As winter settles in, so does the battle against dry, flaky skin. One minute, you’re enjoying a crisp winter walk; the next, you’re wondering if your face has turned into a parchment scroll. Cold air, indoor heating, and harsh winds are the ultimate recipe for moisture loss, but fear not—hydrated, healthy skin is still within reach. With the right skincare tweaks, you can wave goodbye to dull, tight skin and keep your glow intact all season long.

1. Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

If your skin is feeling tight post-wash, your cleanser might be too harsh. Foaming cleansers can strip away natural oils, leaving skin drier than a January morning. Instead, opt for a hydrating or cream-based cleanser like:

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it cleanses while maintaining the skin barrier.
• Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm – Luxuriously melts into the skin, dissolving makeup and impurities without stripping moisture.

2. Exfoliate (But Gently!)

Exfoliation is key to sloughing off dry patches, but overdoing it can make things worse. Ditch the aggressive scrubs and opt for a chemical exfoliant with lactic acid or PHA (polyhydroxy acid), which gently resurfaces while hydrating. Some winter-friendly picks:

• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA – A mild exfoliant that smooths without irritation.
• REN Ready Steady Glow Tonic – Infused with PHA and lactic acid, it’s effective yet kind to sensitive skin.

3. Layer Hydration Like a Pro

Winter skincare is all about layering moisture. Think of it as dressing for the cold—multiple thin layers trap hydration better than one heavy coat.

1. Hyaluronic Acid Serum – Attracts moisture deep into the skin. Try Vichy Minéral 89 or The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid.
2. Niacinamide or Glycerin-Based Serum – Strengthens the skin barrier while boosting hydration. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops is a great option.
3. Moisturiser with Ceramides – Lock it all in with a rich but non-greasy moisturiser like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5.

4. Swap to a Richer Moisturiser

Your lightweight summer gel moisturiser won’t cut it when the temperature drops. Instead, look for a ceramide, shea butter, or squalane-based cream that deeply nourishes.

• Weleda Skin Food – A cult favourite for intense hydration, perfect for extra-dry patches.
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – Fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin.

5. Add a Facial Oil (Yes, Even If You Have Oily Skin!)

A few drops of squalane, rosehip, or marula oil can be a game-changer for sealing in moisture. Apply after your moisturiser or mix a drop into your night cream for extra nourishment.

• The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane – Lightweight and non-greasy, great for all skin types.
• Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil – Packed with antioxidants, it repairs and hydrates.

6. Don’t Forget SPF (Yes, Even in Winter!)

Just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean UV rays have taken a break. Winter sun and snow glare can be just as damaging as summer rays. Look for a hydrating sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher:

• Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ – Lightweight, hydrating, and sits beautifully under makeup.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+ – Offers advanced protection while being gentle on sensitive skin.

7. Hydrate from the Inside Out

Skincare can only do so much if you’re not drinking enough water. Cold weather often makes us forget to hydrate, but your skin will thank you for keeping up with at least 2 litres a day. Adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) can also help boost your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

8. Use a Humidifier

Central heating is a silent culprit when it comes to winter dryness, zapping moisture from the air—and your skin. A humidifier can work wonders by maintaining optimal humidity levels indoors, keeping your skin supple. If a humidifier isn’t an option, try placing a bowl of water near radiators to add some moisture to the air.

9. Indulge in an Overnight Mask

If your skin is extra parched, an overnight hydrating mask can work wonders. Slather on before bed and wake up with baby-soft skin.

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask – A cult-favourite, lightweight gel mask for deep hydration.
• Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask – Packed with nourishing ceramides and antioxidants.

10. Treat Your Lips and Hands

Winter doesn’t just attack your face—lips and hands often take a beating too. Keep them soft with a good balm and hand cream:

• Lanolips 101 Ointment – Intensely hydrating for cracked lips.
• Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – A winter staple for dry, chapped hands.

Winter-Proof Your Glow

Winter might try to rob your skin of its radiance, but with the right routine, you can fight back. Swap to gentler, richer products, layer up on hydration, and don’t skip SPF. Your skin will thank you with a dewy, healthy glow—even when it’s freezing outside!

Now, grab that hydrating mask, make a cup of tea, and let your skin soak up the love. 💙