Sensitive skin: safe treatments for health and comfort

Frost, wind, and dry indoor air are the main enemies of the skin in autumn and winter. For those with sensitive skin, the cold season can be a real challenge.

Redness, tightness, peeling—familiar symptoms? Sensitive skin does not forgive experiments and requires a special approach. It is in winter that proper care becomes not only a matter of beauty but also of comfort.

The MEDplus editorial team asked cosmetologist Ulyana-Sofia Savchenko, who has been working in aesthetic medicine for over 10 years, how to properly care for sensitive skin during the cold season, what products to choose, and which procedures are really safe and effective.

Savchenko Uliana-Sofiia

Cosmetologist with 10 years of experience in aesthetic medicine. Licensed aesthetician in the state of California, USA.

• Speaker of international forums and judge of international championships in cosmetology.
• Winner of the World Beauty Championship XIV and finalist in the TOP 10 Cosmetologist category of the IBA Beauty Awards XXIII

Read the tips and discover your own beauty routine, in which there is no place for irritation and discomfort. Next is direct speech:

— Why does sensitive facial skin react more sharply in the cold season: dryness, redness, and peeling?

— The autumn-winter season is a real stress test for the skin. When the temperature and humidity drop, our natural hydrolipidic barrier weakens. Cold, wind, and sudden temperature changes reduce the production of sebum—the very thing that helps retain moisture and maintain the protective function of the skin.

An additional factor is the dryness of indoor air due to heating. As a result, the stratum corneum loses its elasticity, causing dryness, irritation, redness, and peeling. Sensitive facial skin has a lower tolerance threshold, so it reacts to these changes much faster and more intensely.

— What are the main “golden rules of care” for sensitive skin in the cold season?

— In the cold season, the main task of taking care of sensitive skin is to maintain its barrier function and an optimal level of hydration. I always advise choosing soft, delicate cleansers that do not disrupt the natural balance of the skin and regularly using emollients or creams with restorative components.

Before going outside, you should apply a protective cream—it acts as an invisible shield against frost and wind. And don’t forget about SPF: ultraviolet rays are active even in winter, especially when the sun reflects off the snow.

Hot water and aggressive exfoliants are taboo during this period. They only deepen dryness and irritation. All that the skin needs in autumn and winter is tenderness, protection, and regular nourishment.

— Is it really worth changing your usual cream for a more “winter” one, and how should it differ?

— Yes, in the cold season, it is worth adapting the cream to the changed climatic conditions. “Winter” formulas usually have a denser texture and a higher content of emollients and occlusive components that retain moisture and restore the hydrolipidic barrier.

Preference should be given to products with lipids and nourishing oils that create a protective film, reduce moisture loss, and protect the skin from irritation. Unlike light summer creams, “winter” products provide more pronounced protection from cold, wind, and dry air indoors.

— How to understand that the skin is really sensitive and not reacting to an allergy or a dermatological problem that has started?

— Sensitive skin reacts to common factors—cold, wind, or cosmetics—with redness, tightness, or slight tingling. Often, these symptoms quickly disappear once the irritant is removed.

An allergy is more pronounced: a rash, itching, and swelling appear, and without appropriate treatment, the reaction does not go away.

Dermatological diseases, such as dermatitis or rosacea, have a chronic course and characteristic rashes.

To accurately determine your condition and choose the right care, you should always consult a dermatologist.

— What salon procedures can be safely done in winter for people with sensitive skin, and which ones should be avoided?

— In winter, the safest treatments for sensitive skin are those that restore the protective barrier and nourish the skin. These can be programs with ceramides, natural oils, squalane, antioxidants, and other restorative components. Delicate enzyme peels are also appropriate, as they gently remove dead skin cells without being aggressive.

Instead, avoid procedures that can injure the skin: deep chemical peels, laser resurfacing, intensive hardware techniques, and procedures with abrasive agents. In winter conditions, they can significantly damage the skin barrier, leading to increased dryness, redness, and irritation.

The main principle of winter care in the salon is delicacy and nutrition, avoiding techniques that cause additional stress on the skin.

— Are there any effective “SOS remedies” for when the skin suddenly reacts to frost or wind?

— Yes, there are several simple solutions that help to quickly calm the skin. First of all, these are creams or balms with restorative components that retain moisture and restore the barrier (ceramides, squalane, natural oils). They create a protective film and reduce redness.

Products with panthenol or allantoin also work well—they quickly relieve burning, dryness, or discomfort.

If the skin is severely irritated, you should avoid decorative cosmetics or aggressive cleansers on this day. The simplest “SOS solution” is to apply a thick protective cream or balm before going out (15-20 minutes in advance) and repeat it at home after contact with frost or wind.

The main thing is to give the skin some rest, support its barrier, and not try to “mask” the problem with makeup.

— What are the most common winter skincare mistakes made by people with sensitive skin?

— In winter, many people with sensitive skin make the same mistakes. The most common is to continue using light creams, like in summer, while in the cold season the skin needs more protective and nourishing formulas.

Another typical mistake is overly active care: frequent scrubs, aggressive acids, or harsh cleansers only weaken the already vulnerable skin barrier. Don’t forget about sunscreen: it seems that it is not needed in winter, but ultraviolet rays are effective even on cloudy days.

Finally, hot showers and baths are another winter “sabotage” for the skin: they dry it out and provoke irritation, making sensitivity even more noticeable.

Read more helpful information from experts and proven facts on the MEDplus website.