As we head into cooler months, many of us start to feel (and see) the effects of winter on our skin. Even though South Africa’s winters may seem mild, the drop in temperature, drier air, and exposure to indoor heating can seriously impact your skin’s hydration and overall health.
“Cold air and low humidity levels strip your skin of moisture,” explains Dr Cebi Sibisi, Founder of Dr Cebi Dermatology. “This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even flare-ups of conditions like eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis – especially for melanin-rich skin, which is naturally prone to dryness and uneven tone if not properly nourished.”
Your Skin Needs Extra Love in Winter
According to Dr Sibisi, winter skincare isn’t about a complete overhaul – it’s about making a few smart tweaks to your daily routine:
- Use gentle cleansers. Foaming cleansers can be drying. Instead, look for cream or balm cleansers that cleanse without stripping.
- Switch to richer moisturisers. Opt for cream-based formulas with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and glycerin to lock in moisture and restore the skin barrier.
- Incorporate a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or peptides to deliver deep hydration and support skin repair.
- Stick to gentle exfoliation. Overdoing it can damage your skin barrier. Exfoliate only once or twice a week using mild acids like lactic acid, PHAs, or enzyme-based exfoliants.
- Reduce the frequency of potent retinoid creams unless under the care of a specialist.
- Don’t skip sunscreen. “UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days, as UV rays penetrate through clouds,” says Dr Sibisi. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher should still be part of your daily routine.
- Hydrate from the inside out. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (think avocados and salmon). “Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin,” says Dr Sibisi.
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water as this can disrupt the skin’s natural balance of moisture and lock in the moisture immediately after leaving the shower.
- Avoid prolonged use of heaters as this can negatively impact skin by reducing air humidity and lead to drier more sensitive skin and potentially premature aging.
“Take care of your skin – it is your body’s largest organ,” says Dr Sibisi. “With just a few simple adjustments to your skin routine, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion no matter the season.”
www.drcebidermatology.co.za
