Cold weather can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated—but it doesn’t have to. At MediZen Institute, esthetician Morgan Young helps clients restore hydration, strengthen their skin barrier, and reduce redness with targeted treatments and Biologique Recherche skincare. Here’s what you need to know about winter skin concerns and how to treat them effectively.
What Causes Winter Dryness and Redness?
If your skin feels tight, flaky, or looks extra red in the winter, you’re not alone. Cold air, indoor heating, and harsh winds all strip the skin of its natural moisture. This weakens the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity, irritation, and inflammation. For those prone to rosacea, winter can be especially challenging, as temperature changes and dryness can trigger flare-ups.
“Dehydration is probably the most common skin condition I see during treatment,” says Morgan. “Whether your skin is oily or dry, you can suffer from it.”
So, how do you strengthen and protect your skin? It starts with understanding the difference between hydration and moisture—and using the right products for both.
Hydration vs. Moisture: What Does Your Skin Need?
One of the biggest mistakes people make in their skincare routine is not knowing whether their skin needs hydration (water) or moisture (oil).
- Hydration refers to water in the skin and how well it retains moisture. Dehydrated skin lacks water and can feel tight, dull, or sensitive—even if it’s oily.
- Moisture refers to the skin’s oil levels. A balanced lipid barrier keeps hydration locked in and prevents irritation.
To keep skin healthy, you need both. Morgan recommends these Biologique Recherche products to restore hydration and moisture in winter:
For Hydration:
✔ Gel ADN SilkGen – A lightweight, deeply hydrating gel made with silk proteins and salmon DNA. It’s perfect for oily skin in summer or as an extra layer under creams in winter to prevent water loss.
For Moisture:
✔ Serum Tewl – A lipid-replenishing booster that strengthens the skin barrier and locks in hydration. It can be mixed into a cream or layered on top for added protection against harsh winter conditions.
The Best Products for Redness and Rosacea
If your skin is prone to redness, irritation, or rosacea, winter can be tough. Luckily, Biologique Recherche offers powerful solutions designed to calm and strengthen sensitive skin. Morgan recommends:
- Erythros Serum – Formulated with Arnica, Green Tea, and Rosemary, this serum targets inflammation and visible redness while strengthening fragile capillaries.
- Biosensible Serum – Soothes sensitive, reactive skin and reduces redness on contact. With Green Tea, Turmeric Root, and Witch Hazel, it provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Crème Verte Espoir A.R. – A newly reformulated cream designed to treat and protect rosacea-prone skin from harsh environmental triggers like wind and cold.
“These three anti-redness products will be flying out our doors this season,” says Morgan. “We are in the business of healing clients’ skin, not just temporarily treating it.”
How to Strengthen and Protect Your Skin This Winter
A strong, healthy skin barrier is your best defense against winter dryness and irritation. Beyond using the right skincare products, Morgan recommends a few key steps to keep your skin balanced and resilient:
Layer Your Skincare
Instead of relying on one heavy cream, layering hydrating and moisturizing products allows your skin to absorb what it needs without feeling greasy. Start with a lightweight hydrator like Gel ADN SilkGen, then follow with a nourishing cream like Crème Verte Espoir A.R. For an extra barrier, finish with Serum Tewl to lock everything in.
Adjust Your Routine to Combat Water Loss
Cold air and indoor heating cause trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which means your skin loses moisture more quickly. Using a hydrating serum and an occlusive moisturizer together (like Serum Tewl + VG Derm or Creme Masque Vernix) helps prevent this.
Protect Your Skin from Harsh Weather
Wind, cold, and sun exposure can all weaken your skin barrier. Even in winter, UV rays contribute to skin damage, so daily SPF is a must. Choose a physical sunscreen that’s gentle on sensitive skin, and always apply it as the last step in your routine.
Stay Consistent with Treatments
Facials and professional treatments help maintain skin health through seasonal changes. At MediZen Institute, Morgan offers custom treatments designed to hydrate, strengthen, and soothe winter-worn skin. Whether you’re dealing with redness, irritation, or extreme dryness, an in-person consultation can help tailor the best regimen for your needs.
Winter Skincare That Works—Beyond Just a Quick Fix
Unlike conventional skincare that only offers temporary relief, Biologique Recherche products help strengthen the skin over time. Morgan emphasizes that the goal isn’t just to treat symptoms but to heal the skin at its core so it becomes more resilient with each season.
“Using these products will strengthen the epidermis over time, resulting in a much stronger, more resilient skin barrier,” she says.
At MediZen Institute, Morgan and the team are committed to helping clients achieve long-term skin health—not just seasonal solutions. If your skin is feeling dry, tight, or reactive, now is the time to [book a consultation] and get started on your personalized winter skincare routine.
