0203 9411 815 or book a dermatology consultation with one of our expert dermatologists.
Helen
Co-Founder
No. 23 Skin
02039411815
23 Ansdell Street, London W8 5BN
NB: Please note that this should not be used in place of specific medical advice for your skin. If you need additional help, then get in touch or book a dermatology consultation on 02039411815.
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