Winter is tough on skin. As Caglar Odabasi, Head of Education at Fresh Beauty, explains: “The drop in temperatures, combined with low humidity and harsh wind, usually leads to weakening of the skin barrier and dehydration.” Add central heating into the mix and suddenly you’re dealing with tight cheeks, flaky patches, and lips that feel like sandpaper. Cute.

So how do you get that fresh, glazed, “I drink three litres of water a day” skin in the middle of December? Easy: a little routine reshuffle. A few strategic swaps will ensure that your skin enters winter glowing, plump, and hydrated – the dream. Think richer moisturisers, thirst-quenching serums, nourishing masks and the kind of lip balm you’ll panic-buy in multiples. Meet the products that are about to save your skin all season long.

First things first: ditch the gel or foaming cleanser that tends to strip the skin of its natural oils, which can make dryness worse in winter. Put it down. Back away slowly. When the temperature drops, reach for something balmy or an oil-based cleanser to lock in that precious moisture. As Victoria Evans, Education Manager at Dermalogica, explains: "A creamier cleanser may be better than a foaming face wash if skin is feeling more dehydrated in the winter."

So, what cleanser should you use in winter? Look for ones packed with glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, anything that leaves you soft and hydrated instead of tight and shiny.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a winter classic for a reason. It’s loaded with squalane, glycerin, and avocado oil – the skincare equivalent of wrapping your face in a cashmere scarf. If you like a bit of glow-boosting action, Clarins’ One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is the one. The orange extract brightens, the tiny silica beads buff away dullness without scratching your skin, and the added moringa seed helps lift pollution and impurities. And then there’s Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser. It uses hyaluronic acid and glycerin to drench your skin in moisture, plus a blend of coconut and sunflower oils that melt away makeup while leaving your face plump, dewy and borderline smug. 

And, try to void overly hot water when cleansing – it can dry out your skin even more..

If winter had a hobby, it would be stealing moisture from your face. This is why your toner matters more than ever. Swap out alcohol-based toners that can be too harsh for colder months and opt for revitalising toners or essences. These are gentle and packed with ingredients that boost moisture and prep your skin to soak up even more hydration from the rest of your routine, very K-beauty inspired.

So, what toner should you reach for?

One standout option is the Pixi Glow Toner. Packed with brightening and smoothing ingredients, it’s like a mini facial in a bottle. With glycolic acid to exfoliate and purify the skin and aloe vera to calm and reduce redness, it’s the perfect post-cleanse pick-me-up. If your skin gets stressed at the mere mention of cold weather, Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Mist is the comfort blanket you didn’t know you needed. It’s packed with oat and botanical extracts to soothe irritation instantly. And for something a bit more luxe, Sisley’s Purifying Balancing Lotion with Tropical Resins is the winter MVP for combination or breakout-prone skin. It uses gentle plant resins to purify without stripping and keeps your complexion matte-but-not-flat. Plus, it balances oil while still keeping the hydration levels up, which is the sweet spot in cold weather.

It’s time to ramp up the hydration. Just like your winter wardrobe, nailing a winter skincare routine is all about layering, but this time, with skincare. Before you start applying moisturisers and face oils, make time for a hydrating serum. Serums deliver concentrated ingredients that target specific skin concerns, like dryness or dullness, and pack a serious punch for moisture.

When it comes to giving your skin a moisture boost, Odabasi highlights hyaluronic acid as a must-have - as it “works as a moisture magnet,” attracting and holding onto water like a sponge, absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight.

If your skin is feeling moody, uneven or suddenly breaking out because the weather can’t pick a temperature, The Inkey List’s Super Solutions Niacinamide Serum will calm things right down. Niacinamide helps brighten, tighten, and keep oil in check without drying you out.

Peptides are another must-have this season, helping repair the skin’s barrier and encourage healthy skin regeneration. Clarins Double Serum is a fantastic choice, blending peptides with other nourishing ingredients like turmeric to brighten, firm, and repair.

