Mayo co-founder of The Skin Diary shares winter skin guidance

JANUARY brings colder temperatures, lower humidity and indoor heating, all of which can compromise the skin barrier and lead to dryness, sensitivity and flare-ups across all skin types.

This winter, renowned dermatologist Dr. Clare Kiely, who hails from Co. Mayo and is co-founder of The Skin Diary, is sharing her top tips for each skin type to help support skin health through the coldest months, alongside its scientifically proven skincare formulas.

Designed with skin barrier health in mind, The Skin Diary’s Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream (RRP: €110.00) and the multi-award winning Night Repair Therapy Cream (RRP: €150.00) offer targeted winter support. By day, the Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream helps protect against UV exposure and environmental stress while delivering lightweight, lasting hydration. By night, the Night Repair Therapy Cream supports skin repair and collagen renewal using a gentler retinyl ester system, making it suitable when skin is more reactive. Together, they help maintain resilience and visible skin health throughout winter without overloading the skin.

Drawing on years of dermatology experience, Dr. Kiely reveals how winter skin needs differ depending on skin type, and how small routine adjustments can make a significant difference.

She said: “Winter is when I see the most disruption to the skin barrier in clinic. People often assume their skin no longer needs as much care because the sun is weaker, but in reality, cold weather and indoor heating can be just as challenging. Supporting hydration, protecting the barrier and adjusting actives appropriately is key to keeping skin healthy through winter.”

DRY SKIN

Winter can be tough on dry skin, thanks to cold weather outside and heating indoors. Switching to richer moisturisers with ingredients like ceramides, shea butter and squalane can really help lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

A nourishing day cream such as The Skin Diary’s Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream helps keep skin comfortable and hydrated while protecting it from everyday environmental stress.

It’s also worth swapping foaming cleansers for cream or oil-based formulas, and using a humidifier at night can make a noticeable difference to dryness.

OILY SKIN

Even oily skin needs moisture in winter. Skipping moisturiser can actually cause skin to produce more oil. Lightweight, non-greasy formulas with ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid help keep skin balanced without feeling heavy.

During colder months, it can help to ease back on strong exfoliating acids or use them less often, as overdoing it can leave skin feeling stripped. Very rich balms are best avoided unless you are treating specific dry areas.

COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin often feels drier on the cheeks in winter, while the T-zone stays oily. Using different products on different areas, sometimes called multi-moisturising, can work really well.

Richer creams suit dry patches, while lighter textures are better for the forehead, nose and chin. Ingredients like glycerin help boost hydration without greasiness, and gentle exfoliation once or twice a week can help keep skin clear. In the evening,

The Skin Diary’s Night Repair Therapy supports skin renewal without overwhelming oil-prone areas. Try not to over-cleanse, as micellar waters or cream cleansers are ideal in winter.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Winter can be especially challenging for sensitive skin, as cold air and indoor heating can weaken the skin barrier and lead to irritation. Keeping things simple is often best.

Look for calming, barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide, and choose low-irritation formulas such as The Skin Diary’s Night Repair Therapy, which is designed to deliver results without the harshness often linked to traditional retinoids. A gentle cleanser, soothing serum and comforting moisturiser are usually all that’s needed.

Applying moisturiser straight after cleansing helps lock in hydration, and if skin feels reactive, it may be best to pause retinoids and acids until the weather improves.

ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Acne-prone skin can still become dehydrated in winter, which can make breakouts worse. Instead of stopping active ingredients altogether, focus on balancing them with hydrating, barrier-friendly products. Salicylic acid or retinoids can still be used, but reducing frequency can help if skin feels dry.

Night Repair Therapy offers a gentler option for overnight renewal, supporting skin repair while keeping irritation to a minimum. Stick to non-comedogenic moisturisers and avoid harsh scrubs, choosing gentle exfoliation instead to keep skin calm and clear through winter.

SUNSCREEN

Yes, you still need SPF in winter!

Sunscreen should never be skipped in winter. While the days may be shorter and greyer, UV rays are present all year round and continue to contribute to skin ageing and barrier damage, even in colder months.

Using a daily moisturiser with built-in sun protection, such as The Skin Diary’s Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream, makes it easy to keep SPF as part of your routine without adding extra steps. Applied every morning, it helps protect skin from ongoing UV exposure while also delivering hydration and comfort, supporting healthier-looking skin throughout winter and beyond.

Rooted in dermatologist-led science, The Skin Diary’s Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream and Night Repair Therapy are designed to support skin protection by day and repair by night, helping maintain healthy, resilient skin throughout winter and beyond.

The Skin Diary products are available at select clinics nationwide and at theskindiary.com.