Nourish, Protect & Care for Sensitive Skin This Winter

Cold weather can be tough on sensitive skin. Between chilly winds, central heating and frequent changes in temperature, winter can leave your skin feeling dry, tight or uncomfortable, particularly if it's already prone to irritation. The good news? Your winter skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated. A few gentle changes, along with the right products for your skin, can help keep it feeling comfortable throughout the colder months. From moisturising and fragrance-free body care to looking after delicate baby skin, here's our guide to caring for sensitive skin this winter.

Why Does Sensitive Skin Feel Worse in Winter?

Your skin has a natural protective barrier that helps retain moisture and keep everyday irritants out. During winter, cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating can contribute to moisture loss, leaving skin feeling drier than usual. For sensitive skin, this may mean more redness, itching, tightness or flaky patches. Long, hot showers and harsh cleansing products can add to the discomfort. The key is to keep things simple: cleanse gently, moisturise regularly and pay attention to the ingredients and products that suit your skin.

Start with Gentle Cleansing

When your skin feels dry or sensitive, the last thing it needs is a harsh cleansing routine. Choose a gentle cleanser, use lukewarm rather than hot water and avoid scrubbing or over-exfoliating. After washing, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel. For your face, Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk is a familiar option from Evergreen's sensitive-skin recommendations. For the body, MooGoo Natural Milk Wash is another gentle cleansing option to explore. A simple tip: apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to help retain moisture.

Give Your Skin Barrier Some Extra Care

One of the most important steps in a winter skincare routine is moisturising. Look for products containing hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or ceramides, alongside moisturising ingredients that help reduce moisture loss. If you're interested in microbiome-focused skincare, Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum is an Irish skincare option to explore. A serum can be a useful addition to your routine before applying moisturiser. For everyday hydration, Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream is another product featured in Evergreen's sensitive-skin advice. Remember, more skincare steps don't necessarily mean better results. A gentle cleanser, a moisturiser that suits your skin and daily sun protection are often a good place to start.

Take Extra Care of Dry, Irritated Patches

Hands, elbows and other exposed areas can become particularly dry during winter. If you're prone to eczema or dermatitis, you may also notice periods of increased discomfort. MooGoo Pink Eczema Cream is one of the newer additions to explore for skin affected by eczema-related irritation. Always check the product directions and suitability before use. Alongside targeted skincare, regular moisturising and avoiding known irritants can help with everyday dryness. If eczema is persistent, worsening, weeping or affecting your sleep, speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Choose Fragrance-Free Body Care

Sensitive skincare isn't just about your face. Body wash, deodorant and moisturiser all come into contact with your skin, so it's worth considering what you're using from head to toe. If fragrance tends to irritate your skin, products without added perfume or essential oils may be a helpful choice. Vico Unscented Natural Deodorant offers an Irish-made option for everyday deodorant care, while Green People Scent Free skincare includes products to explore for a fragrance-free routine. Keep in mind that natural and fragrance-free don't automatically mean irritation-free. Everyone's skin is different, so check ingredient lists and introduce new products gradually.

Don't Forget Your Sensitive Scalp

Winter can affect your scalp as well as your skin. Cold weather, indoor heating and frequent washing may leave your scalp feeling dry, tight or uncomfortable. If your scalp is easily irritated, consider a gentle shampoo and conditioner without added fragrance. Faith in Nature Fragrance Free Shampoo and Green People Scent Free Conditioner are two options to explore. Try washing your hair with lukewarm water and avoid heavily fragranced styling products if you know they irritate your scalp.

Remember Delicate Baby Skin

Babies and young children can be particularly prone to dry skin, especially during the colder months. Keep baths comfortably warm rather than hot, choose mild cleansing products and use a moisturiser appropriate for your child's age. BioGaia Aldermis Baby Probiotic Ointment is a newer skincare option to explore. Follow the manufacturer's age guidance and instructions before using it on delicate skin. If your baby has persistent redness, weeping skin or suspected eczema, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Think About What Touches Your Skin

Sometimes sensitive skin care goes beyond the products in your bathroom. Laundry detergents, fabric conditioners and rough winter clothing may contribute to irritation for some people, particularly when skin is already dry. Choosing soft fabrics next to your skin and considering fragrance-free laundry products can be simple ways to reduce potential irritants. Ecover Zero is one option to explore if you're looking for fragrance-free laundry care.

Remember SPF, Even in Winter

Sunscreen isn't just for sunny summer days. UV rays can still affect your skin during the colder months, so sun protection remains an important part of your daily skincare routine. If your skin is sensitive, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that feels comfortable and suits your skin type. Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Lotion SPF30 is one option to consider as part of your everyday routine.

Simple Everyday Habits for Sensitive Winter Skin

You don't need to overhaul your skincare routine to look after sensitive skin in winter. A few small habits can make a difference:

• Moisturise regularly, especially after washing your hands or showering.

• Keep showers short and lukewarm rather than very hot.

• Wear gloves outdoors to help protect your hands from cold weather.

• Avoid over-exfoliating when your skin feels dry or irritated.

• Choose gentle, fragrance-free products if fragrance is a known trigger for you.

• Remember daily SPF on exposed skin.

• Introduce new products one at a time so it's easier to identify anything that doesn't suit your skin.

Finding Your Winter Skincare Balance

Looking after sensitive skin in winter doesn't have to mean adding lots of new products to your routine. Gentle cleansing, regular moisturising and choosing products that work for your skin can help keep things comfortable throughout the colder months. Whether you're exploring a new hydrating serum, switching to fragrance-free body care or finding a gentle cleanser you love, small changes can be a great place to start. Explore Evergreen's Sensitive Skin collection for more skincare essentials, or read our Ultimate Guide to Gentle Products for Sensitive Skin for more inspiration.