How Winter Habits - From Late Nights to Alcohol - Show Up on Your Skin

Danielle Kerrigan-Lowe
By Danielle Kerrigan-Lowe

Danielle is the Marketing Manager for ConsultingRoom.com, the UK’s largest aesthetic information website. 

Winter habits can have a real impact on skin health. But according to the skin longevity experts at CULTSKIN, the dryness, dullness and sensitivity many people experience at this time of year are driven by dehydration, inflammation and a compromised skin barrier - and the solution isn’t harsh products or detoxes, but a more restorative, regenerative approach.
 
 
1. What treatments are most effective for repairing dehydrated or stressed skin?
“After the festive period, skin concerns are usually driven by dehydration, inflammation and barrier disruption rather than true damage. From a longevity perspective, the most effective treatments are restorative and regenerative rather than aggressive.
In clinic, we favour gentle regenerative facials, skin boosters containing hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides, and LED or photobiomodulation therapies such as Celller8, which help reduce inflammation and support collagen production and cellular repair.
At home, simplifying skincare and prioritising barrier repair is essential. We often recommend Unicskin products such as the Unicskin Unica+ 72H Hydro+ Cream for long-lasting hydration, Unicskin Unichydro-Active Serum to replenish depleted moisture levels, and Unicskin Unic30 Day Skin Miracle Shot Ampoules as a short recovery course to restore resilience and luminosity after periods of stress.
Supporting skin recovery systemically also matters. Recovery and wellness tools such as Hyperice devices can improve circulation and lymphatic flow, while the Woojer Mat supports relaxation and nervous system regulation, both of which indirectly improve skin quality by enhancing sleep and recovery.”
shares Dr Natalie Tabares

2. Are there any “anti-trends” or things experts think people should stop doing in 2026?

“One of the biggest anti-trends we’re actively discouraging is post-party “skin punishment” over-exfoliating, stacking acids and retinoids, or trying to rapidly undo indulgence with harsh treatments. This approach often worsens inflammation and barrier damage, delaying recovery and accelerating skin ageing.
Another anti-trend is treating skincare in isolation from overall wellness. In 2026, we expect a stronger move towards integrated skin longevity approaches that consider sleep, stress, circulation and recovery. Technologies such as Celller8 and DNAVibe are increasingly used alongside skincare to support cellular recovery and reduce chronic inflammation, which ultimately reflects in skin health.” says Dr Megan Franklin
2. Are there any “anti-trends” or things experts think people should stop doing in 2026?

3. Are there any myths about “detoxing” skin after festive indulgence?

“A major myth is that skin itself needs to be “detoxed” using aggressive products or treatments. Skin doesn’t detox in the way it’s often marketed – detoxification is the role of the liver and kidneys. What skin actually needs after festive indulgence is hydration, calming ingredients and time to repair.
Over-cleansing, steaming or harsh masks can compromise the skin barrier further. Instead, gentle cleansing such as Unicskin UnicDetox & Go Cleanser, combined with antioxidant support like Unicskin UnicLuminosity Serum, helps protect against oxidative stress while allowing the skin to recover naturally.” 
says Dr Zelu Sibanda.

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