How to Support Your Skin This Winter
Winter is one of the hardest times of year for sensitive skin. Cold temperatures, dry indoor heat, low humidity, and the stress of the holiday season all contribute to irritation, tightness, redness, and barrier disruption. Even those who don’t typically consider their skin “sensitive” may notice burning, stinging, or unexpected dryness this time of year.
Trading your skincare routine for more winter-specific products and treatments can make a significant difference. With the right balance of treatments and a barrier-supportive routine, skin can stay calm, hydrated, and resilient all season long.
What Happens to Skin in the Winter
Cold, dry air weakens the skin’s barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture. At the same time, indoor heating systems reduce humidity, increasing transepidermal water loss. This combination leaves skin dehydrated, fragile, and more reactive.
Inflammation also rises in winter, which is why redness, flushing, burning, tightness, or flaking often become more noticeable. Those with rosacea or naturally sensitive skin tend to experience even greater challenges this season.
Treatments That Calm and Repair Winter-Sensitive Skin
Hydrafacial
A non-irritating treatment that cleanses, hydrates, and restores the skin without harsh exfoliation. It helps remove buildup while infusing moisture, making it an excellent option for dryness and sensitivity.
Salt Facial
A three-step treatment that begins with gentle sea salt exfoliation, followed by ultrasound to boost hydration, and finishes with LED therapy to calm inflammation. This is ideal for winter dullness, dryness, or reactive skin.
LED Light Therapy
Red light therapy reduces inflammation, calms redness, and supports the skin’s natural healing processes. It is safe, soothing, and appropriate throughout winter, even during flare-ups.
Dermaplaning
Removes superficial dead skin and peach fuzz, helping skincare products penetrate more effectively.
Aquagold Facial
Aquagold can be customized to deliver hydrating, calming serums for improved texture and radiance. It should be selected carefully based on individual sensitivity levels.
What Not to Do When Skin is Reactive
During a flare, even normally tolerated products and treatments can become problematic. Avoid:
- Overusing exfoliating acids
- Layering too many actives at once
- Picking at dry patches or redness
- Using hot water, rough towels, or fragranced products
- Starting new, aggressive treatments during a flare
- Anything with downtime or strong resurfacing effects
The goal is to simplify, calm, and rebuild, and not to exfoliate or force quick results.
A Winter Skin Routine That Supports Repair
Try out some dermatologist-formulated products from The Simply Collection to strengthen and calm the skin barrier.
AM Routine
- CE + Ferulic (if tolerated; discontinue temporarily during a flare)
- Vitamin B3 Serum for redness and barrier repair
- Hyaluronic + B5 for hydration
- Simply Cream to protect and strengthen
- Mineral sunscreen (Sheer, Tinted, or Matte Tinted)
PM Routine
- Gentle cleanser (Simply Oil, Simply Clay, or Simply Aqua)
- Vitamin B3 Serum or Hyaluronic + B5
- Facial Oil layered over Simply Cream for maximum hydration
Keeping the routine simple and consistent allows the barrier to stabilize and reduces the likelihood of irritation.
How to Prevent Winter Flare-Ups Going Forward
- Maintain consistent hydration day and night
- Use a humidifier indoors to combat dry air
- Avoid over-cleansing
- Stick to a predictable routine instead of switching products often
- Schedule calming treatments proactively
- Protect skin from wind and cold with physical barriers like scarves
These habits help maintain healthier, calmer skin throughout the season.
When to See a Dermatologist
If redness, burning, or irritation persists, or if flare-ups happen frequently, it may be time to seek professional evaluation. Underlying conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis may require a targeted treatment plan. The Simply Derm team can assess your skin and create a customized approach to support barrier health and long-term comfort.
Recognized for Excellence
Our focus on patient-centered, evidence-based care is one of the reasons Simply Dermatology has been nominated across 11 categories for Best of Long Island 2026:
Your Path to Clear Skin with the Simply Derm Team
Every person’s skin responds to winter differently, and the right approach depends on your sensitivity level, triggers, and overall skin health. With the proper combination of calming treatments and a supportive routine, winter irritation can be significantly reduced and the skin barrier restored. Consistency is key, and the earlier you begin strengthening your skin, the more comfortable and resilient it will be throughout the season.
Schedule your soothing winter treatments by calling 631-377-7241 or filling out our booking form here.
Other blogs you might like to check out: Medical-Grade vs. Spa Facials and Why Simply Derm Is the Best on Long Island.
-Dr. Papantoniou