As the seasons shift, so does your skin. The cooler temperatures and reduced humidity of autumn and winter may feel refreshing, but they can be particularly challenging for your skin's natural biological function. Understanding how the skin responds to seasonal changes is key to maintaining resilience, hydration, and overall skin health through the colder months.
How Cold Weather Affects Skin Physiology
When the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, your skin starts to lose moisture more rapidly. This process, known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), occurs when water evaporates from the skin's surface, weakening its barrier and making it more susceptible to irritation, sensitivity, and inflammation.
Compounding this, indoor heating and harsh environmental elements like wind further dehydrate the skin, often triggering flare-ups in individuals with already compromised skin or chronic inflammatory conditions.
Decreased Lipid Production in Cooler Months
During autumn and winter, sebaceous gland activity naturally decreases, meaning your skin produces fewer natural oils. This drop in lipid production disrupts the protective barrier, leaving skin vulnerable to environmental stressors and water loss. As a result, the skin can feel tight, dry, and increasingly reactive.
In those with sensitive skin or existing conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, this seasonal dip in barrier function often leads to worsening symptoms, including redness, flaking, and discomfort.
Slower Cell Turnover and Dullness
The colder months can also slow down skin cell turnover, causing dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface. This contributes to dullness, congestion, and uneven texture. Without gentle exfoliation and barrier repair, skin may appear lacklustre and struggle to absorb active ingredients effectively.
The Role of Sunlight and Vitamin D
Less daylight in autumn and winter can impact vitamin D synthesis, which plays a role in immune support and overall skin vitality. Though this doesn’t directly alter skin texture, it can affect the skin’s ability to defend itself and recover from inflammation.
How to Strengthen and Support Your Skin in Autumn and Winter
The solution to seasonal skin challenges lies in targeted, barrier-supportive skincare that restores hydration and replenishes lipids. A shift in routine is often necessary to maintain skin health through the colder months.
1. Focus on Hydration and Barrier Repair
Opt for moisturisers that combine humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), emollients (such as squalane, jojoba oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, and glycine soja protein), and occlusives (such as hydrogenated polyisobutene, glyceryl stearate, and cetyl alcohol) to help lock in moisture and reinforce the barrier.
Try: Pure Nourish Moisturising Cream – Formulated with Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Malus Domestica Cell Culture Extract to boost hydration, elasticity, and barrier resilience.
2. Incorporate Gentle Exfoliation
Mild chemical exfoliants or enzyme treatments can help remove dead skin cells and promote radiance without disrupting the skin’s barrier.
Try: Pure Radiance Glow Serum – A gentle overnight exfoliating treatment that reveals smoother, brighter skin while replenishing moisture.
3. Calm and Soothe Inflammation
Support your skin with anti-inflammatory and reparative actives that reduce redness, itchiness, and sensitivity.
Try: Super Clear Purifying Crème Gel – A soothing formula with Zinc PCA, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, and Vitamin C to calm inflammation and support barrier health.
4. Protect Against Environmental Stress
Shield your skin from oxidative stress and external aggressors with antioxidants and barrier-reinforcing ingredients.
Try: Future Advanced Multi Active – Infused with Methylsilanol Mannuronate and Ectoin, this powerful treatment strengthens skin structure while enhancing hydration and defence.
Final Thought
Autumn and winter bring a unique set of challenges, but with the right knowledge and care, your skin can thrive throughout the colder months. By adjusting your skincare routine to prioritise hydration, lipid replenishment, and inflammation control, you’re not just protecting your skin—you’re supporting its long-term health and resilience.
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r6ilif
r6ilif