Winter 2025 Radiance Edit: 9 Skin Concerns & Curated Solutions
During the winter months in the San Francisco East Bay Area, many women notice that their skin feels just a little less forgiving. Cooler air, indoor heating, and lingering UV exposure combine to create a season where the complexion often needs extra care, intention, and refinement.
1. Dryness & Dehydration
Skin may feel tight, papery, or uncomfortable, with fine lines suddenly more visible.
Solution:
Transition to a creamy, non-foaming cleanser.
Layer a hydrating essence or serum with humectants (like hyaluronic acid) under a barrier-supportive moisturizer.
Incorporate overnight hydrating masks 1–2 times per week.
2. Flakiness & Rough Texture
Makeup catches on dry patches around the nose, mouth, and cheeks.
Solution:
Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (such as lactic acid) 1–2 times weekly instead of harsh scrubs.
Follow with a rich, comforting moisturizer to seal in softness.
3. Sensitivity & Redness
Products that felt fine in summer may now sting or cause flushing.
Solution:
Simplify to a soothing, minimalist routine: gentle cleanser, calming serum, restorative cream.
Look for ceramides, niacinamide, and panthenol to support barrier repair.
Avoid hot water and over-exfoliation.
4. Rosacea & Facial Flushing
Moving between cold outdoor air and warm interiors can trigger visible redness.
Solution:
Protect with a fragrance-free, barrier-repair cream and, when outdoors, a soft scarf around the cheeks.
Use lukewarm water only and avoid intense heat (saunas, very hot showers).
Opt for anti-redness, calming formulations designed for reactive skin.
5. Eczema / Dermatitis Flare-Ups
Dry, itchy patches appear on the face, neck, and hands.
Solution:
Choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products only.
Apply an occlusive balm to vulnerable areas at night.
Keep a deeply emollient hand cream nearby and reapply after washing.
6. Dull, Tired-Looking Skin
Glow gives way to a flat, lackluster complexion.
Solution:
Introduce a gentle brightening serum (vitamin C, niacinamide, or low-strength exfoliating acids).
Regular, moderate exfoliation plus rich hydration will help restore luminosity.
Facial massage with a nourishing oil can encourage radiance and circulation.
7. Chapped Lips & Dry Hands
Lips peel and crack; hands feel rough and uncomfortable.
Solution:
Use a lip treatment with occlusives (like shea butter or lanolin) rather than waxy balms alone.
Apply hand cream after every wash and consider cotton gloves overnight with a thicker hand treatment.
8. Confused Combination Skin (Dry Yet Oily)
The T-zone feels shiny while the cheeks flake.
Solution:
Use lightweight hydrating serums all over, and layer richer cream only on drier zones.
Choose non-comedogenic, hydrating moisturizers instead of very heavy occlusives on oilier areas.
9. Lingering Hyperpigmentation & More Visible Fine Lines
Summer sunspots and post-acne marks seem slow to fade; fine lines appear more prominent.
Solution:
Continue daily mineral (zinc oxide-based) SPF, even on overcast winter days.
Pair brightening serums and gentle retinoids with diligent hydration to reduce the look of discoloration and fine lines.
Consider professional treatments (such as gentle peels or advanced hydrating facials) for more targeted results.
With the right seasonal adjustments—softer cleansing, intelligent exfoliation, deeper hydration, and unwavering sun protection—winter can become a time when the skin feels cocooned, supported, and beautifully cared for.
I warmly welcome your questions and inquiries. Please feel free to reach out to me at suzanne@suniskincare.com or by call or text at (925) 708-5940.