And when the nighttime rolls in, bring out Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. It’s loved for a reason: barrier repair, deep hydration, and that “I slept eight hours” look even when you absolutely did not. As Evans puts it, try a “heavier serum in the evening to aid skin in overnight recovery.” This one gets the job done.

For maximum skin love this winter, make time for a weekly face mask. A serious injection of moisture and a must-have in any winter skincare routine, they provide a targeted burst of nourishment that can be just what your skin needs when it’s cold and dry outside.

There are so many ways to mask. If you’re ready to kick back and relax, a sheet mask is your go-to. For an extra dose of moisture, reach for a hydrating face mask – perfect for an instant pick-me-up.

If you want instant gratification, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches are a tiny miracle. Pop them on and suddenly your under-eyes look smoother, brighter and far less like you stayed up scrolling until 1am. Need something to really purify without leaving your skin? La Mer’s Deep Purifying Mask is the luxury moment winter skin dreams are made of. It clears congestion, refines texture and somehow still leaves your face soft and calm.

And if you’re permanently busy (or just can’t be bothered with rinsing), take the lazy-girl route with Sisley’s Velvet Sleeping Mask with Saffron Flowers. Slather it on as the last step in your nighttime routine and let it work overtime while you sleep. You wake up plump, nourished and glowing, as if your radiators aren’t trying to dehydrate you from the inside out.

To keep a winter glow and fight off dullness, a rich moisturiser is your best friend. Think of it as a raincoat for your skin - it helps to keep everything else locked in and protected. As temperatures drop, it’s time to swap out lightweight creams for richer lotions or balms that can deeply nourish and seal in moisture.

So, what's the best moisturiser for winter? Ceramides, shea butter, squalane, fatty acids. All the barrier-loving, dryness-fighting ingredients that stop your face from feeling like parchment by lunchtime. And yes, take it down your neck and chest. They need extra care too.

A few all-star options? Augustinus Bader’s The Ultimate Soothing Cream is the definition of “treat yourself.” With their TFC8 complex plus calming actives, it wraps your skin in hydration and helps repair irritation from cold winds, hot showers, and all the chaos in between. If you want serious nourishment, La Mer’s Moisturizing Cream is the OG. The Miracle Broth floods the skin with moisture, reduces redness, and leaves you with that pillowy, expensive-looking softness. And of course, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream. Hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins… these hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients make skin feel plump and smooth.

For those who prefer lightweight moisturisers; don’t panic. As Lili, National Skincare Specialist at Estée Lauder, suggests: “You can add a treatment lotion or an overnight mask to give your skin that extra hydration boost and keep it feeling comfortable all day.”

You’ve layered, you’ve hydrated, you’ve done the work. Why this order? Face oils are occlusive, meaning they help to seal everything into the skin. Think of it like the lid of a bottle – once it’s on, nothing is coming out and nothing is going in.

So, how to pick the right oil? Opt for one that truly nourishes and feeds the skin. “For dry or sensitive skins,” Evans recommends you look for Rose Oil, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil and Evening Primrose Oil to help nourish and soothe skin. These not only lock in moisture but also provide deep nourishment to help repair and soothe dry skin.

If you’re looking for a luxurious addition to your nighttime routine, try Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil. It blends blue orchid extract and plant-based oils to help revive and hydrate parched skin, leaving you with a dewy glow by morning. If dull winter skin has you down, Eve Lom’s Renewal Treatment Oil is packed with botanical oils, including argan, meadowfoam and rosehip seed, alongside antioxidants and ceramides for softer, brighter skin.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil is pure indulgence. It blends collagen-boosting ingredients with a cocktail of botanical oils that leave your skin glowing. It softens dry patches, smooths texture, and gives you that radiant, envy-inducing finish.

For a spa-like experience, warm a few drops of oil in your palms before pressing it gently into your skin. If you’re acne-prone, test oils carefully, as some can be too rich for reactive skin types.

Just because it’s chilly outside doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t affecting your skin. In fact, if you’re hitting the slopes, skiing exposes your skin to even more sun damage, as snow reflects sunlight and intensifies UV exposure. So, yes. SPF is a must, all year round.

