HOW TO: SWITCH UP YOUR SKINCARE FOR WINTER

HOW TO: SWITCH UP YOUR SKINCARE FOR WINTER

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HOW TO:

SWITCH UP YOUR SKINCARE FOR WINTER

Just as you’d switch up your wardrobe, it’s time to winterise your skincare routine.

AUTHOR: PHOEBE JORDAN, UPDATED BY DAWN RAJAH. PUBLISHED: 15.11.23. UPDATED: 16.12.24

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.” Throw in some central heating and it’s the perfect setup for itchy, dry skin and cracked lips. So, how do you achieve fresh, status skin this winter?

A reshuffle of your skincare lineup is needed. Just a few simple swaps will ensure that your skin enters winter glowing, plump, and hydrated – the dream. From heavy-duty moisturisers and hydrating serums to nourishing face masks and smoothing lip balms, meet the beauty products that’ll save you this winter.

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CLEANSERS

The first thing to add to your new season skincare kit? A rich cleanser. Ditch the gel or foaming products that tend to strip the skin of its natural oils, which can make dryness worse in winter. Instead, 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."

WHAT TO USE
Look for face washes with nourishing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid – they cleanse effectively without stripping the skin.

For instance, Augustinus Bader's The Cleansing Balm is a great choice for dry skin. Featuring coconut oil and vitamin E, it works to hydrate while it cleanses. After something oil-based? Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil brings a blend of essential oils that dissolve makeup and build-up without over-drying. And if your sensitive skin tends to flare up in the cold, Dermalogica’s Special Cleansing Gel, infused with calming mint and lavender, soothes while keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact.

PRO TIP
Avoid overly hot water when cleansing – it can dry out your skin even more.

TONERS + ESSENCE

Winter can drain the life out of your skin, but hydration is the secret weapon for keeping dryness and dullness at bay. The key? 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.

WHAT TO USE
One standout option is the iconic 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. Another great option is the Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner. This one is all about balance, helping your skin stay soothed and plump while keeping pH levels in check. It’s got hyaluronic acid for a big hydration boost and panthenol to leave your skin feeling super soft and happy. Perfect for all skin types, it’s a real winter game-changer.

PRO TIP
Take note from Korean skincare and layer a dewy toner or essence after cleansing to help your skin absorb more moisture, setting the stage for winter-proof glass skin.

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SERUMS

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.

WHAT TO USE
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. This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum is a great option, delivering lasting moisture without the weight. For something extra soothing, try Dr Jart, which pairs Tiger Grass with a skin-boosting blend of herbs and minerals to comfort and replenish dry skin.

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.

PRO TIP
To maximise its effect, always apply your serum to damp skin—this helps lock in all that juicy hydration. For a nightly boost, Evans suggests trying a “heavier serum in the evening to aid skin in overnight recovery.”

FACE MASKS

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.

WHAT TO USE
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.

One to try this season? Kylie Skin’s Hydrating Face Mask—it's enriched with ultra-soothing ingredients like glycerin and green tea extract to instantly refresh and plump your skin. Perfect for when you want that "just had a facial" glow without leaving the house. Alternatively, Dermalogica’s Power Recovery Masque is a great pick; it combines purifying and restorative ingredients to help nourish while detoxifying, making it ideal for cold-weather use.

PRO TIP
Got a packed schedule? Make things easy with the Sisley Velvet Sleeping Mask. As the last step in your nighttime routine, apply a generous layer and let it work its magic while you sleep.

MOISTURISERS

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.

WHAT TO USE
Look for ingredients like ceramides and shea butter to strengthen the skin barrier, plus squalane and fatty acids to lock in softness and keep dryness at bay.

A few all-star options? Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream is packed with hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and avocado oil, which work together to revive and deeply comfort the skin. If you’re looking for a moisturiser for dry skin, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream offers hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients that make skin feel plump and smooth. And if you need extra nighttime nourishment, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair helps repair and protect, thanks to a blend of moisture-boosting and skin-strengthening ingredients.

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.”

PRO TIP
Don’t forget your neck and chest —they need extra care during winter, too.

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OIL

After all your hard work, it’s time for the face oil. 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.

WHAT TO USE
So, how to pick the right oil? For intense hydration and antioxidant-rich protection, look for products with marula and rosehip, argan oil. “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—its blend of blue orchid extract and plant-based oils helps 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.

PRO TIP
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.

SPF

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.

WHAT TO USE
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 couple of top picks? Clarins Sunscreens have a hydrating formula that doesn’t skimp on sun protection, 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 more luxury option, Shiseido offers skincare and protection in one.

PRO TIP
Choosing an SPF moisturiser gives you both sun protection and a hydrating boost, making it easier to keep skin plump and comfortable all day.

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LIP CARE

Fun fact: Nothing feels worse than cracked, dry lips in the winter—ouch. When cold weather hits, it’s time to upgrade from a lightweight lip balm to something with serious moisture power. Say hello to lip masks, butters and serums—the ultimate winter essentials to keep your lips soft, hydrated, and ready for anything.

WHAT TO USE
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. These rich formulas are designed to keep your lips feeling plump and protected, even when the air is chilly and dry.

PRO TIP
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.

SPECIAL SKIN CONCERNS

ECZEMA
If you’re dealing with eczema-prone skin, simplicity is key. 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. Look for emollient-rich formulas—these lipid-packed products are like a hug for your skin, helping to rebuild its natural defences and lock in moisture. Bonus points if they include soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients to keep irritation at bay.

For an extra treat your skin will love, add 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. Plus, it delivers a calming splash of moisture with a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that feels instantly refreshing. Remember, less is more when caring for sensitive skin. Stick to gentle, nourishing products, and your skin will thank you.

ROSACEA
Winter can be tough on rosacea-prone skin. Constantly moving between freezing outdoor air and cosy indoor heat often triggers redness 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 key, so opt for oil-free hydrating formulas like Dermalogica’s Circular Hydration Serum, which provides moisture without clogging pores. When it comes to cleansing, swap harsh foaming cleansers for gentler, cream-based ones to prevent dehydration. And don’t forget gentle exfoliation. A mild scrub or exfoliating acid can help clear clogged pores but be sure not to overdo it. Finish off with a lightweight moisturiser like Dermalogica’s Active Moist to keep your skin hydrated and balanced without feeling heavy.

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


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