Winter skincare - professional tips for dry, irritated skin | NSC

When the temperature drops and we turn on the radiator, something happens to our skin. That tight, slightly raw feeling after a walk in the cold. The dry, flaky patches around the nose and mouth. The cracked hands and lips. It is not your imagination - winter’s combination of cold air, wind and heated indoor environments is a real challenge for the skin’s barrier layer.

Here is what happens to the skin in winter, and what you can do about it.

Why winter weather is hard on the skin

The skin has a natural protective layer - the so-called skin barrier - consisting of lipids (fats), ceramides and natural moisturising factors. The barrier’s job is to keep moisture in and irritants out.

In winter, this barrier is challenged from two sides:

From the outside: Cold air contains less moisture than warm air. Combine that with wind, and moisture is literally pulled out of the skin. Every time you go outdoors, your skin loses more moisture than in summer.

From the inside: Central heating, radiators and underfloor heating lower indoor humidity to 20-30% - well below the 40-60% at which skin thrives. You are effectively sitting in an environment that constantly sucks moisture out of your skin.

The result: dry, irritated, tight skin - and for some, a shift in skin type. Skin that is normally normal or combination can suddenly behave like dry skin in winter.

Switch to a richer moisturiser

The most important step in winter is to upgrade your moisturiser. The light gel cream that works perfectly in summer is rarely enough when the air is cold and dry.

What to look for

• Ceramides: Building blocks of the skin’s natural barrier. They repair and strengthen the protective layer.
• Hyaluronic acid: Binds moisture in the skin (up to 1,000 times its own weight in water). Works best under an occlusive cream that locks the moisture in.
• Shea butter and natural oils: Squalane, jojoba oil and argan oil create a protective layer without clogging pores.
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces moisture loss.

A typical winter routine

1. Gentle cleanser (avoid foaming cleansing gels that strip the skin)
2. Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid)
3. Rich moisturiser with ceramides
4. SPF during the day (yes, even in winter)
5. Facial oil as the last step in the evening (seals everything in)

Do not skip sun protection

It is a common misconception that you do not need SPF in winter. UV rays are present all year round - even when the sun is low and the sky is grey. UVA rays (the ones that cause ageing and pigmentation) penetrate clouds and windows.

If you live in a city, reflection from snow and wet surfaces is an extra factor. Snow-covered landscapes can reflect up to 80% of UV rays.

Winter SPF tips

• Choose a moisturising SPF (cream-based rather than light fluid)
• SPF 30 is sufficient during the Danish winter months
• Apply to the hands as well, if you are not wearing gloves
• Reapply if you are outdoors for extended periods

Use a humidifier indoors

This is an underrated move. A simple humidifier in the bedroom or at the office can raise humidity from 20% to 40-50% - and your skin notices immediately.

What it does for your skin

• Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) - the moisture that naturally evaporates from the skin
• Keeps mucous membranes in the nose and throat moist (bonus: fewer colds)
• Makes your night serum and night cream more effective, because the skin is not fighting dry air

A good bedroom humidifier costs 200-500 DKK and is one of the best investments you can make for winter skin.

Lukewarm water - not hot

When it is cold outside, a long, hot shower is tempting. But hot water strips the skin’s natural oils and leaves it even more vulnerable.

Practical adjustments

• Wash your face with lukewarm water (37-38 degrees - it feels almost “boring”)
• Keep showers short (5-10 minutes)
• Avoid scalding baths, or moisturise the skin thoroughly immediately afterwards
• Apply body lotion/oil to slightly damp skin (within 2-3 minutes after bathing) to lock the moisture in

It sounds like a small thing, but it is one of the most effective changes you can make.

Focus on lips and hands

The lips have no sebaceous glands - they do not produce their own oil. The hands have very thin skin on the back and are constantly exposed to wind, cold and frequent hand washing. Both areas require extra attention in winter.

Lip care

• Use a lip balm with protective ingredients (beeswax, shea butter, lanolin)
• Avoid products containing menthol, camphor or eucalyptus - they feel cooling but cause dryness
• Do not lick your lips (saliva evaporates and takes moisture with it)
• Consider a lip mask at night (a thick layer of balm or a specialised mask)

Hand care

• Hand cream after every hand wash (keep a tube by the basin, one in your bag, one on the desk)
• Wear gloves outdoors - cold plus wind is the worst combination for hands
• A weekly hand treatment in the evening: thick layer of cream plus cotton gloves for 30 minutes (or overnight)
• Choose a hand cream with glycerin, urea or shea butter

Exfoliate gently - but exfoliate

Dry skin often builds up a layer of dead cells that makes it look dull and prevents products from penetrating. But aggressive exfoliation in winter can do more harm than good.

The right approach

• Reduce exfoliation to 1-2 times a week (compared with 2-3 times in summer)
• Choose mild chemical exfoliants (PHA or low-concentration AHA) rather than coarse scrubs
• Avoid physical scrubs with sharp particles - they can create micro-tears in dry, vulnerable skin
• Always moisturise thoroughly after exfoliating

Consider a professional treatment

A professional facial treatment in the middle of winter can give the skin the boost it needs. Our classic facial treatment or the soothing aromatherapy facial treatment are ideal choices for winter-stressed skin. A therapist can:

• Assess your skin barrier and identify whether it is compromised
• Give a deep hydration treatment with professional products
• Perform a mild peel that removes the layer of dead cells without damaging the barrier
• Recommend adjustments to your routine based on the skin’s current condition

Many people choose to increase the frequency of treatments during the winter months precisely because the skin needs more professional support.

Summary: your winter skincare checklist

• Switch to a richer moisturiser with ceramides
• Keep your SPF (all year, no exceptions)
• Invest in a humidifier for the bedroom
• Turn down the water temperature
• Prioritise lip and hand care
• Exfoliate more gently, but consistently
• Book a hydration treatment with a professional

Want to know more?

At Nordic Skin College we teach our students to understand the skin as a living organ that responds to seasons, environment and lifestyle. We are happy to share that knowledge - both in our student clinic and here on the blog.

Does your skin need professional help this winter? Book a hydration treatment at our clinic - we analyse your skin and give it precisely what it needs. Dream of helping others with winter skin? Read about our cosmetology and skin therapy programme.