Many Dutch women face heightened skin issues during winter compared to other seasons. Notably, 23% report feeling less attractive as a result. The most common complaints include chapped lips, followed closely by dry hands and body skin. Over a third (33%) notice their dry or flaky skin several times a day or constantly. These insights come from a Bio-Oil survey of more than 1,000 Dutch women aged 18 and older.
Nearly half (49%) of women say skin problems negatively impact their self-confidence, rising to 71% among those under 30. In this younger group, 38% also encounter negative feedback from others. Additionally, 39% prefer not to be touched when their skin is irritated.
Some 68% recognize their skin requires extra care in harsh weather. While one in three switches to different products in winter, only 19% increase their skincare spending. Most (66%) allocate €1-15 monthly on skincare. For advice, women turn first to drugstore or perfumery staff (36%), followed by GPs or specialists (29%) and friends (27%).
