Skincare is Immune Defence

This winter, plan for resilient skin that supports your immunity.

Healthy skin is not about having picture-perfect, instagram-filter skin. Rather, skin is a living barrier that keeps water in, blocks irritants, and prevents pathogens from getting through.

When the Barrier Weakens, the Body Notices

Skin mirrors internal conditions. When the barrier is strong, the immune system stays composed and is less prone to unnecessary inflammation.. When it’s compromised, inflammation rises and immune defences weaken. Changes in texture, redness, or hydration may signal something happening beneath the surface. 

Winter: A Season of Dryness and Irritation

Throughout winter, skincare is less about “keeping up appearances” and more about supporting the body’s wider immune resilience. Indoor heating strips away humidity. Indoor heating lowers humidity and dehydrates the skin. With shorter days, vitamin D levels drop. Hot showers, wooly/scratchy fabrics, and the overzealous routines of summer (acids, retinoids, happy hour patio margaritas) all add irritation.

Why Simplification Serves the Skin

The season calls for simplification… mindful care that preserves the skin’s balance and respects our body’s natural intelligence. 

Cleansing once at night is enough for most skin types. Use a gentle cleanser to remove buildup without stripping away protective lipids. In the morning, a simple water rinse preserves the barrier you worked to maintain. Set aside harsh cleansers and strong acids common in summer routines, because overuse leads to more dryness, more irritation. Exfoliate occasionally rather than habitually.

Hydrate, Then Seal It In

Follow-up with a hydrating serum and seal it in with a rich moisturizer. Skip synthetic fragrances as best you can, as these can be irritating. If certain spots are particularly reactive to the cold, or if you’re experiencing cracking or peeling, press a thin occlusive balm over your moisturiser only where you need it. This combo keeps skin hydrated, resilient, and less reactive.

Sun protection remains essential year-round. Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30, or another proven form of sun defence that suits your routine.

Care That Extends Beyond Skincare Products

Barrier care goes beyond the bathroom sink. Use a humidifier in dry indoor spaces. Avoid scalding hot showers. And because many repair enzymes work hardest during deep deep sleep, prioritize rest!

Internally, support your skin with omega-3 fats from two servings of fish per week or a verified supplement. Because vitamin D levels drop with reduced sunlight, most adults can benefit from a daily D3, ideally with food. If your diet lacks seafood or fruit, modest zinc and vitamin C can also help.

Your Winter Skin Essentials

To recap, focus on simplicity with purpose:

• A gentle cleanser
• A hydrating serum with glycerin or hyaluronic acid
• A rich, replenishing moisturiser
•  Mineral sunscreen

If your diet needs extra support, consider:

• A well-formulated vitamin D3
• A responsibly sourced omega-3
• Modest zinc
• Vitamin C

For tailored recommendations, call, email, or visit any of our three Edmonton-area locations. We’ll help you choose what truly serves your skin and strengthens your system.

These are all familiar tips we’ve discussed on this blog before, but they endure for a reason. Each one is grounded in research and helps guide the nervous system toward recovery. Commit to consistency and you’ll see a difference reflected in your skin… likely sooner than expected.

 

 

Sources:

Ananthapadmanabhan KP, Moore DJ, Subramanyan K, Misra M, Meyer F. Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:16-25. doi: 10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1002.x. 

Elias PM, Steinhoff M. “Outside-to-inside” (and now back to “outside”) pathogenic mechanisms in atopic dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol. 2008 May;128(5):1067-1070. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5701180.

Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Surber, C. (2001). Glycerol and the skin: Holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology, 164(6), 1139–1152.

Garg A, Chren MM, Sands LP, Matsui MS, Marenus KD, Feingold KR, Elias PM. Psychological