In this blog I'm sharing why January skin feels hard for your skin, and how to support it gently, without overwhelm.

Has your skin suddenly started to feel tight, uncomfortable, dull or more sensitive this winter?

January can be one of the most challenging months for skin especially if you're navigating dry, sensitive skin and hormonal changes too. Cold air outside, central heating indoors, biting winds and very low humidity all place extra pressure on the skin barrier. Add perimenopause or menopause into the mix, and skin can start to behave very differently, very quickly.

This simply means your skin needs a different kind of support right now.

Why winter skin feels so much drier (especially in midlife)

As we move through our 40s and 50s, natural changes in hormones can affect:

• how well our skin holds onto water
• how resilient our skin barrier feels
• how easily skin becomes irritated or reactive

In winter, these changes are amplified. Cold air strips moisture from the skin, while indoor heating dries it further. The result is often skin that feels tight, dehydrated, flaky or suddenly sensitive, even if this has never been a problem before.

If this is happening to you, it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong. It’s a very common seasonal shift.

What does “layering hydration” actually mean?

You may have heard that you should be “layering hydration” in winter, but this phrase is often left unexplained which can make skincare feel more complicated than it needs to be.

Layering hydration doesn’t mean using lots of products. It simply means supporting your skin in stages, so moisture can be added (even at the cleansing stage), skin nourished and then protected.

Think of it like getting dressed on a cold day. You wouldn’t put your coat straight onto bare skin - you layer thoughtfully.

Your skin works in a similar way!

A simple way to layer hydration (without a 10-step routine)

Here’s a gentle, four-step approach that works particularly well for dry, sensitive and hormonal/changing skin in winter.

Step 1: Cleanse gently

Cleansing should feel comforting, not stripping. In winter, harsh or foaming cleansers can leave skin feeling tight before you’ve even started.

A gentle cleansing balm helps remove the day while supporting the skin barrier, leaving your skin soft and ready to receive hydration.

Step 2: Add hydration

This is where water-based hydration comes in. A hydrating serum helps replenish hydration levels within the skin, supporting plumpness and comfort.

If your skin feels tight soon after cleansing, this step becomes especially important in winter.

Step 3: Nourish and support the barrier

A nourishing moisturiser helps feed the skin and support its protective barrier. In colder months, many women find they need a slightly richer texture than they do in summer.

This step helps reduce water loss and calm skin that feels stressed by the environment.

Step 4: Seal and protect

This step is often misunderstood, but it can make a big difference in winter.

A facial oil doesn’t add hydration on its own. Instead, it helps seal everything in, preventing water loss and protecting the skin from harsh conditions like cold wind and dry indoor air.

Many women use a facial oil only occasionally during warmer months. In winter, it’s very normal to reach for it more often, sometimes daily, depending on how your skin feels.

There’s no rule here - allow your skin to decide.

Why flexibility matters more than perfection

One of the biggest misconceptions about skincare is that routines should look the same all year round.

In reality, your skin changes with:
• the seasons
• stress levels
• hormones
• environment

A supportive routine is one that can adapt. Some days your skin may need all four steps. other days, it may need less. Both are okay.

This is especially true in winter, when skin often asks for a little extra care.

What if you’re using retinol or acids?

If you’re using actives like retinol or exfoliating acids, supporting your skin barrier becomes even more important.  These types of products are very popular with 40s women but can be very irritating especially for sensitive winter skin.  

Layering hydration and nourishment can help your skin tolerate these products better and feel more comfortable overall. It’s not about adding more, it’s about balancing what you’re already using and giving your skin barrier support.

If you’re feeling unsure where to start

If your skin feels dry, uncomfortable or unfamiliar right now, start with kindness.

Focus on comfort, hydration and protection first, and then you can always adjust as your skin settles.

If you’d like gentle guidance on how to support changing skin without overwhelm, I’ve created a free guide called “Your skin in your 40s: What no-one tells you (but should)”. It shares six simple shifts to help your skin feel calmer, clearer and more supported.

You can sign up here in your own time, whenever it feels right.

Supporting your skin isn’t about fixing or fighting it, it’s about listening, and responding with care.

Thanks for reading.

Love,
Sarah x

Are you new to Pamoja?

Hi, I'm Sarah, a 51 year old perimenopausal woman, trained skincare formulator and founder of Pamoja.

Pamoja is a high-performing natural skincare brand designed to help you nourish your skin and nurture yourself, because I believe you deserve more kindness in your daily routine.

Now with over 600+ five-star reviews. As seen in Vogue, Stylist, Woman's Health, Health and Wellbeing Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, Top Sante and more.

Copyright: Sarah Taylor 14 January 2026.

Other reading:

Is It Too Late To Start Skincare At 40? 

Your Radiant Era: Navigating Perimenopause with Kindness

The Science of Skin Barrier Repair, and Why It Matters