Skincare for Cold & Very Dry Weather

Cold temperatures, very low humidity and dry wind can rapidly leave skin rough, tight and uncomfortable. Travellers may also drink less water because perspiration and thirst are less noticeable. Use a hydrating serum followed by a richer moisturising cream containing ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids or squalane. Apply protective balm to lips, cheeks and the sides of the nose, and cleanse with a mild cream or low-foaming wash. Hair can become highly static, coarse and brittle, particularly at the ends. Use nourishing conditioner, a leave-in cream or serum and reduce frequent shampooing. Protect hair from strong wind and minimise heat styling to preserve moisture.

Repair, Seal and Shield

Cold temperatures, humidity below 30%, dry wind and dust can place considerable pressure on exposed skin. During four to five hours outdoors, the body may lose water even though perspiration is not noticeable. Because cold weather reduces the sensation of thirst, travellers may reach the end of the day having consumed very little water.

Very dry air can reduce the water content of the stratum corneum, leaving the skin tight, rough and less flexible. Sudden travel from a humid home climate to a very dry destination may make the change feel especially pronounced. Experimental research found that abrupt transitions from very humid to very dry conditions disturbed barrier function, although this particular finding came from an animal model and should be interpreted cautiously.

What may happen to your skin:

• Rapid but less visible dehydration: Moisture can leave the skin without obvious sweating.
• Pronounced tightness: The cheeks, lips, eye area and sides of the nose may feel dry or stretched.
• Rough or flaky texture: Low humidity may make the outer skin surface appear uneven.
• Wind and dust sensitivity: Environmental exposure may increase irritation and discomfort.
• Reduced tolerance for active products: Strong acids, scrubs or repeated cleansing may feel harsher than usual.

The right approach:

The priority is to restore water, repair the moisturising barrier and shield exposed areas. Choose:

• A hydrating serum containing glycerin, panthenol, beta-glucan or hyaluronic acid
• A richer moisturising cream containing ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids or squalane
• A protective balm applied selectively to the lips, cheeks and sides of the nose
• A gentle cream cleanser or low-foaming wash used with lukewarm water
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen in a moisturising cream or lotion texture
• Physical protection from wind, together with regular water intake

Apply serum immediately after cleansing while the skin is slightly damp, then follow with cream before the serum dries completely. Minimise hot water, harsh scrubbing and excessive exfoliation during the trip. Ceramide-containing creams have been studied for supporting skin condition during prolonged winter indoor exposure. The ideal mantra for this weather is: Repair, Seal and Shield. In cold, very dry conditions, the skin needs more than lightweight hydration. It requires water, barrier-supporting lipids and a protective layer against wind and rapid moisture loss.

Skincare Ideal for These Climates and Countries

Winter / cooler months:

• December-February: Lanzhou, China; Albuquerque, USA; Santa Fe, USA; Denver, USA; Reno, USA; Salt Lake City, USA; Boise, USA; Tehran, Iran; Isfahan, Iran; Yazd, Iran; Kerman, Iran; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Bukhara, Uzbekistan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Yerevan, Armenia; Cappadocia (Göreme), Türkiye
• June-August: Mendoza, Argentina
• May-August: Calama, Chile; San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
• November-March: Lhasa, China; Hohhot, China; Urumqi, China; Aspen, USA; Jackson, USA; Bozeman, USA; Calgary, Canada; Edmonton, Canada
• October-April: Leh, India; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• cooler dry-season mornings: Arequipa, Peru