January is when skin biology is most exposed. Low humidity, cold temperatures and reduced UV radiation shift the skin into a conservation state: barrier function weakens, trans epidermal water loss increases, and cellular turnover slows measurably. A January skincare strategy, therefore, should be less about stimulation and more about repair, protection and metabolic support — externally and internally.
LIPID REPLACEMENT AND BARRIER REPAIR
Officine Universelle Buly’s Huile de Figues de Barbarie de Madagaskar functions as a targeted barrier-support oil rather than a cosmetic occlusive. Used sparingly, it reinforces membrane integrity and supports long-term elasticity, making it especially appropriate for compromised or reactive winter skin.
OXIDATIVE STRESS AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
Cold-induced vasoconstriction and environmental stressors increase oxidative pressure on the skin. Pomegranate seeds are rich in polyphenols, particularly punicalagins, which have been shown to support collagen preservation and reduce inflammatory markers. Consumed regularly, they contribute to systemic antioxidant defence — an often overlooked but critical component of winter skin health.
CELLULAR ENERGY AND REGENERATION
Skin that appears dull in January is often not dehydrated, but metabolically fatigued. Cellular turnover slows, mitochondrial activity decreases, and repair mechanisms become less efficient. This is where evidence-based cosmeceuticals are most effective.
Royal Fern’s ON Boosting Serum, developed by Dr Timm Golueke, focuses on cellular regeneration rather than surface correction. Its formulation supports ATP production and enhances the skin’s intrinsic repair processes, improving resilience, density and recovery over time — outcomes that align with dermatological rather than cosmetic objectives.
IMMERSION THERAPY FOR THE SKIN
Winter bathing, when done correctly, can improve skin function rather than disrupt it. Warm water increases peripheral circulation, while lipid-rich bath oils prevent post-bath dehydration.
The Susanne Kaufmann bath oil is formulated to leave a fine lipid film on the skin, reinforcing the barrier immediately after bathing. This reduces the need for aggressive post-cleansing products and supports the skin’s natural recovery window.
Also try her products and cold pressed juices from Post Bezau for a January detox cure at home,
LIP CARE AS A STRUCTURAL ELEMENT
Lips lack sebaceous glands and are among the first areas to show barrier breakdown in winter. A satin-finish lipstick offers more than aesthetic value: it combines waxes and emollients that provide mechanical protection against dehydration.
Chanel’s Rouge à Lèvres Satiné balances pigment with conditioning agents, preserving lip integrity while delivering controlled colour — an approach that respects both function and form.
