Winter skin is a significant topic because colder months create conditions that can severely impact skin health, especially in workplaces. Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies work closely with SC Johnson who provide products to help protect, cleanse and restore the skin in the workplace.
This article will discuss winter skin and its impact on skin conditions in the workplace. Find out more at SCJohnson Winter Skincare | BCHS
Skin acts as the body’s first line of defence, protecting against contaminants, microorganisms and moisture loss. For employees who work with their hands – particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, construction and food service – maintaining this protective barrier is essential. Damaged or broken skin can lead to discomfort, infections, and even time off work, impacting both the individual and the business.
Nationally, across all industries, an estimated 84,000 people1 have dermatitis caused or made worse by their work. It is one of the most widespread causes of ill health and affects workers in many industry sectors.
Skin conditions, often exacerbated by workplace exposure to chemicals, frequent handwashing, or harsh environments, can have a serious impact on employees’ ability to perform their roles effectively.
The Impact of Impaired Skin
Impaired skin can affect both comfort and function. Symptoms such as dryness, cracking and redness may cause discomfort and reduce dexterity, increasing the risk of further injury or contamination.
From an organisational perspective, unmanaged skin conditions may contribute to lost working time, higher treatment costs and the need for long-term condition management.
Common Causes of Workplace Skin Problems
Work-related skin conditions typically develop over time rather than from a single exposure. Contributing factors include:
- frequent handwashing or sanitising, which removes natural oils
- regular contact with chemicals, detergents or cleaning agents
- prolonged glove use, which can trap moisture and irritants against the skin.
These factors weaken the skin’s natural barrier, reducing its ability to recover between exposures.
Recent tests on industrial workers found2:
- 93% had dry skin
- 72% showed visible signs of skin damage on their hands
In the UK, according to the Health and Safety Executive, effective care plays an important role in preventing skin disease3. Despite this, regular compliance with best practice when it comes to work skin safety creams is estimated to be less than 10%, and employees may simply accept their skin condition as part of the job, not viewing skin care as a priority at work.
The solution – A Structured Skin Care Approach
Preventing work-related skin problems is most effective when skin care is built into daily routines.
The 3 Moments for Skin Care approach, developed by SC Johnson Professional, identifies three key points during the working day when skin care should be applied: before work, during work and after work. This approach supports the skin barrier throughout exposure and recovery periods. For more information on this, click here: SCJohnson Winter Skincare | BCHS
- Protect Before and During Work
Applying protective skin creams before and during work helps reduce direct contact between the skin and workplace substances. This can also make hands easier to clean, reducing the need for aggressive washing.
Products like Travabon® and Stokoderm® make skin easier to clean with light hand cleaners. For glove wearers, Stokoderm® Universal PURE improves comfort and grip, addressing common barriers to compliance and reducing risks—especially in colder months. For more information, click here for Stokoderm®.
- Cleanse Appropriately
Using the right-hand cleaner ensures contaminants are removed without stripping the skin of essential moisture. This step is critical for preventing irritation and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. For more information, click here: Clear FOAM Washroom Hand Wash 1 Litre (Case 6) | SC Johnson Professional | Brands | BCHS
- Restore After Work
At the end of the day, restore creams such as Stokolan® Classic nourish and hydrate the skin, enhancing its water-holding capacity and elasticity. This helps prevent dryness, cracking, and discomfort, leaving hands smooth and supple. For more information, click here: Stokolan Light PURE Skin Conditioning Cream 1 Litre (Case 6) | SC Johnson Professional | Brands | BCHS
In Summary
It can take weeks for the skin to renew and recover from damage, which means preparation is crucial—especially during winter. Protect and restore creams offer immediate benefits by replenishing dry or damaged skin, but the real impact comes from consistent, repeated use over time.
Following the 3-Moments of Skin Care best practice guidance can help shift perceptions in your workforce, setting strong standards for skin health now and into the future.
BCHS works with SC Johnson as they deliver high-performing, compliant solutions that meet customers’ needs whilst supporting sustainability goals. For more information on our Winter Skin solutions, click here: SCJohnson Winter Skincare | BCHS
- 1Dermatitis – HSE
- 2SCJohnson Professional Skin Health Assessment Report 2017 with 417 workers at four companies across eight separate sites
- 3 Managing the risks from skin exposure – HSE
