Hi, I’m Dr. Mathieu Powell, and if your skin has been acting strangely lately, welcome to winter. This is the season where lips crack, cheeks sting, hands age ten years overnight, and everyone swears their usual routine has suddenly betrayed them. It has not. Winter just plays by different rules.
Let’s walk through what is happening to your skin right now, what you can do about it, and why this is quietly the best season of the year for laser and IPL treatments.
Why Winter Is Hard on Skin
Cold air holds very little moisture. Indoor heating finishes the job. Together, they strip water from your skin and weaken the barrier that normally keeps things calm.
What I see most in winter:
· Dry, tight skin that feels uncomfortable after cleansing
· Flaking around the nose, eyebrows, and mouth
· Redness and irritation, especially for rosacea prone skin
· Eczema flare ups on hands and legs
· Lips that never seem to recover
If your skin suddenly feels sensitive to products you have used for years, that is normal this time of year.
Simple Winter Skin Care That Actually Works
This is not the season for complicated routines. Winter skin responds best to consistency and restraint.
Cleanse Gently
If your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh. Look for non foaming or cream cleansers. Once a day cleansing at night is often enough.
Choose warm showers rather than hot ones. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and can worsen dryness and irritation.
Cleanse only what needs cleansing. Daily washing should focus on the face, armpits, and genital area. Overwashing the rest of the body can contribute to dry, itchy skin.
Moisturize Like You Mean It
Winter moisturizers should contain ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. Apply while skin is still slightly damp. That timing matters.
Protect the Barrier
This is not the moment to over exfoliate. Limit acids and retinoids if your skin is irritated. If you use them, buffer with moisturizer.
Do Not Skip Sunscreen
Snow reflects light. Winter sun still damages skin. Broad spectrum SPF every morning, even when it is cloudy.
Hands and Lips Need Their Own Plan
Hand cream by every sink. Lip balm before bed, every night, no exceptions.
Add Moisture to the Air
Consider using a humidifier in the bedroom. Adding moisture to the air overnight helps support skin hydration during the winter months.
Winter Skin Problems I Treat Most Often
Patients often come in worried something is wrong. Usually, it is just winter doing its thing.
Common visits include:
· Eczema flare ups
· Rosacea worsening with cold exposure
· Perioral dermatitis triggered by dryness
· Cracks on fingertips that will not heal
· Dull skin tone and uneven texture
The good news is that most of these improve quickly once we adjust skincare and calm the barrier.
On Another Note: Why Winter Is the Best Time for Laser and IPL
This is the part patients are always surprised by.
Winter is ideal for laser and IPL treatments because there is less sun exposure. Less sun means lower risk of pigmentation issues and better healing.
Laser and IPL can help with:
· Sun damage and brown spots
· Redness and broken capillaries
· Uneven skin tone
· Texture and early signs of aging
· Hair reduction
You heal indoors, bundled up, and by the time summer arrives, your skin is clearer and more even. Think of it as quiet preparation.
If you have been considering treatment but keep postponing, winter is your window.
A Final Word From Me
If your skin feels different in winter, it is not failing you. It is asking for a little extra support. Simplify, moisturize generously, protect the barrier, and take advantage of this season for treatments that need low sun exposure.
And if you are unsure what your skin actually needs, that is what we are here for. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a calm, professional eye and a plan that makes sense for your life.
Your skin will thank you by spring.
