Winter can be a challenging time for our skin. Colder temperatures, dry air and moving between the outdoors and heated or air-conditioned environments can all contribute to moisture loss, leaving skin feeling dry, tight, rough or more sensitive than usual.
As we get older, our skin naturally becomes thinner and produces less oil, which can make it more susceptible to dehydration and a weakened skin barrier. This means that a good winter skincare routine isn't necessarily about adding lots of new products — it's about making a few thoughtful adjustments to protect, nourish and support your skin.
When choosing winter skincare, look for products that focus on hydration, nourishment and barrier support.
And remember, beautiful skin isn't only about what you put on it. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and protecting your skin from the sun all play an important role in maintaining a healthy complexion.
Cleansing: Clean Without Stripping
Cleansing is an important part of any skincare routine, but during winter it's particularly important to avoid over-cleansing or using products that strip the skin of its natural oils.
Gentle milk cleansers, cleansing balms, oils and non-stripping gel cleansers can effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and daily impurities while helping to preserve the skin barrier.
After cleansing, your skin should feel clean, comfortable and soft — never tight, dry or stinging.
If your skin feels tight immediately after washing, it may be a sign that your cleanser is too harsh or that you are cleansing too frequently.
Exfoliation: Don't Forget, Just Adjust
Exfoliation is still beneficial during the colder months. It helps remove accumulated dead skin cells, improve skin texture and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.
However, winter isn't necessarily the time to exfoliate more aggressively.
If your skin is feeling dry, irritated or sensitive, consider reducing how often you exfoliate. Over-exfoliation can compromise the skin barrier and make dryness and sensitivity worse.
Chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid can be useful, depending on your skin type and concerns. AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid primarily work on the skin's surface, while BHA, most commonly salicylic acid, can penetrate into pores and is particularly useful for congestion.
The key is finding the right balance for your skin.
Serums and Hydration: Give Your Skin a Drink
Adding a hydrating serum or facial mist is one of the simplest ways to support your skin during winter.
Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol and other humectants, which help attract and retain water in the skin.
For best results, apply hydrating products to slightly damp skin and follow with a moisturiser. This helps lock that hydration in rather than allowing moisture to evaporate from the surface.
You don't need to completely overhaul your skincare routine. Sometimes adding one well-chosen hydrating product can make a noticeable difference.
Masks: Your Weekly Moisture Boost
Hydrating and moisturising masks can give dry, mature skin an extra boost when used regularly.
A weekly mask can help replenish moisture and leave the skin feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable. Overnight or sleeping masks are another option if your skin needs additional nourishment without adding several extra steps to your routine.
Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, peptides, squalane and nourishing plant oils.
Think of a mask as a little extra care for your skin rather than something you need to use every day.
Moisturiser: Protect Your Skin Barrier
Moisturiser is one of the most important steps in a winter skincare routine.
As we age, our skin can become drier and less able to retain moisture. A good moisturiser helps reduce water loss while supporting the skin's natural barrier.
The best moisturiser for you will depend on your skin type.
Some people may benefit from a richer cream morning and night, while others may prefer a lighter moisturiser during the day and a richer cream in the evening.
Look for ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils or emollients to help support and protect the skin.
Most importantly, don't skip this step simply because your skin doesn't feel particularly dry that day. Consistent barrier support is important all year round.
Spot Treatments: Treat the Concern, Not the Whole Face
Winter can sometimes create a combination of concerns — perhaps dry, flaky areas alongside congestion or breakouts.
Rather than applying strong active ingredients across the entire face, consider using targeted treatments only where they are needed.
For dry, rough patches, a richer moisturiser or occlusive balm can help reduce moisture loss and protect the area.
If you experience congestion, a targeted acne treatment may be more appropriate. However, some acne treatments can be drying, so use them carefully when the skin barrier is already compromised.
A targeted approach allows you to treat specific concerns without unnecessarily irritating the rest of your skin.
Face Oils and Facial Massage: Nourishment Meets Relaxation
Face oils can be a wonderful addition to a winter skincare routine, particularly for dry or mature skin.
Oils such as squalane, jojoba and rosehip can help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss when applied as part of your moisturising routine.
Facial massage can also be a lovely way to incorporate an oil into your evening routine. Gentle massage can temporarily increase circulation and help reduce the appearance of puffiness, while also providing a relaxing self-care ritual.
The most important thing is to keep the pressure gentle, particularly if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated.
Think of facial massage as a relaxing addition to your skincare routine rather than a replacement for proven anti-ageing ingredients.
What Ingredients Should You Look For?
When choosing winter skincare, keep an eye out for ingredients that support hydration, barrier health, nourishment and healthy ageing.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and helps retain water in the skin. It can help skin appear plumper, smoother and more hydrated.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from environmental oxidative stress while supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion and healthy collagen production.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol, are among the most researched skincare ingredients for healthy ageing. They can help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and pigmentation while supporting skin renewal.
Because retinoids can be irritating, particularly when first introduced, they should be used gradually and paired with a good moisturiser and daily SPF.
Ceramides
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in the skin barrier. As we age, levels can decline, which can contribute to dryness and increased sensitivity.
Ceramide-containing skincare can help support and strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are used in skincare formulations to support the appearance and function of healthy-looking skin. Different peptides have different roles, but many are included in products designed to support firmer, smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
AHAs and BHAs
Chemical exfoliants can help improve skin texture, tone and clarity.
Glycolic acid and lactic acid (AHAs) primarily exfoliate the skin's surface, while salicylic acid (BHA) is oil-soluble and can penetrate into pores, making it particularly useful for congestion.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, start slowly. More exfoliation does not necessarily mean better results.
Don't Forget Your SPF
One of the biggest skincare mistakes we can make in winter is assuming sunscreen is no longer necessary because the weather is cooler.
UV exposure occurs all year round.
UVA rays, in particular, can contribute to premature skin ageing and pigmentation and can pass through clouds and glass.
If you're spending time outdoors during the day, make broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen a consistent part of your morning routine.
Your winter skincare routine should protect your skin from both dehydration and UV exposure.
The Takeaway
Winter skin doesn't have to mean dry, dull or reactive skin.
As we get older, our skin benefits from a little more care and attention to hydration and barrier protection. You don't need to completely change your skincare routine — a few simple adjustments can make a significant difference.
Focus on:
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Gentle cleansing to avoid stripping the skin
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Regular but gentle exfoliation to maintain a smooth, radiant complexion
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Hydrating serums to replenish moisture
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Weekly masks for an extra hydration boost
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A nourishing moisturiser to support the skin barrier
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Ceramides and peptides to support healthy, resilient-looking skin
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Antioxidants such as vitamin C to help protect against environmental stress
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Targeted treatments rather than unnecessarily treating the entire face
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Face oils when your skin needs additional nourishment and comfort
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Daily SPF to protect against UV damage, even during winter
And remember, consistency is key. Healthy, radiant skin isn't created overnight — it's supported by the small things you do every day.
Give your skin a little extra nourishment this winter, protect your barrier, keep up your hydration and never underestimate the power of a good moisturiser and your daily SPF.
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