Winter skin on the North East coast. how I look after mine.
Every year, around the time the clocks go back, I hear the same thing in clinic. “My skin feels tight.” “My make up has started sitting in patches.” “My cheeks go red the minute I walk along the front at Whitley Bay.”
None of that is unusual. Living on this bit of coast, our skin gets a cold, salty wind outside and dry central heating inside, often in the same hour. Here’s the simple routine I use myself and talk clients through every winter.
Why winter is harder on skin.
Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating dries the air further. Wind adds to it. For a lot of people that shows up as tightness after washing, flaky patches around the nose and mouth, dull looking skin, or redness that takes longer to settle.
The answer usually isn’t more products. It’s fewer, gentler ones used consistently.
1. Cleanse gently.
If your skin feels squeaky and tight after washing, your cleanser may be too harsh for this time of year. I switch to a balm in the evenings. The WBCo Prebiotic Cleansing Balm melts off the day without leaving skin feeling stripped. Lukewarm water, not hot, and pat dry rather than rubbing.
In the mornings, a quick rinse or a gentle cleanser is plenty. The Bog Myrtle & Lime Balancing Cleanser is creamy and doesn’t foam up aggressively, which is why I like it all year round.
2. Add hydration straight away.
Straight after cleansing, while skin is still slightly damp, I use the WBCo Prep Mist, then my moisturiser on top. Layering onto damp skin may help it feel more comfortable through the day. On really cold days I go for a richer moisturiser than I’d use in summer.
3. Keep SPF in the routine.
I know, it’s grey and drizzly. But daylight still reaches your skin in winter, and a bright, cold day on the beach at Tynemouth or the walk along to St Mary’s Lighthouse can be surprisingly harsh. A mineral SPF every morning stays non negotiable for me.
4. Go easy on exfoliating.
When skin is flaky it’s tempting to scrub it off. Over exfoliating in winter is one of the most common reasons I see for skin that stings and stays red. Once or twice a week is plenty for most people, and if your skin is already sore, give it a break completely.
5. Don’t forget lips and hands.
Lips have no oil glands of their own, so they dry out fast in the wind. A simple balm, reapplied through the day, makes a real difference. Keep one in your coat pocket.
If you’re having treatments this winter.
Winter is a popular time for skin treatments like microneedling, skin boosters and facials, partly because there’s less strong sun around. A calm, well hydrated starting point helps, so I’d always rather you start a gentle routine a couple of weeks before a treatment than change everything the week of it. Results vary from person to person, and I’ll go through what suits your skin at your appointment.
When to get it checked.
Dry, tight winter skin is common and usually settles with a gentler routine. If you have patches that crack, bleed, weep, itch badly or don’t improve after a few weeks, please speak to your GP or pharmacist, as that can need a different approach.
Frequently asked questions.
Should I change my skincare in winter?
For most people, yes, a little. Swap to a gentler cleanser, use a richer moisturiser and exfoliate less often. You don’t need a whole new routine.
Do I need SPF in winter in the UK?
I recommend it. Daylight still reaches your skin on cloudy days, so a daily SPF is a good habit all year.
Why does my skin go red in the cold?
Cold wind and switching between cold outside and warm rooms can leave skin flushed. If redness is persistent, burning or spreading, ask your GP or pharmacist to take a look.
Can I buy WBCo products without booking a treatment?
Yes. The range is in my online shop, or you can collect from the clinic. If you’re not sure what suits your skin, WhatsApp me first.
If your skin has been feeling uncomfortable and you’d like a plan, you can book a free consultation or just message me with a question. I reply to every WhatsApp myself.
Rachel · Refined Medical Aesthetics, Seaton Delaval