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.


Two faces side-by-side, one pale with blue eye, one darker with brown eye.
November 25, 2025
This guide breaks down what pigmentation actually is, why it happens, and how I safely and effectively treat it in my clinic.
Person applying skincare product with cotton pad.
October 27, 2025
Discover how exfoliation and professional chemical peels can smooth uneven skin texture and restore radiance at My Cosmetic Doctor, Birmingham.
Close-up of a person's face in shadow, highlighting one brown eye, with a contemplative expression.
October 3, 2025
Discover expert rosacea treatments in Birmingham. My Cosmetic Doctor offers tailored care, including advanced polynucleotide injections.
A group of footprints in the sand on a beach.
July 23, 2025
a post on how to avoid skin conditions like acne, rosacea and melasma or pigmentation getting worse on holiday.
A close up of a woman 's eye with a rainbow behind it.
July 17, 2025
Tired of dark under eye circles? Discover how polynucleotides can treat pigmentation, crepey skin & more—without the need for filler. Harborne, Birmingham.
A before and after photo of a woman 's face showing disappearance of lines and wrinkles
May 26, 2025
Discover the power of polynucleotides at My Cosmetic Doctor in Harborne, Birmingham. This award-winning injectable regenerates skin, improves dark circles, fine lines, rosacea, and more—perfect for women of all ages. Limited-time offer now available!
February 27, 2025
Lip filler lumps after treatment How to fix lumps after lip filler Lip fillers Harborne Birmingham Best lip filler clinic in Birmingham Safe dermal fillers in Birmingham Lip filler swelling vs lumps Vascular occlusion after lip fillers Dissolving lip filler safely How long do lip filler lumps last? Expert lip filler injector Birmingham
A woman with long hair is making a funny face on a pink background.
February 6, 2025
Is it Safe to Dermaplane at Home? Here's your Comprehensive DIY Dermaplaning Guide Dermaplaning has become a buzzword in the world of skincare, promising smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. As a non-invasive exfoliation technique, it’s ideal for removing dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz), making it a popular choice for those seeking a glowing complexion. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to perform dermaplaning safely at home, the ideal tools to use, step-by-step guidance, safety precautions, risks and benefits, contraindications, and alternatives for those seeking professional treatments and enhanced results- Dr KAUR
January 16, 2024
Dr Kaur's Skincare Secrets Unveiled: My Top 3 Skincare Picks of 2023 and Anticipated Stars of 2024 As we embark on the skincare journey into 2024, I am thrilled to share my personal revelation – the liberation from the daily need for foundation or BB creams. Reflecting on the transformative year of 2023, I've pinpointed three skincare products that have played a pivotal role in achieving this newfound freedom from makeup. Additionally, I am excited to reveal some upcoming skincare gems that I'm eager to incorporate into my routine in 2024. Read on to find out more.
December 19, 2023
Top Treatment Options for Lip Wrinkles / Smokers Lines – A Guide to Smoother Lips Lip wrinkles, often called smokers lines or barcode lines, are fine lines and wrinkles that form around the lips, caused by various factors such as ageing, repetitive facial expressions, sun damage, and smoking. They usually start to become more noticeable in the 50s. These lines can be a concern for many individuals seeking to regain a smoother, more youthful appearance. Development of these lines leads to loss of lip border as we get older. Our patients often complain that their lipstick also bleeds into these lines.
More Posts