As temperatures drop and the air gets drier, many people in Cape Town experience changes in their skin—tightness, dullness, flaking, and increased sensitivity. 

How to prepare your skin during winter becomes a common question for anyone seeking to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. 

The good news? With the right skincare routine and some professional guidance, your skin can thrive even in the chilliest months.

Why Winter Skin Care Is Different

Cold weather, low humidity, indoor heating, and wind all work together to strip your skin of its natural oils. 

This weakens the skin barrier and makes it more prone to dryness, irritation, and even conditions like eczema or rosacea. 

If you’re undergoing aesthetic treatments during winter—such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or injectables—your skin requires extra care to recover and regenerate effectively.

Winter Skincare Tips from a Cape Town Plastic Surgeon

As a plastic surgeon based in Cape Town, Dr. Louise de Lange sees many patients whose skin becomes stressed or imbalanced during the colder season. 

Here’s how to prepare your skin during winter using both daily habits and professional treatments.

1. Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser

Many people continue using the same foaming or gel cleansers year-round, but these can be too harsh in winter. A gentle, hydrating cleanser helps maintain your skin’s moisture barrier without stripping essential oils.

Look for ingredients like:

• Glycerin
  
• Ceramides
  
• Aloe vera
  
• Hyaluronic acid
  

These provide hydration while cleansing away dirt and impurities effectively.

2. Moisturise More (and Smarter)

Using a richer, more emollient moisturiser in winter is essential. Lightweight summer formulas may not provide enough protection against the dry air.

Dr. de Lange recommends:

• Applying moisturiser within 60 seconds of cleansing (to lock in moisture)
  
• Choosing products with squalane, shea butter, or niacinamide
  
• Using a night cream or overnight hydrating mask for added support
  

If you’re recovering from facial procedures, she may advise specific post-treatment balms designed to promote healing.

3. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

A common winter mistake is neglecting sunscreen because the sun feels weaker. In reality, UV rays are present year-round and can still cause damage—especially after treatments like microneedling, dermaplaning, or peels.

Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and apply it daily, even when it’s cloudy.

4. Exfoliate Gently and Regularly

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can build up faster during winter. However, it’s important not to overdo it.

Choose mild exfoliants like:

• Lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs)
  
• Enzyme exfoliants
  
• Soft scrubs (used no more than once a week)
  

Avoid aggressive scrubs that can disrupt your skin’s barrier, especially if your skin is already dry or irritated.

5. Invest in Professional Skincare Treatments

Winter is an ideal time to schedule in-clinic treatments that support skin regeneration. 

Your skin tends to be less exposed to sun during the season, which can improve healing and reduce the risk of post-treatment pigmentation.

Treatments worth considering include:

• Chemical peels (for brightening and texture)
  
• Laser resurfacing (for wrinkles, scarring, pigmentation)
  
• Hydrafacial (for deep hydration and cleansing)
  
• Medical-grade skincare consultations to tailor products to your skin type
  

At her Cape Town practice, Dr. Louise de Lange often helps patients create winter-specific skincare plans that combine home routines with expert-led interventions.

What to Eat and Drink for Healthier Skin in Winter

Skin health is not just topical—it’s also about what you consume. 

Hydration and nutrient-rich foods can significantly support your skin during the winter season.

• Drink at least 1.5–2 litres of water per day
  
• Eat foods rich in omega-3s (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed)
  
• Include vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli) to support collagen
  
• Consider a supplement like evening primrose oil if your skin is extremely dry
  

Winter Skin Prep Before Aesthetic Treatments

If you’re considering any facial aesthetic procedure in winter—whether injectables or surgery—preparing your skin ahead of time can enhance results and reduce downtime.

Dr. de Lange advises:

• Starting a hydrating regimen at least 2 weeks before treatment
  
• Avoiding active ingredients like retinoids 3–5 days before invasive procedures
  
• Following all post-procedure skincare instructions carefully to optimise healing
  

Book a consultation with the Doctor

How to prepare your skin during winter doesn’t need to be complicated—it just requires consistency and a little expert advice. 

Adjusting your routine to include gentler cleansers, richer moisturisers, and consistent sun protection can make a world of difference. For those in Cape Town, winter is also a perfect time to explore advanced skin treatments with a trusted professional like Dr. Louise de Lange.

If you’re ready to rejuvenate your skin this season, contact our Cape Town clinic for a personalised winter skin consultation.