How can I adjust my skincare routine for a winter vacation?

Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, medical director and consultant dermatologist, shares her best tips and product recommendations to combat cold weather-induced concerns such as dryness and flaky skin.

- LETTY SEAH

Break the ice

A winter getaway can offer some much-needed respite from the scorching temperatures in Singapore, but the biting cold coupled with indoor heating can take a toll on your delicate skin barrier. A compromised barrier can result in tight, irritated and itchy skin. It can also exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. This is why it’s so important to winterproof and make simple adjustments to your skincare routine.

During winter, the cold weather often leads to increased skin sensitivity, which can trigger acute flares of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The drop in humidity and exposure to harsh elements can also result in dry, chapped lips, medically known as cheilitis. For some, cold temperatures may even induce hives or urticaria.

Understanding these potential effects can help you take preventative measures and tailor your skincare routine to the climate.