Winter skincare: what your skin really needs – expert interview
Cold outside, dry heating indoors. In winter your skin needs extra attention. But does that mean an entirely new routine? In this conversation, Dr. Henrike Neuhoff, Head of Scientific Affairs at lavera Natural Beauty, explains why the skin barrier reacts so sensitively, what role lipids and the microbiome play, and how a skincare routine can support your skin through the cold season.
Dr. Neuhoff, as soon as it gets colder, your skin feels tight. What changes in winter?
Dr. Neuhoff: In winter, conditions change on two fronts at once. Cold air holds very little moisture, and when the heating is on, the relative humidity indoors often drops noticeably. This can put strain on the skin barrier and increase moisture loss. Skin may then feel rough, tight or more reactive. In the cold season, two things matter most: supplying your skin with moisture and helping it hold on to that moisture.
„What matters is how your skin feels, not just the calendar.“
Does that mean we need to completely overhaul our skincare routine in winter?
Dr. Neuhoff: Not necessarily. What matters is how your skin feels, not just the calendar. If your current routine no longer seems enough, a richer cream can make sense. Oily skin, on the other hand, doesn't automatically need a richer product, because oily skin can dry out in winter too. Often it's simply a matter of adjusting your routine thoughtfully. If you introduce new products one at a time, you'll see more clearly what your skin really benefits from.
What makes good winter care, and what role do shea butter and plant oils play?
Dr. Neuhoff: Good winter care works on two levels. Moisture-binding ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid bind water in the upper layers of the skin. Lipids, i.e. fats such as shea butter or plant oils, form a protective film on the skin and reduce evaporation. They don't replace moisture; they help keep the existing moisture in place. Examples include jojoba, almond or sunflower seed oil. What really counts is how the ingredients work together in the finished formula. How well active ingredients, lipids and texture complement each other determines how a product feels on the skin and how well it performs.
Skin protection is a big topic in connection with the microbiome. What is the skin microbiome?
Dr. Neuhoff: Our skin is home to a diverse community of bacteria, yeasts and other microorganisms. This skin microbiome is part of the skin's natural protective system. Many of its residents take up space and nutrients, making it harder for unwanted germs to settle in.
The microbiome and the skin barrier influence each other. If this balance is disrupted, for example by frequent washing with strongly degreasing products, cold air or dry heated indoor air, the skin often becomes more sensitive.
For skincare, this means above all: cleanse gently and don't put unnecessary stress on your skin. Prebiotic ingredients can help, as they provide nourishment for certain beneficial microorganisms.
What does a simple morning and evening routine look like?
Dr. Neuhoff: The foundation is a gentle cleanser, such as basis sensitive Cleansing Milk. A soothing, hydrating facial toner can follow, though it isn't essential. If you want to add to your winter routine, you can apply a serum before your cream. An example of prebiotic care is the Barrier Balance Serum: it contains prebiotics and organic green tea, and it is free from fragrance and alcohol.
In the morning, a cream that suits your skin's needs comes next, for example basis sensitive Rich Moisture Cream with organic aloe vera and organic shea butter. In the evening, the aim is to gently remove make-up and the day's dirt, then nourish your skin. Depending on your needs, basis sensitive Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream Q10 or basis sensitive Soothing Night Care may be suitable. One well-chosen night care is enough in winter too; there is no need to layer two creams.
During the day, UV protection is part of your winter routine as well. Apply it as the final step before make-up, with UVA and UVB protection and at least SPF 30.
The face is taken care of. What does the skin need under your winter jumper?
Dr. Neuhoff: In winter, the body also needs to hold on to moisture, and dry areas benefit from targeted care. A body oil can be a useful addition to your routine. Plant oils such as almond or sunflower seed oil keep skin soft and help it retain moisture. It's important to know that a pure oil doesn't provide moisture itself. It forms a film that keeps the moisture already in your skin from escaping. It works best when applied right after showering, to damp skin, which helps seal in the water. For very dry skin, a body lotion can add moisture, and the oil complements it. Gently massaged in, it becomes a little moment of well-being, with no elaborate routine needed.
Which areas do we tend to forget in winter?
Dr. Neuhoff: Lips and hands. Lip skin is especially thin, has very few sebaceous glands and doesn't form its own protective layer like the rest of the skin, so it loses moisture quickly. A rich lip balm belongs in your coat pocket. For chapped lips, the Repair Lip Balm is a good choice, for example.
Hands are washed often in everyday life, which strips them of natural oils. A hand cream helps after washing, and gloves protect them outdoors. These small habits are easy to build into your day.
Closing question: Which basic skincare steps would you choose for winter, and what is your most important skincare tip for the cold season?
Dr. Neuhoff: A gentle cleanser, a suitable cream and daytime sun protection form the foundation, in winter too. Serum and body care can be added as needed. My most important tip: skincare can be simple. A manageable routine that fits into your daily life, and a mindful moment when you apply your cream, are often enough. It's not about using as many products as possible, but about what's good for your skin.
FAQ
1. What changes in your skin in winter?
Cold air outside and heated rooms inside can strain the skin barrier and increase moisture loss. Skin may then feel rough, tight or sensitive.
2. Do I have to completely change my skincare in
winter?
Not necessarily. If your current routine no longer seems enough in winter, a richer cream can make sense. What matters most is how your skin feels.
3. Does body oil replace moisturiser?
No. A pure oil doesn't provide moisture; it helps keep the moisture already in your skin. For very dry skin, a body lotion can complement it. It's best applied to damp skin.
4. What is the minimum skincare needed in winter?
A gentle cleanser, a suitable cream and daytime sun protection with at least SPF 30. UV protection matters in winter too.
5. Do prebiotics help with dry skin?
Prebiotics are meant to support the skin's beneficial microorganisms. They don't replace moisture care. Whether and how strongly they work depends on the ingredients and the formulation.
