If your skin is acting up right now, you’re not alone! Winter is a tough time for skin, and many of us notice dryness, irritation, breakouts, or flare-ups of existing conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis and rosacea. It’s frustrating, but a lot of skin conditions can worsen this time of year. The good news? A few tweaks to your routine can make a big difference. Let’s talk through why your skin might be struggling this season and what you can do about it.

Why Does Skin Get Worse in Winter?

There are a few major reasons your skin might be feeling dry, sensitive, or extra spotty right now:

1. Cold Weather, Central Heating & Hot Showers

Winter air is brutal on the skin. Cold temperatures, wind, and low humidity levels all contribute to transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—aka, water escaping from your skin. Your skin barrier (the outer protective layer) needs both water and healthy fats to function properly, and when they’re depleted, it can lead to dryness, flakiness, and even breakouts.

To make things worse, central heating sucks even more moisture from the air, leaving your skin feeling tight and parched. And if you’re taking long, hot showers (we don’t blame you!), the heat can strip your skin of its natural oils, which further increases water loss, making dryness and sensitivity even worse.

2. Lower Vitamin D Levels

In the UK, the sun isn’t strong enough in winter for our bodies to naturally produce vitamin D, and this could be affecting your skin. Vitamin D plays a role in regulating inflammation and supporting skin healing. If you’re prone to acne, eczema, or psoriasis, low vitamin D levels might make your flare-ups worse.

Supplementing with vitamin D (especially if you’re not getting much sunlight) could be a game-changer for your skin health. BUT always test before you supplement. I know, you might be sick of me telling you to test, but it’s the only way you’ll know if you are deficient and how deficient you are. If your vitamin D levels are 20nmol/L you’re gonna need a pretty big dose of vitamin D to get that up to optimal. The recommended 400-1000iu per day isn’t going to do it. On the other hand, if your vitamin D levels are already optimal, you don’t need to supplement.

3. Changes in Diet & Lifestyle

December was fun, right? Maybe you had a few extra drinks, indulged in sugary treats, and relaxed a bit on the healthy eating. It’s normal, don’t feel guilty about it! But these changes can impact your skin:

• Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can contribute to inflammation and breakouts. It can also disrupt the gut microbiome and how well our bodies clear out excess oestrogen.
• Sugar can spike insulin levels, affect the gut microbiome and shift the immune system, leading to increased oil production and breakouts.
• Lack of fresh foods means you might not be getting enough vitamins and antioxidants to support skin repair.
• Staying up (or out) late might mean you’ve been having less sleep than usual. Beauty sleep is real guys! It’s the time when our body rests and repairs.

And let’s be real—when it’s cold and dark outside, motivation to cook healthy meals, exercise, and get fresh air can be at an all-time low. All of these factors can lead to sluggish skin that takes longer to heal and looks dull or irritated.

4. Increased Stress Levels

The festive season might be fun, but it’s also stressful—busy schedules, family tensions, financial pressure, and post-holiday blues can all take a toll. Then January rolls around, and we pile on the pressure to ‘get back on track.’ Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production, trigger breakouts, and weaken the skin barrier, making it harder for your skin to recover.

What Can You Do to Help Your Skin?

Winter skin needs a little extra love, but small adjustments can make a big difference. Here’s how to support your skin through the colder months:

1. Tweak Your Skincare Routine

You might need to swap out lightweight summer products for more nourishing formulas. Look for ingredients that support your skin barrier and lock in hydration, like:

• Ceramides – to strengthen the skin barrier
• Squalane & fatty acids – to replenish moisture and prevent water loss

Another essential step is to consider using a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. If your skin feels tight after you cleanse, that cleanser isn’t right for you. I personally love Dermaviduals DMS Cleansing Milk which you can purchase via a consultation!

2. Increase Healthy Fats in Your Diet

Healthy fats are essential for keeping skin hydrated from the inside out. Try adding more:

• Avocados
• Nuts and seeds (especially flaxseeds and walnuts)
• Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel
• Extra virgin olive oil

These foods help to support your skin’s natural oil barrier, reducing dryness and irritation.

3. Track Your Fluid Intake

Hydration is key, but in winter, we often forget to drink enough water. Make sure you’re sipping on fluids throughout the day—water, herbal teas, and even broths all count. If plain water feels unappealing, try warm lemon water or infused teas to keep things interesting.

4. Manage Stress

Easier said than done, but finding ways to manage stress can have a big impact on your skin. Try:

• Getting outside for fresh air and daylight (even if it’s cloudy!)
• Prioritising sleep
• Gentle movement like yoga or stretching
• Practicing deep breathing or meditation

Remember, January doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing ‘reset’—taking small, sustainable steps is better for both your mind and your skin.

5. Be Kind to Yourself

If you’re feeling a bit ‘meh’ right now, you’re not alone. The post-holiday slump, dark mornings, and cold weather can be tough. Rather than forcing yourself into an intense routine, ease back into healthier habits gradually. Take things slow, focus on what makes you feel good, and remember that your skin will bounce back with a little care.

Need some extra help?

If your skin is really struggling, or you’re unsure about what changes to make, don’t hesitate to reach out. A little guidance can go a long way in helping you get your skin back to feeling its best. The combination of internal and topical support can really be key here.