No More Flaking or Dryness!
How to Care for Your Skin in Winter
Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch

Many people probably feel that their skin changes
as soon as winter arrives.
When you try to apply makeup in the morning,
you may notice flakes lifting,
and no matter how much cream you use,
it can still feel like your skin
dries out quickly.
You may have wondered why skin that is usually fine
becomes especially sensitive and rough
only in winter.
In fact, winter is a fairly harsh season
for the skin.
Cold wind, low humidity,
and indoor heating all combine,
making it easy for skin moisture to be lost.
So today, for those who are concerned about flaking and roughness in winter,
let’s talk about care methods you can practice in daily life,
as well as dermatology treatments.

Why skin gets especially dry in winter
In winter, the air itself is dry.
When humidity drops,
moisture inside the skin also evaporates easily.
On top of that, cold wind
weakens the skin barrier,
and heated indoor air makes the skin
even drier.
When this process repeats,
the skin’s protective barrier weakens,
and dead skin cells build up
without being properly shed.
As a result, the skin texture looks rough,
and makeup does not go on well.
This goes beyond simply being a matter of “not enough moisture”;
it means the skin environment itself
has become more sensitive.

Basic care you can do at home
The first thing that matters is your cleansing routine.
In winter, cleansing that leaves the skin feeling hydrated
is better than a squeaky-clean finish.
Avoid water that is too hot,
and try to make a habit of cleansing lightly
with lukewarm water.
For moisturizing, rather than applying a large amount all at once,
layering several times helps more.
Apply in the order of toner → essence → cream,
with the feeling that you are steadily building up moisture.
And indoors, using a humidifier
to maintain humidity
can be more helpful than you might expect.

How should you manage dead skin cells?
Just because dead skin cells are visible
does not mean frequent scrubbing
is a good idea.
Excessive exfoliation can weaken the skin barrier even more
and worsen dryness.
Using a low-irritation exfoliating product
about once a week is appropriate.
And after exfoliating,
pay extra attention to moisturizing
more than usual.
The key to dead skin care is not “removal”
but “careful tidying up.”

What if the roughness still continues?
If your skin remains dry and rough
even with home care,
it may be in a state where its ability to store moisture
has declined.
In such cases, skin booster procedures performed at a dermatology clinic
may help.
Skin boosters are procedures that directly supply moisture and regenerative ingredients
to the dermis,
helping the skin restore its own hydration
and elasticity.
Unlike topical moisturizing products,
it is a concept that improves the skin’s internal environment itself,
so satisfaction tends to be high.
In particular, during winter,
fine lines may appear more noticeable due to dryness,
and this may also help
alleviate that issue.
Of course, the type and method of procedure
vary depending on each person’s skin condition,
so consultation with a dermatologist is important.

Winter skin care is
more about consistently keeping up the basics
than doing something special in large amounts.
Reducing irritation,
being generous with moisturizing,
and paying just a little attention to daily habits
can make a difference in your skin.
And when you feel it is difficult
to manage on your own,
getting help from an expert
is also a good option.
Simply knowing your exact skin condition
and setting the right care direction
can help reduce trial and error.
Just because it is winter
does not mean your skin
has to be rough.
With just a little care,
you can keep your skin hydrated
and comfortable even in the cold season.
Please take warm care of your skin this winter, too.
Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch
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