Winter Skin Health: From Mum to Mum – Michelle’s Journey with Sásta
Michelle McDonald, Founder of Sásta Skin Health
Winter can be tough on our skin. Cold winds, central heating, low humidity, and even those long hot showers we love all conspire to leave our skin dry, itchy, and inflamed. As a mum, I know this struggle isn’t limited to us adults - our little ones often feel it too. Babies’ skin is thinner and loses moisture faster, while pregnancy and postpartum hormones can make skin more reactive and sensitive. Over the years, I’ve come to see that supporting the skin’s microbiome, the community of beneficial microbes that live on our skin, is the key to resilience, comfort, and long-term skin health.
That’s why I created Sásta Skin Health and developed the Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum, a microbiome-friendly, pregnancy-safe, and Guaranteed Irish solution to help mums, women and families care for their skin all year round.
Who I Am and Why Sásta Began
I’ve spent nearly 30 years in the beauty and skincare industry - as a skin therapist, sales professional, and educator. But my journey with Sásta became deeply personal when my son, Seán, was 16 months old and was presenting to me daily with Itchy , Dry , Inflamed Skin .Nothing we did seemed to bring him relief. When I discovered the power of probiotics and how gut health influences skin health, it was a turning point for both of us. His skin began to heal, and I realised just how closely our microbiome and skin barrier are linked.
I started researching, experimenting, and eventually collaborating with cosmetic chemist Dr. Brian O’Rourke to create what is now our hero product: the multiward winning Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum. For me, Sásta isn’t about quick fixes or chasing trends. It’s about respecting the skin’s natural balance, listening to what it needs, and creating formulations that are simple, effective, and safe even for pregnant and breastfeeding mums.
The name Sásta means “happy and contented,” which is exactly how I want people to feel in their skin.
Why the Skin Microbiome Matters in Winter
Winter is particularly harsh on the skin barrier and microbiome. Here’s why:
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Dryness & Tightness: Cold air and heating systems reduce water and oil levels in the skin. Over-cleansing or harsh products strip away natural moisturisers, leaving skin tight and itchy.
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Redness & Inflammation: Fluctuating temperatures and biting winds damage the barrier, making skin more reactive, something mums-to-be often notice during pregnancy.
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Flare-Ups: Conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea often worsen in winter because the skin loses microbial diversity and barrier strength.
A balanced microbiome is like armour for your skin, it maintains barrier strength, reduces inflammation, and supports healing. Without it, flare-ups become more common, and even small stressors feel overwhelming.
Sásta’s Solution: The Microbiome Booster Serum
Our Microbiome Booster Serum is clinically designed to restore hydration and microbial balance. With ingredients, Lactobacillus ferment lysate and Ectoin to calm irritation, plus prebiotics and postbiotics to strengthen skin’s natural defences, it’s a lightweight, microbiome-friendly serum that works for:
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Sensitive and reactive skin
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Hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum
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Acne-prone, inflamed, or uneven skin tones
The serum is also proudly Microbiome-Friendly certified and Guaranteed Irish, meaning you can trust it’s both effective and safe for mums, babies, and the environment. It’s available online at www.sastaskinhealth.com or in your local skin clinic, pharmacy, or health store.
Michelle’s Winter Skincare Tips for Mums & Tots
Alongside using microbiome-friendly skincare, these small tweaks can make a big difference for the whole family:
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Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Cover your face outdoors and avoid sitting too close to heaters or fires.
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Switch to a Richer Moisturiser – Look for products with ceramides, shea butter, or oils high in linoleic acid (like sunflower or grapeseed).
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Keep Showers Short & Lukewarm – Hot water strips away natural moisturisers.
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Choose Gentle Cleansers – Soap-free cleansers protect skin without stripping.
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Pat, Don’t Rub – Gently pat skin dry to avoid irritation.
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Add Humidity Indoors – Use a humidifier or place bowls of water near radiators.
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Feed Skin from Within – Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, zinc, and probiotic-rich foods (yoghurt, kefir, oats, garlic, bananas) support both gut and skin health.
A Note for Mums and Babies
Pregnancy hormones can disrupt the microbiome, leading to breakouts or sensitivities, while babies’ developing skin microbiomes leave them more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. That’s why gentle, microbiome-safe products matter so much at this stage of life. With the right support, inside and out, you can protect your skin and your baby’s, helping both of you thrive through the winter months.
The Sásta Philosophy
At Sásta, we don’t see skin concerns as problems to cover up. We see them as signals, messages from your body that something needs care. By supporting the microbiome and respecting the skin barrier, we can reduce flare-ups, calm sensitivity, and restore balance.
Winter will always bring challenges, but with microbiome-friendly care, nourishing nutrition, and small daily habits, your skin can remain resilient and comfortable. My hope is that Sásta helps you and your family feel happy and content in your skin, whatever the season.
