Practical skincare tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing through the European colder months.

Written & Publlishe for Pinoy Care cz

Kirsty Zachoval

Prague, Czech Republic – Ang lamig! (It’s so cold!) I bet many of us are already curled up under thick blankets, wearing cozy sweaters and long socks, maybe even snacking while binge-watching Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix. And why not? It’s the perfect show for fans of psychological thrillers, and with Halloween just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better.

But while we’re keeping warm and cozy indoors, our skin might be feeling the chill a little differently. The cold Czech weather, low humidity, and indoor heating can leave our skin very dry, tight, and even flaky especially for us Filipinos who are used to the warm, humid climate back home.

So before your skin turns as lifeless as a Halloween ghost, here are some simple ways to protect and pamper your skin during the cold months.

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1. Choose a Gentle and Hydrating Cleanser

In the Philippines, foaming cleansers or exfoliating products are often preferred because of the humid climate. During the cold Czech winter, however, these can be too harsh. Instead, opt for cream-based or hydrating cleansers that cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

Look for products with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. Avoid products with alcohol or strong fragrances, which can worsen dryness and irritation.

Portrait of a woman model applying foaming facial cleanser | Freepik

2. Sunscreen is the Key

Want to look younger than your actual age? The secret is actually wearing sunscreen. It may be tempting to skip sunscreen during cloudy winter days, but UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, causing damage and premature aging.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and apply it daily even when you’re mostly indoors.

3. Support Your Skin from Within

Drink up! Hydration and nutrition are just as important as topical care. Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water daily. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E and enjoy warming soups and herbal teas which are hydrating, and nourishing.

My all-time favorite has to be the pumpkin soup. It’s very simple to prepare and incredibly comforting.

A woman holding a cup of hot beverage on winter | Freepik

4. Manage Indoor Air (Lüften)

Central heating dries out indoor air, which can irritate skin and cause dryness. Consider investing in a humidifier especially in your bedroom. For a more practical way, placing bowls of water near radiators is a simple alternative and can do wonders.

Ventilating rooms periodically to maintain fresh air flow. Germans practice lüften (to air, to ventilate) every morning to promote air circulation.

5. Avoid Super Hot Showers

You heard that right! Hot showers may feel very comforting, but they strip away protective oils and makes the skin dry. Use lukewarm water instead, limit your shower to 10–15 minutes, and apply moisturizer immediately afterward to lock in hydration.

A woman in the shower | Freepik

Bonus (because we don’t gatekeep!): Filipino-Friendly Skincare Products Available in the Czech Republic

Cleansers

  • CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – Gentle, creamy, and great for dry winter skin.
  • La Roche-Posay Toleriane – Mild and fragrance-free for sensitive skin.

Moisturizers

  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – Rich hydration for face and body.
  • Eucerin Advanced Repair – Deeply nourishing for very dry skin.

Sunscreens

  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ – Lightweight, broad-spectrum protection.
  • Bioderma Photoderm MAX SPF 50+ – Hydrating and non-greasy.

Pro Tip: Check DM, Rossmann, or Notino.cz for easy access to these products.

Disclaimer: Everyone’s skin is different. Before trying any new product, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies, do a patch test first. Discontinue use if you experience irritation, redness, or discomfort, and consult a dermatologist if necessary.

Stay warm, kabayan!