If your skin always seems to struggle more in winter — tightness, flaking, redness, irritation — you’re not imagining it. Winter is the hardest season for your skin barrier, and the combination of cold air, wind, indoor heating and low humidity creates the perfect storm for dryness and sensitivity.
The good news? Winter skin is fixable. With the right routine and a few small switches, you can keep your skin hydrated, calm and glowing all season long.
This guide breaks down why winter skin feels worse and the simple, natural steps that genuinely help.
Why Winter Skin Feels More Irritated
Winter creates a sudden drop in your skin’s moisture levels
Here’s what happens:
- Cold outdoor air = extremely low humidity → moisture evaporates faster
- Indoor heating = constant dryness → your skin loses water even more quickly
- Wind + temperature changes → small cracks in the skin barrier
- Barrier lipids decrease → your skin becomes reactive and more easily irritated
This is why even people who usually have “normal” skin can develop:
- Redness
- Flakiness
- Stinging after cleansing
- Rough patches
- A tight feeling after washing
- Makeup sitting unevenly
If you’re experiencing any of these, your barrier is asking for help — especially in winter.
1. Switch to a Gentle, Cream or Balm Cleanser
Winter is the season to avoid foaming cleansers, sulphates, and anything that leaves your skin “squeaky clean.”
That squeaky-clean feeling is literally your barrier lipids being stripped away.
Instead, use a:
- Cream cleanser
- Balm cleanser
- Oil-based cleanser that emulsifies gently
These remove makeup, dirt and SPF without disrupting the skin barrier.
This alone can dramatically reduce winter irritation.
(Meadowsoft Cleansing Balm— coming soon — is designed exactly for this step.)
Watch this video for more on your Winter Skin Barrier
2. Layer Hydration: Humectant + Lipid Combo
This is the simplest and most effective winter routine switch.
Step 1: Add hydration
Use a mist or hydrating serum containing humectants like:
- Glycerin
- Tremella mushroom
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe extract
Step 2: Seal it in
Follow with a lipid-rich balm or moisturiser to lock in that hydration.
This method prevents moisture loss and restores the lipids winter strips away.
(Bio Renew is ideal for this — packed with lipids, antioxidants and barrier-supporting ingredients.)
3. Cut Exfoliation Back to Once Per Week
Most people over-exfoliate in winter without realising it.
Your skin simply can’t tolerate the same amount of exfoliation when humidity is low.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Harsh scrubs
- High-strength AHAs
- Daily exfoliating pads
- Cleansers with exfoliating acids
Instead, choose gentle options like:
- Low-strength lactic acid
- Fermented acids
- Enzyme exfoliants
Your barrier will thank you.
4. Protect Your Skin From Sudden Temperature Changes
One of winter’s biggest triggers is the rapid shift from cold outdoors to heated indoors.
This causes:
- Flushing
- Extra dryness
- Increased sensitivity
Small changes make a big difference:
- Apply a nourishing balm before going outside (acts like a “shield”)
- Avoid hot showers
- Turn down your heating a few degrees
- Use a humidifier or place a bowl of water near radiators
5. Choose Lipid-Rich Skincare (Winter’s Secret Weapon)
Winter is when your skin needs lipids, not water-light gels.
Look for ingredients such as:
- Tallow — rich in bio-identical lipids your barrier recognises
- Ceramides
- Cholesterol
- Fatty acids
- Sea buckthorn
- Rosehip
- Arnica
- Bakuchiol (gentle anti-ageing without irritation)
These ingredients rebuild your barrier, reduce inflammation and improve resilience.
(Bio Renew combines tallow, rosehip, sea buckthorn, arnica and bakuchiol — making it a powerful winter ally.)
6. Yes — You Still Need Sunscreen in Winter
UV doesn’t “switch off” when the weather gets cold.
- UVA rays penetrate clouds
- UVA rays cause long-term collagen loss
- UV exposure weakens the skin barrier
Choose a sunscreen that is:
- Hydrating
- Alcohol-free
- Gentle on sensitive skin
And apply it every morning, even on grey days.
Your Simple Winter Skin Routine
AM Routine
- Gentle cream/balm cleanse
- Mist or hydrating serum
- Barrier-supporting moisturiser or balm
- Sunscreen
PM Routine
- Balm cleanse
- Hydration layer
- Moisture Rice Mask 1-2 times per week
- Lipid-rich balm
When to Seek Extra Support
You may need a more targeted routine if you experience:
- Severe flaking
- Burning that lasts for more than a minute or two
- Sudden reactivity (often linked to hormonal shifts or menopause)
- Persistent redness
These are signs your barrier needs a little extra care — and a gentle, minimalist routine is best.
Final Thoughts: Winter Skin Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle
Most winter skin problems come down to one thing: a weakened skin barrier.
When you nourish your skin with lipids, protect it from harsh weather and simplify your routine, the difference is huge.
If your skin feels irritated, dry or reactive this season, start with gentle cleansing and barrier strengthening. Your skin will respond quickly.
And if you want something that truly supports your barrier, nourishes deeply and adds anti-ageing benefits…
Explore Bio Renew — your new winter skincare essential.
Formulated to restore, revive and help your skin feel like you again.