From cracks to dullness, central heating is brutal on mature skin - here’s how to deal with it.

Dr Anjali Mahto shares how to bring back radiance

Whether you love or loathe winter, one thing we can all agree on is the importance of staying cosy in the colder months. This usually means burrowing under blankets, and of course, cranking up the central heating. While the warmth feels blissful after facing the chilly air outside, Consultant Dermatologist & Founder of Self London, Dr Anjali Mahto, warns that it can come with unwelcome side effects on our skin.

How does central heating affect the skin?

‘When we turn up the heating, humidity inside our homes can fall to desert-like levels,’ explains Dr Mahto. Unsurprisingly, our skin doesn’t thrive in these conditions. She continues, ‘In that kind of dry air, moisture is quite literally pulled out of the skin.’

‘Warm indoor air also reduces blood flow to the skin,’ she adds, ‘this means the skin is getting fewer nutrients at a time when it really needs them.’

So, if you’ve noticed your skin looking a little lacklustre, you’re not alone. ‘In winter, so many people tell me their face feels tight by mid-afternoon or that fine lines look deeper overnight. It’s not vanity or imagination; it’s basic skin physiology’ she says.

What does this mean for mature skin?

As we get older, our skin naturally becomes drier, as Dr Mahto explains, ‘With age, we lose some of the lipids that hold the surface together, so central heating leaves even less protection behind.’

With less protection and low humidity, you might start to notice what Dr Mahto calls ‘winter skin’. ‘Tiny cracks form, the skin looks dull and feels rough, and conditions like eczema or rosacea can flare much more readily,’ she says. ‘Overall, you may notice dryness, sensitivity and a lack of radiance.’

How should we be adjusting our skincare routine?

The good news? Dr Mahto reassures us that there is plenty we can do to counteract these pesky side effects. ‘The key is to restore what the environment removes — moisture, lipids, and equilibrium,’ she says, ‘it’s not about heavy creams but about rebuilding the skin’s natural barrier.'

‘I always encourage people to focus on replacing what the environment is removing,’ she adds, ‘gentle cleansing, moisturising and choosing formulas rich in ceramides and fatty acids can make a difference’ — all it takes is a few clever swaps in your routine.

If you don’t have the time to analyse ingredient lists, she has shared her top recommendations - and no, you won’t need to spend a fortune. Budget-friendly gems are very much included.

Emma Lee’s Winter Radiance Reset

To keep skin comfortable, resilient and luminous throughout the colder months, Emma Lee echoes Dr Mahto’s advice: simplify, protect and nourish. Focus on gentle cleansing, barrier-supporting moisturisers and regular hydration to counteract the drying effects of central heating.

By making a few thoughtful swaps — rather than chasing complex routines — you can help your skin retain moisture, minimise sensitivity and restore its natural glow, even in the depths of winter.

Source: Good Housekeeping UK (Dr Anjali Mahto).

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