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Dry, flaky skin. Tightness. Itchiness. For anyone living with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin, extremely cold temperatures can be more than uncomfortable; it can feel relentless. Understanding the importance of your skin barrier and how to support it is key to getting through the colder months with calm, balanced skin.
“Your skin barrier is your body’s frontline defence against the elements,” explains Ruan Winter from Wesson Therapeutics, a South African skin health brand that focuses on caring for compromised skin. “When this barrier is damaged, whether by harsh weather, long hot showers, or using the wrong skincare, the skin loses moisture faster and becomes prone to irritation and eczema or psoriasis flare-ups.”
During winter, the air is cold and dry, both outdoors and indoors (thanks to heaters and fireplaces). This low humidity strips moisture from the skin, leaving it vulnerable. Those already managing chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis may experience increased sensitivity, redness, and inflammation.
Tips to protect and repair your skin barrier in winter
1. Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser
Cleansing is important to remove impurities, but harsh soaps and foaming washes can strip away your skin’s natural lipids. Look for soap-free, fragrance-free cleansers that cleanse without disrupting your barrier. Try: Wesson Therapeutics Emollient Gel Wash, packed with cotton thistle, chamomile, and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin without stripping it.
2. Layer moisture back in
Winter skin needs moisture and lipids to restore its barrier. Opt for creams that contain ceramides, shea butter, and botanical extracts that help lock in hydration. Try: Wesson Therapeutics Recovery Cream, rich in shea butter and ceramide 2 to restore moisture balance and strengthen the skin barrier, ideal for those prone to eczema.
3. Protect with an occlusive barrier
For particularly dry, compromised areas, especially in psoriasis flare-ups, it can help to layer an occlusive balm over your moisturiser to lock in moisture, prevent water loss, and condition the skin.
Try: Wesson Therapeutics Multi-Purpose Cream, a nourishing, fragrance-free formula designed specifically for dry, sensitive skin and conditions like eczema and psoriasis. For additional nourishment, layer the Wesson Therapeutics Resurfacing Balm over very dry patches.
4. Avoid hot water and harsh weather exposure
Long, hot showers feel comforting in winter but are a top culprit in skin barrier damage. Stick to lukewarm water and keep your showers short. When heading outside, protect your skin with scarves and gloves, and apply moisturiser before you go to prevent windburn.
5. Support skin from the inside
Healthy skin starts within. Drinking enough water, eating omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseed, and managing stress can help regulate skin inflammation, especially in chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
6. Simplify your routine
When your skin barrier is compromised, less is more. Avoid products with fragrances, alcohol, and harsh exfoliants. Stick to gentle, reparative products that focus on hydration and barrier support.
If your skin feels persistently irritated, cracked, or inflamed, consult a dermatologist or skin therapist. According to Winter, professional guidance can help identify underlying triggers and tailor a regimen that rebuilds your barrier without overwhelming your skin.
Your skin barrier is your winter armour. Protect it with gentle cleansing, deep moisturising, and minimal irritation, and you’ll give your skin the resilience it needs to weather the cold. Wesson Therapeutics is designed specifically for sensitive and compromised skin, offering carefully formulated options to make winter skin care a little easier.
Visit the Wesson Therapeutics website for more information.