It’s February, the temperature has dropped, the wind and rain are relentless, suddenly your skin feels tight, dry and uncomfortable.
From red and sore skin to having breakouts, it could be because your skin is under stress.
What’s going on?
Skin acts as a barrier between you and the outside world, keeping moisture in and irritants, bacteria and pollutants out.
However, cold air holds less moisture than warm air, which means the atmosphere is pulling hydration away from your skin and the wind is affecting your natural protective oils. Combine this with central heating which drops indoor humidity even further and the skin starts to struggle.
As teenage skin is oilier than adult skin, it already has a degree of natural resilience but when the barrier comes under pressure in winter, the skin can respond by producing more oil to compensate.
Your skin wants to recover but it just needs a bit of support.
Product Advice
Winter skincare doesn't need to be complicated. For teenagers, it really comes down to three things.
Cleanse
What changes in winter is how you do it. Hot water strips your skin's natural oils faster than almost anything else and in winter those oils are already under pressure.
Winter Tip
Replace: Hot Water
With: Warm water
Moisturise
If there's one step that makes the biggest difference in winter, it's this one. A good moisturiser helps by reinforcing the barrier, slowing water loss and protecting the skin from environmental stress.
Winter Tip
Replace: Applying once a day
With: Applying throughout the day
Deodorise
Your body still sweats in winter and because you’re wearing more layers, it creates a warmer microclimate right next to your skin. The bacteria responsible for body odour are perfectly comfortable at this temperature. Keeping a consistent deodorant routine year-round isn't just about smelling good on hot days, it's about looking after your skin and your confidence every day.
Winter Tip
Replace: Spray Deodorant
With: Roll on Deodorant / Anti-perspirant
General Advice
You've got enough going on as a teenager without your skin causing you issues.
Avoid very hot showers
Hot water can interfere with your skin's microbiome and it can further strip the skin of its natural oils. Turn the temperature down.
Don't skip moisturiser because your skin feels oily
Oily and hydrated are not the same thing. Skin can be both oily and in need of barrier support, particularly in winter. A lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturiser won't make your skin greasier, it'll protect it.
Adjust your routine
Winter asks more of your barrier, so give it a little more support. This can be as simple as increasing the times you apply a lip balm or moisturiser throughout the day.
Don't forget your lips and hands
Your lips do not produce sebum making them prone to dryness, cracking, and sun damage. During the winter months, apply a lip balm repeatedly throughout the day.
If the skin on your hands is dry or cracking, use a hand cream or hand salve every day. A rich hand product containing plant and seed oils is the ideal solution.
Use these tips and your skin will have the best chance of maintaining a healthy barrier throughout the winter months.
