Did you know that sensitive skin and itchy skin atopy are more common in the Nordic countries than elsewhere? Sensitive skin reacts easily to cold and wind and can become very dry in winter. Skin care professionals, Ville Kiiski, Dermatologist, and Merike Laine, Expert at the Helsinki Allergy and Asthma Federation, Pharmacist and Cosmetologist, give their best tips for protecting and supporting winter skin.

1. Say goodbye to dry skin! Cleanse gently

Even healthy skin easily can become surface dry in winter. The foundation for healthy, soft skin is gentle cleansing in the morning and evening. A gentle cleanser that maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance.

“If your face feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too effective. Use creamy or soft foaming, sulphate-free cleansers,” says Kiiski.

2. Do not stress your skin with too many products

Less is more when it comes to treating sensitive skin. In winter, pay special attention to the selection of products, as fragrances, preservatives and acids, for example, can cause unpleasant redness and tingling.

“Avoid too aggressive skincare products. People who follow skincare trends should remember that abrasive scrubs and multi-step skin cleansing routines are not suitable for continuous use. What works in the subtropical climate of Los Angeles, for example, does not necessarily work in the subarctic winter of Finland,” says Kiiski.

3. Winter skin craves moisture

In winter, the air is not only colder, but also much drier than in summer. Heating also makes the air dry indoors. The changes in temperature when moving indoors and out are stressful on sensitive skin.

“In winter, skin problems get worse for many people. People with atopy and otherwise sensitive skin suffer the most – especially in late winter, when the skin is at its thinnest. Sufficient moisturising is the most important skincare routine. It is a good idea to choose different skincare products for winter. Many people benefit from creams that are richer and more caring. Ceramides, for example, protect the skin by repairing the skin’s barrier. The glycerol effectively hydrates the skin by locking in moisture,” says Laine.

4. Nourish, protect and strengthen – combat the winter challenges

Skin can easily become dull and rough in winter. You can enhance your facial well-being with a few essentials. This intensively hydrating serum strengthens the skin’s barrier and smoothens its surface. A richer night cream nourishes the skin and can also be used as a facial mask. If necessary, dead cells can be removed with a gentle exfoliating cream.

“Healthy skin can withstand the challenges of winter. When you are outdoors, keep your face protected with a scarf, for example. Your hands can easily become dry, especially if you do not wear gloves. A rich hand cream can help,” says Laine.

5. Sunscreen should also be used on cold and sunny days

You may not always remember that your skin should be protected from the sun also in winter. When you go out in the dark, you do not need sunscreen, but on bright and sunny days, the snow reflects the sun’s rays and intensifies the effects.

“The protection factor should be the same as in summer, preferably 50. In December and January, UV radiation is low in Finland, and sunscreen is not needed in to prevent the risk of skin cancer. Instead, if you are outdoors for a long time during the day, it is always a good idea to use sunscreen to slow down skin ageing and fight pigmentation,” says Kiiski.