Why Winter Changes Your Skin (and What to Do About It)

By Dr. Natasha Stribbell

Many patients notice that their skin feels drier, tighter, and more sensitive during winter — and often wonder why their usual skincare no longer seems effective.

Winter doesn’t just affect the surface of the skin. It changes how skin functions at a cellular level.

Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating reduce humidity, causing the skin’s outer cells (keratinocytes) to lose water. At the same time, the skin produces fewer protective lipids, weakening the skin barrier. This leads to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning moisture escapes more easily.

When the barrier is compromised, products may feel less effective — not because they stopped working, but because the skin needs support before correction.

Medical-grade skincare is formulated to support the living layers of the skin, particularly the epidermis and the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ), which allows skin cells to communicate properly for repair and renewal.

This is why I often recommend Alastin skincare. Its TriHex Technology® is designed to support the skin’s natural repair process by helping clear damaged collagen and signaling healthier rebuilding over time.

It’s also important to remember that skin renewal takes time. Skin cell turnover occurs over approximately 28–40 days, which means consistency matters far more than complexity.

My approach is simple:support the barrier, keep routines gentle, and build habits that

fit real life.

Healthy skin isn’t built overnight — it’s built through calm, consistent care.