Winter is often perceived as a quiet season for skin concerns, less sun, less sweat, fewer breakouts. However, in my clinical practice, winter is when I see some of the most compromised skin barriers,
especially among urban patients. The real issue isn’t just cold-weather dryness. It’s the dangerous combination of winter dehydration, rising pollution levels, and repeated use of heavy party makeup, which together create a triple assault on the skin barrier.
“During winter, the skin naturally produces less sebum,” explains Dr Parmeshwar Kanade, MBBS, D.V.D (Seth GSMC, Mumbai), Key Opinion Leader, Sebamed. “Lower humidity, indoor heating, and frequent hot showers further strip away essential lipids that keep the skin barrier intact.”
When this protective layer weakens, microscopic cracks form, allowing irritants, allergens, and pollutants to penetrate more easily. “This is why many people who never had sensitive skin suddenly experience redness, itching, tightness, or unexplained breakouts during winter,” says Dr Kanade.
Adding to this is air pollution, an often invisible but powerful skin aggressor. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and heavy metals settle on the skin daily, especially in urban environments. These pollutants generate free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate barrier breakdown.
“Pollution doesn’t just cause dullness or pigmentation,” notes Dr Kanade. “It directly disrupts the skin’s lipid matrix, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture and repair itself.”
Now layer festive makeup on top of an already stressed skin barrier. Long-wear foundations, matte formulations, setting sprays, glitter pigments, and frequent touch-ups are common during party season. While makeup itself isn’t the villain, heavy formulations worn for long hours, often without adequate skin preparation or proper removal can clog pores, trap pollutants against the skin, and worsen inflammation.
“Many festive looks also involve aggressive cleansing, scrubbing, or overuse of makeup wipes at night,” warns Dr Kanade. “These habits further erode the skin’s protective layer.”
The result of this triple threat is a spike in winter skin complaints: flare-ups of eczema and rosacea, sudden adult acne, increased pigmentation, persistent dryness that doesn’t respond to moisturisers, and even makeup appearing patchy or sitting poorly on the skin.
“These are all signs of a compromised skin barrier, not just dry skin,” emphasises Dr Parmeshwar Kanade.
The solution lies in shifting focus from cosmetic quick fixes to barrier repair. Winter skincare should prioritise gentle cleansing, adequate hydration, and replenishment of lost lipids.
“Using mild, pH-balanced cleansers prevents further stripping,” advises Dr Kanade. “Moisturisers containing ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide help rebuild the barrier and improve resilience against pollution.”
Sunscreen remains essential even in winter, as UV exposure continues to weaken the skin and amplify pollution damage.
Equally important is mindful makeup use during festive months. “Prep the skin with a nourishing moisturiser, avoid excessively matte or alcohol-heavy products, and ensure thorough yet gentle makeup removal at night,” suggests Dr Kanade. “Makeup should sit on healthy skin, not compensate for damaged skin underneath.”
Ultimately, winter skin damage is rarely caused by a single factor. It is the cumulative effect of environment, lifestyle, and skincare habits. When dryness, pollution, and heavy makeup collide, the skin barrier bears the brunt.
“Protecting and strengthening the skin barrier is no longer optional,” concludes Dr Kanade. “It is the foundation of healthy, resilient skin, especially during the festive winter season.”
