Dry skin is a common complaint in the cold months, especially in winter. Lower temperatures, cold wind and heated indoor environments reduce hydration and can compromise the skin’s barrier function.
When this happens, signs such as:
- A feeling of tightness;
- Dull skin;
- Fine flaking;
- Greater sensitivity and reactivity;
- Tired look.
Dehydrated skin tends to show fine lines and wrinkles more clearly, giving the face a duller, lackluster appearance. Adjusting your skincare at this stage of the year helps preserve the balance and quality of your skin.
Why does dry skin get worse in winter?
The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, acts as a “protective mantle”. It is made up of corneocytes and intercellular lipids – mainly ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids – which maintain the hydration and integrity of the skin barrier.
During the winter, a number of factors contribute to worsening dry skin:
- Lower air humidity;
- Exposure to cold wind;
- Rooms heated with dry air;
- Very hot, prolonged baths;
- Reduced natural lipid production.
When the skin barrier is weakened, transdermal water loss increases – a natural process in which moisture evaporates through the epidermis to the outside environment. The result is progressively dehydrated and less luminous skin.
Find out more about the perfect face treatments for winter.
Dry skin: Is it the same thing?
Not always:
- Dry skin is a type of skin that produces less fat structurally.
- Dry skin is a temporary condition caused by external factors or changes in the skin barrier.
Oily skin can also be dehydrated, so a correct diagnosis is essential in order to adjust care to the skin’s real needs.
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Simple morning and evening routine for dry skin
Maintaining a proper and consistent routine can significantly improve the quality of dry skin.
1. gentle and balanced cleansing
Cleansing should remove impurities without compromising the skin’s protective barrier. Formulas with a physiological pH and mild surfactants should be preferred. For more sensitive skin, it is wise to avoid products with alcohol or intense fragrances.
2. Moisturizing with repairing active ingredients
Not all moisturizers work in the same way. An effective formulation for dry skin must combine:
- Humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin), which attract water;
- Emollients, which soften and improve texture;
- Occlusives, which reduce evaporation;
- Ceramides, which reinforce the skin barrier.
It should be applied after cleansing, with slightly damp skin.
3. Wear sunscreen every day
Even in winter, it’s important to continue using sunscreen. Although the radiation is less intense, ultraviolet rays, especially UVA, are noticeable and contribute to skin ageing.
4. Adjusting daily habits
Very hot baths remove natural lipids from the skin barrier and can intensify the sensation of dry skin. Prefer lukewarm water and shorter baths.
Maintaining an adequate water intake also contributes to the body’s overall balance.
In mild cases, these adjustments tend to be enough to improve skin comfort. If painful cracks, persistent itching or intense redness appear, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to rule out conditions such as dermatitis.
Find out more about essential skin care during the winter.
When to consider medical-aesthetic treatments
When dry skin is associated with uneven texture, a tired appearance or the first signs of ageing, it may be advisable to complement daily care with medical-aesthetic procedures that act in depth.
Before undergoing any procedure, it is essential to have a medical assessment in Aesthetic Medicine:
- Degree of skin dehydration;
- Thickness and quality of the skin;
- Presence of sagging or sun damage;
- Patient’s medical history;
- Individual expectations.
At Skin Boutique, the assessment and procedures are carried out by a 100% female team of Aesthetic Medicine doctors, which allows us to define a safe, personalized protocol tailored to each individual’s skin.
Among the options available for improving dry skin are two approaches that are often recommended in consultation following a skin diagnosis.
SkinBoosters: Intense and long-lasting hydration
SkinBoosters consist of microinjections of hyaluronic acid with a low degree of cross-linking, applied to the superficial dermis.
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which are used to restore volume, this treatment aims to improve the quality of the skin without altering contours or proportions.
Hyaluronic acid, due to its ability to retain large amounts of water, promotes deep and prolonged hydration, while it can also stimulate fibroblasts and gradually improve skin quality.
The main benefits include:
- Deep, long-lasting hydration;
- Improved elasticity;
- Reduced dullness;
- More uniform texture.
The results are progressive and vary according to the individual characteristics of the skin.
PDRN: Cell regeneration and revitalization
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a polynucleotide-based treatment with promising clinical evidence for improving skin quality.
Its mechanism of action is associated with the stimulation of tissue regeneration processes and the activation of cellular pathways involved in collagen synthesis.
It can be considered when, in addition to dry skin, there is sagging, uneven texture or early signs of photoaging. The indication is always defined after an individualized medical assessment.
SkinBoosters or PDRN: which one to choose?
The choice between SkinBoosters and PDRN depends on:
- Degree of dehydration;
- Biological age of the skin;
- Skin thickness;
- Individual goals.
In some cases, the approaches can be combined to boost results. The decision should be made after skin diagnosis and medical consultation.
Dry skin in winter: take care today, prevent it tomorrow
The skin reflects the environment, lifestyle and natural ageing. Adjusting care during the winter helps maintain comfort and skin quality.
At Skin Boutique, each plan is developed on the basis of a rigorous clinical diagnosis, focusing on natural, progressive results tailored to each patient.
If you feel your skin is tired and dull and would like a medical assessment, you can book an appointment at one of the Skin Boutique clinics, located in Lisbon, Porto or Cascais.
