When winter rolls in, so do the skincare myths. From slathering on thick creams to taking steaming hot showers, there are plenty of well-meaning habits that might be making your sensitive skin worse. At Biobod, we’re here to set the record straight with science-backed tips to help you navigate the cooler months without sacrificing your skin barrier.
Myth 1: "The Thicker the Moisturiser, the Better"
Truth: Heavy creams aren’t always the answer especially for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.
Thick moisturisers often contain occlusives that sit on top of the skin. If the formula includes fragrance or pore-clogging ingredients, it can trap irritation underneath and disrupt your skin's natural processes.
What to do instead:
- Layer smartly: Start with a hydrating serum like our Replenishing Hydra-Soothe Serum
- Lock in moisture with a nourishing, non-comedogenic oil like the Barrier Restore Nutrient Oil
Myth 2: "Hot Showers Help Dry Skin"
Truth: Hot water feels great, but it can strip your skin of natural oils and weaken your skin barrier.
High water temperatures dissolve your skin’s protective lipid layer, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity.
What to do instead:
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Wash with lukewarm water only
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Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser like the Calming Balance Cleanse Bar
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Pat skin dry gently and moisturise immediately

Myth 3: "Exfoliate More to Get Rid of Flaky Skin"
Truth: Over-exfoliation is one of the fastest ways to inflame already sensitive skin.
Flaking is often a sign of a compromised barrier not a build-up of dead skin. Scrubbing it away can actually make things worse.
What to do instead:
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Ditch the physical scrubs and harsh acids
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Focus on repairing your barrier with Probiotic Salvation Balm and calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or Centella Asiatica

Myth 4: "Dry Skin = Dehydrated Skin"
Truth: Dryness and dehydration aren’t the same and your skincare needs to reflect that.
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Dry skin lacks oil (often a skin type)
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Dehydrated skin lacks water (a temporary condition)
What to do instead:
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Hydrate with humectants (like glycerin or sodium PCA)
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Then nourish with oil-based support to seal it in
Try pairing the Hydra-Soothe Serum with Barrier Restore Oil to address both.
Myth 5: "Sensitive Skin Needs Fewer Products"
Truth: It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.
Yes, sensitive skin thrives on a minimalist approach but that doesn’t mean skipping essential steps like cleansing or hydration. Instead, you need products designed to work with your skin, not against it.
Biobod’s winter-sensitive skin essentials:
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Cleanse: Calming Balance Cleanse Bar
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Hydrate: Replenishing Hydra-Soothe Serum
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Protect: Barrier Restore Nutrient Oil
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Soothe: Probiotic Salvation Balm
Winter skin needs more care, not more confusion. Ditch the myths and lean into what actually works for sensitive skin: microbiome-friendly, fragrance-free, barrier-supporting skincare.
With Biobod, you’re not just protecting your skin from the cold you’re rebuilding it from within.
Explore our winter-safe skincare collection here: biobod.com.au