What Happens To Your Skin Barrier In The Winter And How To Repair & Protect It

As the temperature drops, you may notice some unwanted changes in your skin… a compromised skin barrier may be the culprit. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick, shares her expert advice on winter skin concerns and the skin barrier. Read on to understand why concerns with your skin barrier tend to flare up in the winter, and how to repair and protect it by making changes to your skincare routine and lifestyle. 

“Since the weather changes in the winter months, the cooler temperatures and decreased humidity increase the chance of dry skin, eczema and chapped and cracked lips.” 

“The combination of cold temperatures, low humidity and indoor heating can cause the skin to be dry and dehydrated as a result of little moisture in the environment. This can strip the skin barrier of its natural moisture and leave the skin susceptible to dryness.” 

RescueMD user submitted photos featuring DNA Repair Complex treatment after windburn. One hour difference in before and after photo. 

“Some ways to protect your skin barrier include using a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural moisture, taking short lukewarm showers as prolonged exposure to water and exposure to hot water can also strip the skin of its natural oils. It can help to use moisturizing products containing key ingredients to help repair the skin barrier. For those with a compromised skin barrier, it can be especially helpful to use thicker moisturizing creams or ointments as these help to provide a protective barrier to protect the skin from external irritation.”

“Some key ways to protect your skin barrier include using gentle cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils and using moisturizing products, including serums and moisturizers that help to boost moisture and support the skin barrier. For example, using a reparative serum like RescueMD not only helps to improve moisture but can also calm and soothe the skin. It is important to take short lukewarm showers, as prolonged exposure to water and hot water temperatures can be stripping and disrupt the skin barrier which can lead to moisture loss. It is always important to also wear sunscreen to protect the skin for UV damage which may also compromise the skin barrier.”

*In a dermatologist-led clinical study, DNA Repair Complex was clinically proven to reduce redness in 96% of subjects observed for improvement.

“DNA Repair Complex is formulated with gentle yet effective ingredients that help support your skin barrier and moisture levels. The formula contains dermatologist-approved, barrier-supporting ingredients including allantoin, glycerin, dimethicone, and signature antioxidants. Allantoin is a calming water-based moisturizing agent that works to seal in hydration while acting as a skin protectant. Glycerin, a humectant, helps draw in moisture from deeper layers of your skin. Dimethicone, an emollient, softens and soothes the skin all while protecting the skin, sealing in hydration, and creating a skin-protectant barrier."

"Black currant, rosehip, aloe leaf juice, sunflower seed oils, and rosemary and balloon vine extracts, which contain fatty acids and anti- inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to help soothe, reduce redness, synthesize ceramides, and support the skin’s moisture barrier while defending against future damage. Proprietary lapachol provides anti-inflammatory properties and supports a reduction in redness and irritation, helping to improve the appearance of a compromised skin barrier. Lapachol also works to gently resurface and fade skin damage, improving the appearance of dark spots and discoloration with scarring, helping to give the skin a glow without stripping the skin or disrupting the skin barrier.”

“DNA Repair Complex works to soothe the skin, so not only does it help to support the skin barrier, but it also is calming and reduces redness and irritation which makes it especially helpful when my skin barrier is compromised. I also love that it is hydrating so it gives the skin that extra boost of moisture that it often needs when the skin barrier is weakened.”*

*Always check in with your dermatology provider before adding new products to your regimen.

Dr. Marisa Garshick is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine. Stay up to date with Dr. Garshick and MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center on Instagram. Visit MDCS’s website to learn more or to book an appointment with Dr. Garshick in New York City or Englewood, NJ.  

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