Winter brings with it a change in seasons, and along with it, a shift in our skin’s condition. It is not uncommon for many of us to encounter the discomfort of dryness, itchiness, and irritation during this time. To shed light on how our skin responds to these seasonal shifts, we turned to the expertise of Dr. Ginni Mansberg, voted the most trusted Australian Healthcare professional in 2022, and co-founder Evidence Skincare (ESK). Dr. Mansberg explains the impact of cold, dry air on the skin’s barrier function and why it’s crucial to maintain a healthy barrier for optimal skin health. Additionally, she highlights the common issue of seasonal acne breakouts and how inflammation can play a role, even with lower sebum levels.
So how does the skin respond to change in seasons? Dr Ginni Mansberg Explains:
“Most people will notice their skin feels quite a lot drier in winter. Along with the dry feeling, your skin can also feel irritated, itchy and flaky (and look redder). If you already have sensitive skin, or conditions like eczema or rosacea then winter can trigger flare-ups. Even people with oily or acne-prone skin can experience more breakouts.
The cold, dry air in winter impairs the skin’s barrier. This is due to a combination of lower humidity in the air and the fact that we’re spending more time indoors with the heaters on. A healthy skin barrier keeps the good stuff (moisture, natural oils) IN and the bad stuff (irritants, bugs like fungi and bacteria, toxins ) OUT. This obviously keeps skin not just looking good but functioning well too. Anything which disrupts the skin barrier is going to lead to drier skin and this often leads to an increase in irritation.
Some people may also experience seasonal acne breakouts. In the colder months, the same impaired skin barrier function can cause more inflammation. Despite lower sebum (oil) levels in winter.
Firstly, make sure to drink an adequate amount of water each day to keep your skin hydrated from within. This is something we instinctively know to be true but was confirmed by one study of 49 women done in 2015. It showed that being dehydrated led to a lower water content in the skin. “
Switching up your skincare in cooler months will also make a difference to your skin comfort and complexion. No matter your budget or skin concern, here are 5 of the best Winter skin treats to consider embracing as temperatures drop.
1. The Cult Classic but Better – Clinique Limited Edition Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
50ml for $70
The refreshing hydrator fights back against life’s daily dehydrations. This oil-free gel-cream moisturiser with Aloe Bioferment + HA Complex penetrates deep into skin’s surface—for 100 hours of stabilising hydration. In addition an anti-oxidant blend of vitamins C and E helps protect against dehydrators, so your skin is more resilient. Provides a smooth canvas for makeup application and safe for sensitive skin.
2. The Pro level Treatment – Aspect Platinum Optimum Hydration | HA + Peptide Moisturising Cream
50ml for $165.00
This luxurious, hydrating moisturiser is formulated to support and protect the skin from premature ageing and environmental stressors. Its rich, creamy texture nourishes and restores dry, ageing skin.
Infused with a soothing and comforting complex, Aspect Platinum Optimum Hydration strengthens the skin barrier, visibly reduces redness, and stimulates DNA repair.. This specialty product is sold only by consultation. Online orders require completion of an online form to be reviewed by registered nurses. Aspect Platinum can only be sold following a skin consultation.
3. The KBeauty Icon – AHC Age Defence Real Eye Cream For Face
40 ml for $45
Clinically proven to fight against 7 kinds of wrinkles in just 7 days. A luxurious and refreshing cream featuring Goldpeptive™, a peptide wrapped in gold, to improve skin health by increasing collagen synthesis, and Power Gold Thread Complex to support skin elasticity and moisture. Ingredients are effectively delivered to the skin via Ultrafine Micro Technology for optimal absorption. Impressive clinical results show hydration is improved by 123% instantly and elasticity by 14% after only one use.
4. The SOS Treatment – E.S.K Repair Plus
50ml for $95
ESK Skincare has just launched an upgraded version of their powerhouse Repair Plus, and it’s very very good. The reformulation of Repair Plus embraces the latest scientific evidence, incorporating the powerful duo of Panthenol (Provitamin B5) and Squalane to provide enhanced support, repair skin’s barrier function and provide deep hydration.
Enriched with a combination of ceramides, hyaluronic acid (mid molecular weight), vitamin B3, and peptides, Repair Plus works to soothe and restore the skin, providing deep hydration for dry and sensitive skin. This formula also includes ingredients known for their efficacy in managing skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis.
5. The Value Blockbuster – QV Ceramides Cream
500g for $22.95
Rich and deeply hydrating triple ceramide (EOP, NP, AP) and triple moisturising cream formulation with niacinamide work to promote a healthy skin barrier for hydrated and rejuvenated glowing skin, with up to 24hr hydration.
Formulated with a blend of 3 ceramides, glycerin and niacinamide for 24 hour hydration, the formula is a Dermatologist favourite and suitable for use with sensitive, eczema-prone and acne-prone skin on the face and body.
Finally, Dr Mansberg recommends:
“Make sure you’re using high quality skincare. Hint- more expensive isn’t necessarily better. Opt for gentle, pH balanced products that are going to be gentle on sensitive, acne or rosacea prone skin to minimise the risk of irritation.
I recommend investing in a product that is going to support the skin barrier function with evidence based ingredients like panthenol, niacinamide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. “
