Skin in winter: adapting your routine to cold weather and heating

Every winter, it's the same story: your skin feels tight, your complexion looks dull, and redness and rough patches appear. Between the cold, the wind, and the heat, this season really puts your skin to the test. The good news is that a few simple adjustments to your routine are all it takes to help your skin get through the winter comfortably.

In winter, cold, dry air and heating increase the skin’s moisture loss and weaken its barrier; your skincare routine should therefore be gentler, more nourishing, and more protective. Here's how to adapt it.

Why Skin Suffers in Winter

Cold air contains very little moisture. Outdoors, the cold and wind erode the hydrolipidic film that protects the skin, while the cold slows down sebum production. Indoors, heating dries out the air even further. Added to this are the temperature differences between the freezing outdoors and the heated indoors, as well as showers that are too hot, which dissolve the skin’s surface lipids.

The findings are well-documented: the combination of low humidity and cold temperatures increases insensible water loss and impairs the skin’s barrier function. As a result, the skin retains less moisture, becomes dehydrated, and is more reactive, leading to the tightness, discomfort, and dull complexion characteristic of this season.

Adjusting Your Cleaning Routine

In winter, the first thing to do is to use a gentler cleanser. Avoid harsh formulas and water that’s too hot, which can exacerbate lipid loss. A gentle, oil-based cleanser is particularly suitable: the PERS Radiance Makeup Remover Balm dissolves impurities while nourishing the skin without drying it out. It can be followed, if needed, by the PERS Soothing Cleansing Gel, a soap-free formula that cleanses while respecting the skin’s natural balance. Use lukewarm water—never scalding hot.

Switch to richer textures

This is the key adjustment for the season. When the skin’s barrier is put to the test, it needs more nourishing care to limit water loss. The PERS Rich Cream, enriched with peptides, allantoin, and panthenol, provides nourishment and comfort while supporting skin regeneration. To maintain proper hydration, the hyaluronic acid in the PERS Light Cream can be applied as a hydrating base layer under a richer treatment; clinical data confirms its effectiveness in improving skin hydration and elasticity.

Don't forget protection... or moderation

Winter doesn't mean you can skip sunscreen. UVA rays are present year-round, penetrate clouds, and are reflected by snow: SPF 50+ PERS protection is therefore still essential, as daily sun protection is the most well-documented measure against skin aging. Conversely, this is a season when you should take it easy on anything that stresses the skin: space out exfoliation and introduce active ingredients gently, so as not to weaken an already compromised skin barrier.

Good Habits for Everyday Life

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the indoor air and counteract the drying effect of the heating system.
• Use lukewarm water for both your face and when showering to preserve the skin's natural oils.
• Avoid over-cleansing or over-exfoliating, so as not to weaken the skin barrier.
• Don't forget your lips and hands—these are delicate areas that are highly exposed to the cold.

Key Takeaways

In winter, the cold, wind, and heating dry out the air and increase water loss from the skin, weakening its barrier. To help the skin cope, adjust your skincare routine: opt for gentler cleansing, richer and more nourishing textures, and more intensive hydration—not to mention sun protection and a more moderate use of active ingredients. With these few adjustments, your skin will stay comfortable, supple, and radiant, even when temperatures drop.

Scientific Sources