The low light of the winter days and the sensation that the skin is not exposed often lead us to skip key steps in skincare. Failing to moisturize properly or discontinuing sunscreen are common behaviors at this time of year. However, this is one of the most frequent mistakes professionals deal with daily, and also one of the most costly for the skin’s long-term health.
The low temperatures directly affect the skin barrier. Cold reduces the activity of sebaceous glands, which decreases natural sebum production: that protective film that, although it is sometimes associated with excess shine, serves to retain moisture and shield the skin from the environment. When that barrier weakens, the skin becomes more permeable, sensitive, and prone to irritation, flaking, and redness—a dehydration process that the dry indoor air from heating accelerates notably.
Hydration: the central axis of the winter routine
A dehydrated skin not only looks dull and tight, but also loses its ability to defend itself against external aggressors, which can trigger or worsen conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, or rosacea. Therefore, the main recommendation is to choose a cream denser than the one used in summer and apply it immediately after bathing.
It is essential not to overlook areas that we tend to neglect, such as the hands, knees, elbows, and lips. At the same time, pay attention to daily habits: hot shower water, though comforting, dries the skin even more. Ideally, lower the water temperature a bit and limit the shower time to prevent further damage.
Sunscreen remains indispensable
One of the most ingrained myths is that sunscreen is only used in summer. However, the UVA rays —responsible for premature aging and cumulative skin damage— are present all year round, regardless of temperature or whether there are clouds in the sky.
These radiations pass through glass and reach the skin in the car, at the office, or indoors. The solar radiation does not take a winter break. Incorporating sunscreen as the last step of the morning routine, right after moisturizer, is a habit that makes a real difference in skin health and aging. Maintaining daily protection throughout the year yields positive changes that become visible in the clinic.
Fewer steps, more consistency in daily care
Regarding the basic winter routine, the ideal approach is simple yet effective. A gentle cleanse in the morning and at night—avoiding products that dry out or disrupt the pH—, a higher-density moisturizer suited to the skin type and a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning.
To enrich the care, it is a great time to incorporate active ingredients such as vitamin C, for its antioxidant properties, or hyaluronic acid, which holds hydration deep within. If the skin is very sensitive or reactive, the guideline that less is more becomes a rule: simplifying and staying consistent always outperforms lengthy routines that end up being broken.
The ideal moment for renewal treatments
On the other hand, winter presents itself as the ideal season to perform certain dermatological treatments that are not recommended in summer due to the intensity of sun exposure. Chemical peels, lasers, rejuvenation procedures, or specific treatments for spots and scars achieve better results and carry a lower risk of complications during these months.
For that reason, July and August are the recommended months to undergo a dermatology consultation, assess the skin’s condition, and determine which procedure is most appropriate for each case. Winter is not a pause in care, but an opportunity to consolidate habits, address what summer left pending, and prepare the skin for when the heat returns. Caring for it is not a matter of vanity, but of health.
Leisa Molinari is a medical dermatologist, specialist in skin cancer and Mohs micrographic surgery. She is the founder of the Skin Medical Center and Leisa Skin Science, and the developer of Piel Protec. M.N. 116.628. @dra.leisamolinari
