01 Nov Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Repair Your Skin | Advanced Skin Treatments in Durham

Now is the best time to work on your skin.

During the colder months, the skin is less exposed to heat, UV rays, and humidity, giving it a chance to heal and rebuild. When the weather cools, your barrier becomes more vulnerable. Cold air, indoor heating, and harsh winds all increase moisture loss and irritation.

That is why winter is the ideal time to strengthen and repair your skin before the warmer months return.

A 2022 study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that skin hydration can drop by more than 25 percent during winter. This happens because humidity levels fall and water escapes through the skin more easily. The result is dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

By focusing on barrier repair now, you help your skin recover faster and stay healthier all year round.

The First Step: Nourish, Do Not Strip

The foundation of healthy skin is strength. That means hydration, nourishment, and balance.

The first step in any plan should never be harsh exfoliation. It should be rebuilding your barrier so the skin can function properly.

My own skin routine always starts with hydration before anything else. This winter, I began with a course of DMK enzyme facials to reset my skin.

DMK treatments are designed to restore how the skin works at a cellular level. Rather than forcing change from the surface, they train the skin to perform the way it should.

Once the barrier is healthy, stronger treatments can work more effectively and safely.

Why Microneedling Is a Must Have Treatment

After rebuilding my skin, I moved on to a course of microneedling.

Microneedling is one of the most effective and scientifically proven treatments for long term results. It works by creating tiny micro channels in the skin that trigger the body’s natural repair process.

This encourages collagen and elastin production, helping to smooth fine lines, fade pigmentation, and strengthen texture.

Research published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that microneedling can increase collagen production by up to 400 percent after a course of treatments.

It is suitable for most skin types and delivers both short term radiance and long term repair.

LED Light Therapy and Recovery

Alongside microneedling, I have been using LED light therapy regularly.

LED is gentle, non invasive, and incredibly effective at supporting healing between treatments. Red light at around 630 nanometres increases circulation and boosts collagen, while blue light helps to reduce inflammation.

A study in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that regular red LED therapy reduces inflammation and speeds up cell recovery, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to calm, strengthen, or repair the skin.

LED keeps the skin balanced and glowing throughout winter and is one of the easiest ways to maintain progress between facials.

Why I Am Waiting for My Six Layer Peel

In January, once my skin is at its strongest, I will be performing a six layer peel.

I am waiting because there is no point stripping the skin before it is ready. If the barrier is weak, deeper treatments only expose more sensitivity and uneven pigmentation.

By focusing first on hydration and recovery, I can treat the real causes of those issues instead of just removing the surface. Strong skin always responds better to deeper treatments later.

Winter Protection Still Matters

Even though the sun feels weaker in winter, UV rays are still active. UVA light penetrates through clouds and glass, which means it continues to cause pigmentation and premature ageing.

Dermatologists estimate that up to 80 percent of visible ageing comes from UV exposure. That is why SPF is essential all year round, not just in summer.

Another winter essential is moisture protection.

Cold winds, heating, and dry air all pull water from your skin, so it is important to use occlusive products. These act like a seal to lock in hydration and stop moisture escaping.

I spend a lot of time walking on the beach and out with my dogs, no matter the weather. Before heading out, I apply a hydrating serum and then seal it in with a barrier cream. It keeps my skin protected, calm, and comfortable all day.

Why Winter Treatments in Durham Make Sense

In Durham, winter air can be cold and damp, and the mix of weather, wind, and heating can take a real toll on your skin. This is the perfect time to focus on repair.

By nourishing, protecting, and introducing treatments such as microneedling, LED, and enzyme facials now, you set your skin up for smoother texture, brighter tone, and better resilience later.

Winter is not the time to hide your skin. It is the time to prepare it.