Dry skin is a skin concern a lot of people struggle with, especially in the winter. When there is low humidity, cold air and having the heating on this can all damage the skin barrier. Therefore, January is usually the worst time of the year for those who suffer with dry skin. So, it’s time to focus on hydrating skincare, barrier repair and the best treatments to restore hydration and comfort.
With National Winter Skin Relief Day on 8th January and National Hyaluronic Acid Day on 20th January, this is the perfect time to emphasise the importance of hydration and barrier protection.
What Causes Dry Skin in Winter?
Dry skin is a result of the skin barrier becoming compromised, so it cannot retain moisture effectively. This is more common in the winter due to several factors which can damage the skin barrier including:
- Cold weather and wind exposure
- Central heating and low indoor humidity
- Hot showers and baths
- Over-cleansing or using harsh skincare products
- Lack of proper moisturisers and barrier creams
All this can then lead to skin tightness, flaking, redness, and sensitivity.
How Do I Treat Dry Skin at Home?
1. Repair the Skin Barrier
Firstly, Skin barrier repair is essential for treating dry skin. Including a barrier cream in your routine helps replenish and strengthen the skin’s natural defences.
Look for barrier creams containing:
- Ceramides
- Cholesterol
- Fatty acids
- Shea butter
- Squalane
These ingredients support long-term hydration and prevent moisture loss rather than offering temporary relief.
Great examples of barrier repair creams are The Obagi Rebalance Skin Barrier Recovery Cream, Revision Skincare DermProtect Barrier Defense, Skinbetter Science Trio Luxe.
Luxe Moisture Treatment
2. What is the Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin?
Then you need to choose the right moisturiser. Choosing the best moisturiser for dry skin means selecting products that not only hydrate, nourish, but protect the skin aswell. There’s hundreds of moisturisers out there, but which ingredients are actually helpful?
Key ingredients to look for:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Hydromanil
- Niacinamide
Medical and pharmaceutical brands offer high quality moisturisers which will moisturise without damaging the skin. Those including Obagi Hydrate Luxe, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 and Skinbetter Science Hydration Boosting Cream.
3. Gentle Skincare for Dry, Sensitive Skin
A gentle routine is most important when managing dry and sensitive skin:
- Use a non-foaming, hydrating cleanser, for example Obagi Gentle Cleanser.
- Avoid over-exfoliation.
- Reduce hot water exposure
- Pat skin dry and moisturise immediately
- Always use SPF to protect the skin.
These steps help maintain hydration and prevent further barrier damage.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for Dry Skin?
Hyaluronic acid for dry skin is one of the most effective ingredients for improving hydration. Celebrated on National Hyaluronic Acid Day (20th January), this powerful humectant attracts and holds water within the skin.
Hyaluronic acid works best when layered under a moisturiser or barrier cream to prevent moisture evaporation, making it a key ingredient in any winter skincare routine and can be seen in many skincare products alongside aesthetic treatments.
What Treatments help Dry Skin and Dehydrated Skin?
Professional treatments can offer deeper hydration, additionally long-term improvement for dry skin. They can also be added alongside your gentle skincare routine to provide the extra hydration boost.
1. Skin Builders / Skin Restructurers
Skin builders such as RRS HA Long Lasting and Sunekos contain hyaluronic acid, delivering deep hydration. This will overall improve skin texture and enhance elasticity without adding volume.
2. Light Chemical Peels
Light chemical peels, such as SkinTech Easy Phytic Peel, will gently remove dead cells, even skin tone while also improving moisture absorption.
3. Microneedling for dry skin
Microneedling improves product absorption and stimulates collagen production, which will result in helping the skin retain moisture more effectively. It also has great anti-ageing, skin tightening benefits.
Final Thoughts: How to Treat Dry Skin in Winter
Treating dry skin requires a combination of the right at-home skincare routine, and if you need the additional hydration boost this time of year, professional aesthetic treatments can always be added to your January skin journey.
So, by prioritising skin hydration and barrier repair this winter, you can achieve healthier, more comfortable skin throughout the colder months.
Finally, you should always remember your SPF to protect your skin barrier. Although the sun isn’t out at this time of year, your SPF will protect your skin barrier from the continued presence of UV rays and other hash elements.