For winter, stick with SPF 30 or higher to shield against both UVA and UVB rays. And since the colder months can be drying, look for sunscreens that offer moisture as well as protection. Mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are fantastic for broad coverage and are known to be gentle on the skin.

A few favourites worth shouting about? Clarins Sunscreens are hydrating without feeling heavy, keeping skin comfortable and safe from UV rays. Another great option is Dermalogica’s SPF line, which includes nourishing ingredients that protect while leaving your skin feeling soft, not greasy. And, for a luxury upgrade, Shiseido offers skincare and protection in one.

Alternatively, pick an SPF moisturiser and you get hydration and sun protection in one go. Plump, comfortable skin made simple.

Fun fact: Nothing feels worse than cracked, dry lips in the winter. Ouch. When the temperature drops, your regular lip balm often doesn’t cut it anymore. Say hello to lip masks, butters and serums, the ultimate winter essentials to keep your lips soft, hydrated, and ready for anything.

For a lip treatment that truly does it all, try a rich balm-like La Mer’s The Lip Polish, which works to buff and smooth the skin, providing the ideal base for a treatment to really sink in. If you’re on the go, keep a hydrating lip butter or serum in your bag for easy touch-ups throughout the day. For all-day comfort, toss a Kylie Skin Lip Butter in your bag. It’s plush, hydrating and perfect for topping up whenever your lips start feeling tight or cold air does you dirty. And if you want something that genuinely plumps without the burning or tingling, Clinique’s Moisture Surge Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment is your girl. It drenches the lips in moisture and gives that smooth, juicy look instantly.

For something extra, layer a lip mask at night to wake up with a smooth, hydrated pout. It’s like an overnight spa for your lips; no more waking up with that dreaded winter dryness.

ECZEMA
If your skin leans eczema-prone, the best thing you can do is keep your routine super simple. A pared-back routine that focuses on calming and restoring your skin’s barrier can work wonders. Odabasi reminds us that “indoor heating systems often produce hot air that is extremely dry,” which can exacerbate symptoms. Reach for rich, emollient formulas. These lipid-loaded creams act like a soft blanket for irritated skin, helping rebuild its natural defences while locking in much-needed moisture. Anything soothing and anti-inflammatory gets an automatic gold star for keeping redness and itchiness under control.

For a little something extra, introduce the Fresh Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence to your routine. Described as “liquid gold for your skin,” by Odabasi, this little gem is packed with antioxidant-rich kombucha to strengthen your skin’s barrier and shield it from environmental stressors; think of it as armour for your face. It also adds a refreshing dose of hydration. Remember, less is more when caring for sensitive skin.

ROSACEA
Winter can be tough on rosacea-prone skin. Going from icy winds outside to toasty central heating indoors is basically a recipe for redness, flushing, and flare-ups. And let’s not forget the added sting of windburn. While you can’t completely avoid the cold, there are simple ways to keep your skin calm and comfortable. First, Odabasi recommends skipping those hot showers (we know, it’s hard) and blasting the heating on in the car or at home, both can irritate your skin. Instead, focus on barrier-boosting moisturisers with rich, protective textures. These thicker formulas act like a winter coat for your skin, locking in moisture while shielding it from harsh elements. For soothing relief, look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or colloidal oatmeal.

ACNE + CLOGGED PORES
Dry winter air can trigger your skin to produce more sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts, even for those with normally clear skin. But don’t worry, there are ways to keep your complexion balanced. Start by using a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air and avoid over-drying your skin. Hydration is essential, so stick to oil-free, water-boosting formulas like Dermalogica’s Circular Hydration Serum, which quenches your skin without blocking pores.

When cleansing, back away from anything too foamy or harsh. Creamy, gentle cleansers will clean your skin without turning it into a desert. Keep exfoliation soft and steady. A mild acid or gentle scrub will help keep pores clear, but going too hard will only make things worse.

Finish with a lightweight moisturiser such as Dermalogica’s Active Moist. It gives your skin enough hydration to stay balanced without feeling greasy or congested.

With a few tweaks to your routine, you can keep winter breakouts at bay and enjoy smooth, clear skin all season long.