Winter Skin, Explained: Dryness, Dullness & Sensitivity

As we welcome the New Year, January is an ideal time to reset, not just routines, but also how we care for our skin. After the busy holiday season and exposure to cold, dry winter air, many patients notice increased dryness, dullness, or sensitivity. This is an excellent time to refocus on skin health and set realistic, sustainable goals for the year ahead.

Here are a few evidence-based ways to start the year well.

1. Focus on Hydration and Barrier Support

Winter conditions can significantly deplete the skin’s moisture barrier. January is the perfect time to increase hydration. Well-hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also tolerates active treatments better. 

2. Use Antioxidants in the Morning

Daily antioxidant protection is an important part of skin health. We recommend using a morning antioxidant such as ZO Skin Health's AOX or Alumier Vitamin C to help protect the skin from environmental stressors, support collagen production, and improve overall tone and brightness. Our favourite Vitamin C is the Alumier as it is 15 percent, it's extremely fresh so more effective and excellent value. To be effective Vitamin C has to be fresh and active. 

3. Wear Sunscreen Every Day - Even in the Winter

Sun protection remains essential year-round. We need protection from all light from screens, phones, lights etc. We suggest a mineral-based sunscreen, and when possible, a tinted formulation. Tinted mineral sunscreens offer the added benefit of protection against visible light, which can contribute to pigmentation concerns, while providing a natural, even finish. If you find some thing that looks good, replaces your make up  and gives you a glow you are more likely to use it.  I love the Elta MD and Alumier tinted sunscreens. 

4. Focus on Long Term Skin Health with Medical Grade Skin Care Consistently 

This is more important than any in office procedure. 

5. Focus on Overall Wellness for your Skin Healths and Feeling Good

   
   

NAD is a molecule your body already makes and it helps your cells produce the energy it needs to function, and for cell repair as well. As we age, NAD levels go down. That's why people are turning to NAD injections or supplements to feel more energized and to slow aging.

When it comes to supplements I don’t like intravenous in most cases as it is too much of a load at once and overwhelms your receptors. We offer NAD injections at the clinic with our RN Robyn!

6. Treat your Neck, Décolletage and Hands

You can extend your current routine especially sunscreens down to your neck. Be careful of Retinols as the neck skin is thinner and will experience a reaction which is normal. We also suggest ZO Skin Health's Renewal Creme. A lightweight, fast-absorbing hydrator for mild dryness + redness, clinically proven to revitalize the appearance of stressed skin

7. Be Careful with Energy Devices in 2026

There is even more of a trend away from energy devices as they have not only limited benefit, but now showing negative effects like fat destruction which is very aging to the face. 

8. Fillers in Small Amounts in Areas We Lose Volume

Fillers in small amounts strategically placed are making a come back. But the key here is small amounts of high quality fillers appropriately placed. 

9. Sun Avoidance

We all know this, so what can we do to help? Add Vitamin D supplementation and use a natural self tanner like Luna Bronze. I spray my face 2-3 times a week and use the tanner weekly and it keeps me looking sun kissed without all the harmful effects of the sun. 

10. Make your Eyes a Area of Focus

Wear sunscreen daily on your eyes (I love a powder for this), use a medical grade eye cream at least daily on your eyes (I love the ZO eye creams for effectiveness and value) and wear sunglasses. Use Latisse to grow and strengthen your lashes rather than artificial which can damage your lashes. Use mineral make up and mascara around your eyes (Colorscience is the highest quality).

As a physician-led clinic, our focus is on safe, evidence-based, and individualized care. If you would like help optimizing your skincare routine or planning treatments for the year ahead, we would be happy to guide you.

Wishing you a healthy, confident start to the New Year.

Dr. Kathryn Wentworth