Winter Skin is Thirsty Skin

Why the colder months leave skin feeling tight and how to give it a little more care.

Jim Steele

If you live in Scotland, you’ll have noticed the nights drawing in. The air is cooler, the heating’s on more often, and it’s only going to get colder from here.

This is the time of year when skin feels tight after washing, cheeks sting in a cold wind, hands turn dry and rough, and lips need attention almost constantly.

Winter skin is thirsty skin. Not because you’re doing anything wrong — winter simply asks more of your skin.

Why winter is hard on skin
The outer layer of your skin holds moisture in and acts as a protective barrier. In winter, that barrier comes under extra pressure. Cold air is dry air, and central heating dries it further. Wind and hot water strip skin, leaving it tight and uncomfortable.

The answer isn’t a crowded bathroom shelf. It’s the basics, done consistently: gentle cleansing, regular moisturising, and a little extra care where your skin needs it most.

Start gently
Winter isn’t the time to scrub your skin into submission. A good cleanser should lift away dirt, make-up and excess oil without leaving skin feeling stripped afterwards. Use lukewarm water rather than hot, pat your face dry rather than rubbing, and moisturise while skin still feels slightly damp — that’s when it locks in the most moisture.

A simple routine, morning to night
You don’t need ten steps. A light moisturiser in the morning helps skin cope with cold, wind and indoor heating through the day. Something richer, kept close at hand, is useful whenever skin feels like it needs a top-up — on the face, neck or hands. And at night, a heavier, more nourishing cream gives dry-feeling skin the chance to properly recover while you sleep.

When skin needs extra gentleness
Winter isn’t the only thing that dries skin out. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, illness and medical treatment can all make you think harder about what you’re putting on your skin.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s sensible to check ingredients and discuss any concerns with your midwife, GP or other healthcare professional. And if you develop persistent or unusual itching in pregnancy — particularly without an obvious rash — it’s always worth getting it checked.

If you’re having radiotherapy, treatment can leave skin in the treated area dry, sensitive or sore. Skincare advice varies by treatment and individual, so your radiographer or oncology team should be your first point of reference on what’s appropriate and when.

Small habits that help all winter

• Moisturise straight after washing, while skin is still slightly damp
• Keep showers and baths warm rather than hot
• Use hand cream regularly, especially after repeated handwashing
• Protect face and hands from cold wind with gloves and a scarf
• Keep cleansing gentle rather than scrubbing
• Consider a humidifier if the air indoors feels particularly dry
• Don’t forget your lips — often the first place to feel winter arrive

Keep it simple
Winter doesn’t need a cabinet full of products. Most of the time, skin is asking for three things: cleanse gently, moisturise regularly, and protect it from the elements.

This article was written by James Steele, founder of Ayrshire Skincare. Ayrshire Magazine readers can enjoy 10% off at www.ayrshireskincare.co.uk until the end of January with the code AYRSKIN27.