Winter Skin SOS: How to Rescue Dry, Flaky Skin and Restore Your Glow
By Dr Kaur, Aesthetic Doctor & Founder of My Cosmetic Doctor

If your skin feels dry, tight, or flaky during the colder months, you’re not alone. Winter in the UK — with its cold winds, central heating, and low humidity — can strip your skin of essential moisture, leaving it dull and dehydrated.
At My Cosmetic Doctor in Harborne, Birmingham, Dr Kaur sees this every year: skin that needs a little extra care to recover from the seasonal stress.
Here’s your Winter Skin Recovery Plan — a simple, effective way to rebuild hydration, protect your barrier, and restore that healthy glow..

1. Start by Sorting Your Cleanser

If you have very dry or dehydrated skin, it might be time to skip your morning cleanse altogether. Over-cleansing can strip away natural oils and worsen dryness.

Instead, cleanse only in the evening or use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t disrupt your barrier.

One great option is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser — it’s fragrance-free, soothing, and enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture.

Avoid foaming or exfoliating cleansers during winter, and always use lukewarm water, not hot, as heat can dehydrate your skin further.


2. Upgrade Your Moisturiser

If your skin still feels tight after applying your usual hyaluronic acid serum, it’s a sign you need something richer.

During winter, swap lightweight serums for moisturisers rich in occlusives and emollients — ingredients that lock moisture into the skin and strengthen its barrier.

Two of Dr Kaur’s clinic favourites are:

Obagi Hydrate® – formulated with biomimetic hydrating ingredients that attract and hold moisture while soothing dry, irritated skin.

Growth Factor Repair Cream by VI Derm – powered by peptides to repair, restore, and regenerate the skin, improving resilience and suppleness over time.

Both are available exclusively through My Cosmetic Doctor in Birmingham.


3. Protect Your Skin Barrier

Cold weather can compromise your skin barrier, making it more sensitive, dry, and reactive.

Stick to gentle, hydrating cleansers and avoid hot water when washing your face.

A healthy barrier means smoother, calmer, more hydrated skin — the foundation for every other step in your routine.


4. Sunscreen Is Still Essential

Yes, even in winter!

UV rays can still damage your skin through clouds and windows, leading to premature ageing, pigmentation, and loss of collagen.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even if it’s grey outside. Your future skin will thank you.


5. Stay Hydrated from Within

Dry indoor heating and cold air outdoors can dehydrate your skin fast.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and include hydrating foods like cucumber, berries, and leafy greens in your diet.

Think of hydration as working from the inside out — what you drink and eat directly impacts your skin’s moisture balance.


6. Gentle Exfoliation Still Matters

Even dry skin benefits from gentle exfoliation — it helps remove flaky buildup and allows your moisturiser to work more effectively.

If your skin is feeling fragile, opt for lactic acid or a PHA exfoliant — they hydrate while refining texture.

You can also reduce the frequency or concentration of exfoliation rather than stopping completely.

This keeps your skin smooth without over-stripping its barrier.


7. Add Moisture Back into Your Environment

Central heating creates dry air that depletes skin hydration.

Consider using a humidifier at home to keep moisture levels balanced — especially in your bedroom overnight.

Your skin (and sinuses!) will thank you.


8. Consider In-Clinic Treatments for Winter Skin Renewal

Sometimes topical products alone aren’t enough — especially if your skin feels dull, thin, or persistently dry.

One standout winter treatment available at My Cosmetic Doctor, Harborne, is Profhilo® — an advanced injectable hydrator that deeply replenishes moisture and stimulates collagen.

It’s ideal for skin that feels crepey, lacklustre, or dehydrated.

Profhilo leaves the skin looking plumper, firmer, and naturally radiant, making it the perfect addition to your winter skincare plan.


9. Get Personalised Winter Skin Advice

If you’re unsure which products to use or how to adjust your skincare routine for the colder months, book a consultation with Dr Kaur at My Cosmetic Doctor.

She’ll create a tailored plan to strengthen your skin barrier, restore hydration, and prepare your complexion for glowing, healthy skin all winter long.

Book your winter skin consultation today at My Cosmetic Doctor, Harborne, Birmingham — and give your skin the reset it deserves.


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