The Winter Skin Dilemma: Protecting Your Skin in Brisbane’s Cooler Months

As a trusted skin cancer specialist in Brisbane, I see firsthand how seasonal shifts can affect my patients. The combination of low humidity, cold winds, and the use of indoor heating can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier . This is a critical time to adjust your skincare routine to protect your skin’s integrity and maintain its overall health.

Why Winter Dryness is a Concern in Queensland

Even though Queensland winters are mild, they can be surprisingly harsh on the skin. The drop in humidity draws moisture out from the skin’s surface, a process known as transepidermal water loss . When this happens, your skin can feel tight, flaky, and itchy. For those of us who spend time outdoors—whether for work or leisure—the combination of cool winds and the sun’s UV rays, which are still present, can further stress the skin’s protective barrier.

A Winter Skincare Strategy for Healthy Skin

Taking proactive steps during winter can make a significant difference. Here’s how you can protect and nourish your skin:

1. Rethink Your Cleanser 
During winter, swap harsh, foaming cleansers for a gentle, hydrating cream cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. Look for products that are soap-free and formulated with moisturising ingredients .

2. Supercharge Your Moisturising Routine 
This is the season for richer moisturisers. Applying a quality moisturiser after showering, while your skin is still slightly damp, helps lock in hydration. Don’t forget your hands, lips, and any areas prone to dryness .

3. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen 
This is non-negotiable. Queensland’s UV index can reach 3 or above all year round, meaning sun damage can occur even on cloudy winter days . Daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher sunscreen is your best defence against skin cancer, which Australia has one of the highest rates of in the world .

4. Exfoliate Gently 
Removing dead skin cells helps your moisturiser penetrate deeper and work more effectively. However, choose a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritating your winter-sensitive skin . A mild chemical exfoliant can be a better option than a harsh physical scrub .

5. Keep Up Your Regular Skin Checks 
Winter is a perfect time to focus on proactive skin health. As Dr. P. Urosevic emphasizes, “Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world” due to our high UV exposure and outdoor lifestyle. Regular skin checks are vital for early detection. Our clinic uses advanced techniques like dermoscopy and mole photo comparison to monitor your skin effectively and detect any changes promptly.

The Importance of Professional Skin Checks

A comprehensive skin examination is the cornerstone of skin health. In my practice, we use a dermatoscope, a non-invasive tool that provides a magnified view of skin lesions, allowing us to spot subtle features not visible to the naked eye. This improves the accuracy of our diagnosis and helps us guide decisions on whether a spot needs a biopsy or can be safely monitored .

For those who are particularly active—playing sports or working outdoors in Brisbane’s sun—a simple daily skincare routine, coupled with regular professional checks, is even more critical .

Your Skin Health is Our Priority

Don’t let the cooler weather lull you into a false sense of security. Your skin needs year-round care and vigilance. If you notice any new spots, changes in moles, or persistent skin issues, don’t wait.

Book your next skin check with us today. I see patients at our Carindale clinic on Saturdays and at our Garden City clinic on Mondays or Tuesdays. Walk-ins are also available .

Let us help you keep your skin healthy and protected, no matter the season.

Recommended Reading & Scientific References

Scientific References on Winter Skin Barrier Function

1. Engebretsen, K. A., Johansen, J. D., Kezic, S., Linneberg, A., & Thyssen, J. P. (2016). The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 30(2), 223-249.
   • This comprehensive review concludes that low humidity and low temperatures lead to a general decrease in skin barrier function and increased susceptibility to mechanical stress, with cold and dry weather increasing the prevalence and risk of flares in patients with atopic dermatitis .
2. Denda, M. (2025). Effects of environmental humidity on skin health. SKINdeep.
   • This review synthesizes evidence that a drastic decrease in environmental humidity induces barrier dysfunction and activates biochemical cascades of epidermal proliferation and inflammatory responses. Dry conditions stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines from epidermal keratinocytes and affect whole-body pathology .
3. Australian Journal of Pharmacy (2026). Weathering the season: a guide to winter skin. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 107(1264), 55.
   • This article examines the biological effects of winter conditions on skin health, focusing on the role of the stratum corneum and its lipid matrix in maintaining hydration, and the impact of cold temperatures and low humidity on transepidermal water loss and reduced sebaceous gland activity .
4. Seasonal Effects on the Nasolabial Skin Condition.Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 22(1).
   • Research demonstrating that nasolabial transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is significantly higher during winter than in autumn, with skin becoming more reddish and scaly. Significant differences in triglycerides and cholesterol esters indicate a functionally inferior hydrolipidic layer during winter .
5. Filaggrin degradation products may explain higher rate of dermatitis in the winter.British Journal of Dermatology.
   • A Danish study collected skin samples from 80 healthy adults during winter and summer, finding that natural moisturizing factor (NMF) levels were lower on the cheek during winter (0.44 vs. 0.50 mmol g-¹ protein), while corneocyte density (DTI) was higher (172 vs. 128) .

Sun Protection & Skin Cancer Prevention Resources

1. ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency).Do you still need to check the UV index in winter?
   • Official guidance confirming that Queensland, the Northern Territory, and parts of NSW, SA, and WA experience UV Index levels of 3 or above throughout winter, meaning sun protection remains essential year-round .
2. Cancer Council Australia.Be SunSmart.
   • Comprehensive sun protection guidelines including the five SunSmart steps: Slip on protective clothing, Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses. Skin cancer is Australia’s most common cancer, with an estimated 18,200 people diagnosed with melanoma in 2023 .
3. Queensland Health – Sunshine Coast Health.You need to be sun safe this winter – here’s why.
   • Queensland-specific advice confirming that winter UV Index still reaches 4-5 on the Sunshine Coast. The article debunks sunscreen and vitamin D myths, advising that those with fair skin require only 10-15 minutes of sun exposure between 10am-2pm for adequate vitamin D in Queensland .
4. Generation SunSmart.Sun protection in winter.
   • Emphasises that UV radiation can pass through light cloud cover, and “windburn” is actually sunburn on a windy day. Sun protection is required whenever the UV Index is 3 or higher .
5. Ochre Health.Together let’s combat Australia’s ‘national cancer’.
   • Reports that 2 in 3 Australians are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before age 70, but 95% can be successfully treated if detected early. Recommends annual skin checks for people over 30 .
6. HCF Australia.What does skin cancer look cancer? Sun safety tips.
   • Expert contributor Professor Anne Cust (Chair of Cancer Council’s Skin Cancer Committee) discusses Australia’s UV intensity and updated sun safety guidelines for different skin types. Includes a comprehensive list of skin cancer risk factors .
7. SKEYNDOR Australia Education Team (2026).Why Is My Skin Worse in Winter? Causes & Fixes.
   • Practical guide explaining that reverse-cycle heating can drop indoor humidity below 20% in Australian homes, making indoor heating more dehydrating than outdoor cold. Provides a “Protect, Replace, Seal” framework for winter skincare .
8. Provital.Winter Skincare: Strengthen Your Skin Barrier Naturally.
   • Details the science of skin barrier repair, including ceramides, lipid recovery, and the role of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) in maintaining skin health during winter .

Key Takeaways from the Literature

Dr Predrag Urosevic
FMAS, FRACGP
Skin Cancer Specialist

References compiled to support evidence-based skin health information.