Winter is a special time of year. It is the time for mistletoe and bonfires, for huddling up and endless cups of chai, and for long walks in the morning mist. Unfortunately, winter winds, colder temperatures, and indoor heating tend to dry out our skin, depleting its natural defences. This time of year can be especially challenging for those who already have sensitive skin which has a tendency to become itchy, red, and/or inflamed. Most symptoms exacerbate in the winter when irritations occur more frequently, and skin becomes even more sensitive to products and routines that are normally nascent.

People with conditions like Rosacea and Eczema might suffer more than usual in the colder months. The cold air, low humidity and indoor heating can trigger flare-ups. Rosacea is detected by the appearance of irritated and flushed skin, commonly on the cheeks. Sometimes you might see an increase in the appearance of thread veins or small fluid-filled lumps; these can be treated by targeting a small, electrical current onto the surface of the thread vein, causing the vein’s walls to collapse, redirecting the vein into the skin and ultimately reducing its appearance. Eczema or Dermatitis, refers to a condition when the skin becomes very dry, cracked and sore. It is a common long-term skin condition which can be triggered by cold weather. Unfortunately, this is also painful. Eczema can be localised or widespread. Refer out to a dermatologist if you suffer from these symptoms for a full and accurate assessment and treatment.

Sensitive, delicate skin needs even more protection and nourishment in the winter as compared to other seasons. Luckily there are several ways to care for your skin by mindfully enhancing your daily skincare routine. Since everyone’s skin is unique and has a different history, consult your skincare expert to get help that is best suited for you. Here are 10 general tips:

1. If the winter chill takes away moisture, you should proactively re-introduce moisture to your skin. Start with using richer ingredients – so swap your regular lotions for richer creams or butters. Secondly, use highly moisturising masks and creams for the face and also for the body. Thirdly, turn to nourishing serums and moisturising, natural oils with ingredients, such as glycerine, panthenol, allantoin, aloe vera, urea, jojoba, avocado and evening primrose oil, fatty acids, green tea, ceramides, and emollients, which are suggested by experts to combat sensitive skin. Vitamin E and niacinamide especially have a very high antioxidant effect which arms sensitive skin against free radicals by stimulating lipid production.  Fourthly, use hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid, both humectants, and especially helpful for sensitive skin to retain moisture. Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which works to break down the bonds which hold dead skin cells, and helps with dry and flaky skin, and improves elasticity.

2. During the winter, sensitive skin is constantly facing extreme environments like dry, cold air, biting winds, and smog when outdoors, and dry, artificially warmed, dry air from heaters, when at home. A humidifier can minimise the damage to the skin while indoors and definitely restore the hydration in your bedroom, where you might spend the most time, giving your skin’s natural moisture, a chance to re-surface. 

3. When it’s cold and a hot shower feels like bliss, opt for lukewarm showers instead. Especially whilst washing your face but also when taking a bath, remember that sensitive skin prefers mild temperatures. This will certainly help with the redness and irritation associated with sensitive skin.

4. ‘Use gentle products’ is a mantra for people with sensitive skin. Many ingredients trigger symptoms in sensitive skin, so avoid heavily fragranced products, no alcohols, no harmful ingredients, and little or no chemical exfoliation, all of which irritate sensitive skin. Hypo-allergenic, dermatologist tested and organic products are what you should opt for, according to skin experts. Since sensitive skin is working extra hard during the winter, use safe makeup products if any.

5. Choose non-irritating, natural clothing made of cotton, when you layer up. Rough clothing and artificial fabrics can be a trigger for irritation if you have extremely sensitive skin. 

6. Don’t forget your lips, hands, feet and eyes. Your lips and area around the eyes have very thin skin and your hands and feet have some of the thickest skin on your body and yet, all need extra care. Use a good eye cream, apply a natural lip balm, and use a rich cream for the hands and feet.

7. Exfoliation is necessary in the winter to remove dead skin build-up, but exfoliation can be harsh on sensitive skin so consult your dermatologist to see if your skin can handle it. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you can exfoliate with a washcloth or gentle exfoliating brush. Gentle exfoliation with ingredients like papaya, pineapple, alpha hydroxy acids and glycolic or lactic acids are most effective when used in moderation. 

8. For sensitive skin, in winters, use cream cleansers as they are gentle and more hydrating. Also, a gentle toner can restore the pH balance in the skin, and help alleviate inflammation and other symptoms of sensitive skin. Once again, opt for a toner free of alcohol and fragrance.

9. Sensitive skin needs plenty of moisture, and a nutrient-dense skin serum can help. The smaller molecules of serums penetrate the skin more deeply and deliver concentrated nutrients to the cells. Serums with anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for sensitive skin. Finally drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your skin from the inside. 

10.  Sunscreen is essential, no matter what type of weather or skin you have – adapt the type of sunscreen to suit your unique skin. The winter sun is often stronger than at other times in the year, and can exacerbate sensitive skin symptoms. For sensitive skin, mineral-based sunscreens are usually gentler and better option to chemical ones.