Nicola Elliott
As the temperature drops and central heating clicks on, a winter skincare routine stops being a nice-to-have and becomes a necessity. Your skin doesn’t experience December the same way it does July, and pretending otherwise is one of the quickest routes to dryness, irritation and a face that feels like it’s been left out overnight.
That’s why a smart winter skincare routine needs seasonal adjustments, not blind loyalty to skincare products that worked perfectly well in summer. According to sk:n dermatologist Dr Seukeran, winter demands a change of approach — and a little more common sense.
“Winter may make your cheeks look rosy but it can also result in dry, cracked or chapped skin.
As temperatures drop and the air gets drier, it can really take its toll on our skin leading to cracks forming on the skin’s surface, loss of hydration and often, inflammation”.
Here’s how to build a winter skincare routine that actually stands up to cold air, indoor heating and biting winds — without overcomplicating things.
Rethink your cleansers and exfoliators
Winter is not the season for harsh cleansers that leave your skin feeling squeaky-clean. If your face feels tight after washing, that’s not “fresh” — that’s moisture loss.
A solid winter skincare routine starts with swapping to a gentle cream cleanser. Look for formulas fortified with age-fighting vitamins and antioxidants, which remove impurities without stripping away natural oils your skin is already short on.
Exfoliation still matters in winter, but how you do it matters more. Physical scrubs with gritty granules can cause micro-damage and worsen dryness. Chemical exfoliators, used two to three times a week, are a far kinder way to lift dead skin cells and keep your complexion looking alive rather than flaky.
Add serum and eye cream — properly
If serum isn’t part of your winter skincare routine yet, it should be. Serums are designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients deeper into the skin, which is exactly what’s needed when hydration levels drop.
Those containing hyaluronic acid are particularly useful, as they draw moisture from the air and hold it at the skin’s surface for longer-lasting hydration. Apply serum before moisturiser so it can do its job properly.
Eye cream also earns its place in winter. Cold winds and dry air make fine lines more noticeable, while the delicate skin around the eyes is quicker to chap and react. A targeted eye cream adds protection where your standard moisturiser often falls short.
Turn up the moisture — face and body
Lightweight moisturisers may feel comfortable, but they rarely cut it in winter. A proper winter skincare routine calls for richer creams that contain fatty acids and ceramides, helping the skin lock in moisture and reinforce its protective barrier.
Oily skin doesn’t get a free pass, either. Winter still dries it out. Oil-free moisturisers with alpha hydroxy acids can provide balanced hydration without clogging pores or triggering excess shine.
And don’t forget your body. Lightweight lotions disappear instantly in winter, doing little more than momentarily slicking the surface. Heavier creams with fatty lipids create a stronger barrier and actually stay put.
One old-school trick still works: apply moisturiser straight after bathing, while skin is slightly damp, to trap extra moisture.
SPF still matters — even in winter
A winter skincare routine without SPF is unfinished business. UV rays don’t take the season off, even when the sun feels weak.
Use a daily SPF of at least 30, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. Mineral formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are particularly effective, forming an immediate barrier on the skin.
Photo and antioxidant protection, such as Heliocare® 360˚ Mineral SPF50, available at sk:n, offers added defence against environmental damage during the colder months.
Cool it with the hot water
Hot showers may feel like salvation in winter, but they quietly undo all your good skincare work. Hot water strips natural oils and encourages moisture to escape.
Keep showers and baths under 10 minutes and opt for lukewarm water wherever possible. The same applies to face washing. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased moisture loss — exactly what you’re trying to avoid in a winter skincare routine.
Winter is unforgiving, but it’s also predictable. Cold air dries skin out. Heating makes it worse. Adjust your routine accordingly and your skin won’t just survive winter — it’ll come out the other side in better shape than it went in.
