Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
Rain has always been part of British life, but lately it feels relentless. After a record-breaking 18 months of rainfall ending in March 2024, the winter of 2023 to 2024 became the wettest on record. That soggy pattern has not eased either, with parts of the UK seeing their wettest January ever in early 2026. This is not just miserable weather, it is a clear signal of a long-term shift towards increasingly wet winters driven by climate change, and our skin is quietly feeling the effects.
Persistent damp, fluctuating humidity and reduced daylight all influence how our skin behaves, from increased sensitivity and congestion to flare-ups of eczema and breakouts that feel harder to control. As our climate changes, so too must our approach to skincare. Understanding how prolonged wet weather affects the skin barrier is no longer niche knowledge, it is essential. Here are five products that you need to add to your skincare routine:
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum
In a climate defined by persistent rain and fluctuating humidity, the skin barrier takes a quiet but constant hit. Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum works at the point where British weather does the most damage, dehydration beneath the surface. Lightweight yet deeply replenishing, it delivers long-lasting hydration while strengthening the barrier that helps skin adapt to environmental stress. In damp conditions, skin can feel paradoxically dry, tight or reactive, and this serum helps correct that imbalance. Think of it as daily reinforcement, keeping moisture where it belongs and reducing the sensitivity that often flares during long, wet winters.
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
When wet weather refuses to let up, compromised skin often needs more than a standard moisturiser. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment is a practical response to the kind of barrier breakdown triggered by constant damp, cold air and indoor heating. Rich and occlusive, it seals in moisture and protects vulnerable areas such as hands, lips and eczema-prone patches. In increasingly soggy winters, this sort of product becomes a staple rather than a last resort. It is particularly useful overnight or as a targeted treatment when skin feels raw, overexposed or unable to recover between bouts of rain.
Dermalogica UltraCalming Stabilizing Repair Cream
Extended periods of wet weather can heighten skin sensitivity, especially when humidity, temperature shifts and pollution collide. Dermalogica UltraCalming Stabilizing Repair Cream is designed for exactly this kind of overstimulated skin environment. It helps soothe redness, reduce discomfort and support the skin barrier when it feels reactive or unpredictable. During wetter winters, flare-ups of rosacea or general sensitivity often become more frequent, making calming formulas essential rather than optional. This cream offers a reassuring sense of balance, helping skin settle back into itself even when the external climate feels anything but stable.
Murad Heartleaf Calming Cream Moisturiser
Humidity-heavy weather can push skin into a state of low-level inflammation, where it feels flushed, itchy or easily overwhelmed. Murad Heartleaf Calming Cream Moisturiser addresses that quiet irritation without adding weight or congestion. With soothing ingredients that support stressed skin, it is particularly relevant during prolonged rainy spells when moisture levels in the air confuse the skin’s natural regulation. The texture is comforting but breathable, making it well suited to damp conditions where heavier creams can feel suffocating. It is a smart choice for anyone noticing increased sensitivity as Britain’s wet seasons stretch longer each year.
Dermalogica Breakout Biotic Moisturiser
More rain does not just mean dryness and sensitivity. It can also mean breakouts. Persistent humidity creates an environment where congestion and blemishes thrive, even in skin that is not typically oily. Dermalogica Breakout Biotic Moisturiser responds to this modern British skin paradox by balancing hydration with blemish control. It supports the skin microbiome while helping prevent the clogged pores that often appear during damp, overcast months. As wetter winters become the norm, products that can manage moisture without triggering breakouts are essential for keeping skin clear, calm and resilient.