As temperatures drop, so does the moisture in the air, and our skin feels it. Winter weather brings cold winds, low humidity, and indoor heating, all of which can lead to dry, irritated skin. Adapting your skincare routine during the colder months is essential to keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and protected. Here’s a comprehensive guide to building a winter skincare routine that locks in moisture, combats dryness, and keeps your skin glowing all season long.

Winter Skincare Guide

During winter, it’s essential to switch to a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Traditional foaming cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, which can exacerbate winter dryness. Instead, opt for a hydrating cleanser or a cream-based cleanser. These are designed to cleanse effectively while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier, making them a perfect choice for your winter skincare routine.

Pro Tip: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides in cleansers to help attract and retain moisture, essential for hydrating skincare for winter.

Serums are the powerhouse of any skincare routine, and in winter, a hydrating serum is a must-have. Choose one that contains hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it incredibly effective at keeping your skin plump and hydrated. Niacinamide is another excellent choice for calming winter skin and enhancing the moisture barrier.

Why it’s important: The serum step allows you to deliver concentrated hydration to the deeper layers of your skin, essential for battling dry skin in winter.

A lightweight moisturiser may work in summer, but winter calls for a richer formula to combat dryness. Look for moisturisers that are packed with ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and ceramides, all of which create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. This thicker layer helps protect your skin from the cold, dry winter air while locking in hydration.

Product suggestion: If your skin is particularly sensitive, look for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream to prevent irritation during the colder months.

4. Don’t Forget SPF

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Even in winter, SPF is a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays, increasing your exposure to UV radiation. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, ideally one that is hydrating to add an extra layer of protection and moisture.

Tip: Many sunscreens now come with hydrating ingredients, so look for one labeled “hydrating” or “moisturising” to maximise benefits in your winter skincare routine.

5. Incorporate an Oil-Based Product

For added protection against winter dryness, consider incorporating a facial oil. Oils help lock in moisture and can be layered over your moisturiser for an extra hydration boost. Popular oils like jojoba, rosehip, and marula are lightweight yet deeply nourishing, making them perfect for combating dry skin in winter.