Winter Skin Survival Guide: How to Look Glowy When the Weather Is Trying to Ruin It
If your skin has suddenly gone from healthy glow to tight, flaky and mildly offended, you’re not alone. Cold air, biting winds and central heating are a perfect storm for dehydrated, sensitive winter skin — and no, your skin hasn’t “suddenly changed for no reason”.
At The Aesthetics Room Dorset, winter is the season where we shift our focus away from aggressive actives and towards what your skin actually needs right now:
✔ protecting the skin barrier
✔ increasing moisture within the skin (not just on top of it)
Let’s talk about how to care for your skin properly through the colder months and which professional treatments and products genuinely make a difference.
Why winter is so hard on your skin
During winter, humidity levels drop and indoor heating increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In simple terms: your skin loses water faster than it can replace it.
This often shows up as:
tightness and flaking
redness and sensitivity
breakouts despite dryness
makeup sitting poorly
skincare that suddenly stings
When the skin barrier is compromised, even the best skincare struggles to work effectively.
Winter skincare basics (that actually work)
1. Be kinder with cleansing
Winter is not the time for harsh, foaming cleansers or anything that leaves your skin feeling “squeaky clean”. Over-cleansing strips the barrier and worsens dehydration.
2. Hydration needs layers not just cream
Healthy winter skin relies on:
Humectants (to draw water into the skin)
Emollients and occlusives (to seal that hydration in)
This is where professional-grade serums and barrier creams really outperform basic moisturisers.
3. Moisturise at the right time
Apply hydrating serums and moisturisers straight after cleansing, while skin is slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture and supports barrier repair.
4. Yes, you still need SPF
UVA rays are present all year round and continue to contribute to premature ageing especially if you’re having treatments like peels or microneedling.
👉 If you’re unsure which SPF suits your skin type, this can be discussed during your Skin Consultation.
The best in-clinic treatments for winter skin
Winter is actually one of the best times of year for professional skin treatments. With reduced sun exposure, we can focus on repair, hydration and long-term skin health.
Advanced facials for barrier repair
A good winter facial should:
deeply hydrate the skin
calm redness and inflammation
strengthen the skin barrier
improve overall skin quality, not just short-term glow
👉 Read more about the active facials on offer here!
Gentle chemical peels
Contrary to popular belief, winter is an excellent time for gentle, controlled chemical peels. These help:
improve dullness and uneven texture
clear congestion
stimulate cell renewal
enhance product absorption
All peels at The Aesthetics Room Dorset are carefully selected and tailored no aggressive “one size fits all” formulas.
👉 Learn more about whether a peel is right for you here!
Skin boosters for deep hydration
If your skin feels dehydrated from the inside (fine lines look more obvious, makeup doesn’t sit well), skin boosters act like an internal moisturiser, improving elasticity and glow over time.
👉 Explore injectable hydration options here!
Polynucleotides for skin repair
For skin that is stressed, thinning or inflammation-prone, polynucleotides support cellular repair and improve overall skin resilience making them an excellent winter treatment choice.
My winter product heroes: hydration + barrier support
Winter skincare should work with your skin, not challenge it. Two products I consistently recommend during colder months are from iS Clinical.
iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum
This lightweight serum delivers deep hydration while calming stressed or sensitive skin.
Key ingredients & benefits:
Hyaluronic Acid – binds water within the skin for long-lasting hydration
Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) – supports barrier repair and improves skin softness
Centella Asiatica components – help soothe irritation and redness
Why it’s perfect for winter:
It hydrates without heaviness and is ideal when skin feels tight, reactive or dehydrated.
iS Clinical SHEALD Recovery Balm
This is a true barrier-repair product and a winter essential.
Key ingredients & benefits:
Ceramides + cholesterol – restore the skin’s natural barrier
Hyaluronic Acid & glycerin – attract and retain moisture
Oat kernel extract & beta-glucan – calm irritation and dryness
Occlusive base – prevents moisture loss and protects compromised skin
Why it’s perfect for winter:
It seals in hydration, reduces flaking and protects the skin from environmental stress — ideal post-treatment or as a nighttime moisturiser.
👉 Both products are available to purchase here or book in for a skin consultation.
iS Clinical SHEALD Recovery Balm
This is a true barrier-repair product and a winter essential.
Key ingredients & benefits:
Ceramides + cholesterol – restore the skin’s natural barrier
Hyaluronic Acid & glycerin – attract and retain moisture
Oat kernel extract & beta-glucan – calm irritation and dryness
Occlusive base – prevents moisture loss and protects compromised skin
Why it’s perfect for winter:
It seals in hydration, reduces flaking and protects the skin from environmental stress — ideal post-treatment or as a nighttime moisturiser.
👉 Both products are available to purchase here or book in for a skin consultation.
Ready for healthier winter skin?
If your skin feels dry, reactive or just not behaving itself, a personalised skin consultation can help identify exactly what your skin needs this season — without unnecessary treatments.
