Winter Skin: SOS!
We all know that feeling when your skin starts to feel tight, dry, and just a little bit “meh”? Yep, that’s winter saying “hey!” Between cold winds, central heating, and less vitamin D, our skin barrier takes a hit this time of year.
But here’s the good news, you don’t need to reinvent your skincare routine. You just need to make a few smart swaps and add in products that focus on hydration, nourishment, and barrier repair. Think of it as layering up your skincare wardrobe for winter.
Cleansers:
Cleansing is where so many people go wrong in winter. If your skin feels squeaky-clean or tight after washing, it’s time to reach for something gentler and more nourishing. Luxurious cleansers don’t just remove makeup; they start hydrating from the very first step.
This balm-gel hybrid melts into the skin and turns milky with water, gently lifting away makeup and impurities. It’s packed with enzymes and vitamins A, C, and E to brighten and nourish dull winter skin. I love how radiant this makes my face feel, it’s honestly like a spa in your bathroom.
This lush, creamy formula comes in both fragranced and fragrance-free versions, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. It doesn’t strip, it soothes, helping to rebalance your skin barrier while keeping things soft and hydrated. Necessary for cold-weather cleansing.
Simple, affordable, but so effective. This is full of amino acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to clean while keeping your skin barrier happy. I love keeping it in the shower for my morning cleanse. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and perfect for sensitive skin — Theo’s go-to too!
Cleansing tip: Get yourself a flannel!
If you’re not already using a flannel to cleanse, this is your sign. A soft, clean flannel not only helps remove every trace of makeup but also gives your skin a gentle exfoliation every day. Use warm (not hot) water and remember to switch it for a fresh one daily to avoid bacteria. It’s one of those small switches that make an enormous difference.
Exfoliate (gently!)
When it’s cold, our skin cell turnover slows down, which can make things look a little dull. A gentle exfoliant helps remove dead cells, clears texture, and lets your serums and moisturisers do their best work. Just don’t overdo it — 2–3 times a week is plenty.
A true icon in the skincare world. This gently unclogs pores, smooths texture, and instantly boosts glow. It’s particularly good if you’re prone to congestion or those tiny under-the-skin bumps, a few swipes and you’ll see a difference in days.
PHAs are the kinder cousin of AHAs. This tonic keeps skin smooth and luminous but never stripped, perfect if you’re a little sensitive or new to exfoliation. The pump top makes it feel like skincare and self-care in one go.
So affordable and effective. It dissolves dullness, smooths uneven texture, and even doubles as a scalp treatment – perfect for flaky roots in winter!
These are serious skincare magic. A two-step peel pad that gives instant radiance, you’ll look like you’ve had a facial in five minutes. Great before a big night out or on days when your skin needs a wake-up call.
A long-time favourite (and Dawn’s all time fave!). They smooth without irritation and leave your skin baby soft.
These Korean beauty pads are full of gentle exfoliants and soothing ingredients to refine pores and balance oil without drying your skin. Ideal if you want smoothness and calmness.
Boost your glow with Vitamin C
Winter can leave skin looking flat and grey, so this is the season to amp up your radiance with a good Vitamin C. It brightens and evens your skin tone.
Super lightweight and silky, this serum uses a stabilised form of Vitamin C that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. I love it under makeup, it gives that “lit from within” glow without greasiness.
Think of this one as skincare luxury in a bottle. It brightens, firms, and smells like a citrus dream. Perfect if you want instant glow and long-term results.
Packed with Arctic cloudberry and pure spring water, this is lightweight but mighty. It’s perfect if you want that bright-skin effect on a budget.
Nourish and Protect!
Your moisturiser is your barrier’s best friend in winter. Go for richer textures that cushion the skin and seal in hydration.
This is my new obsession. It is full of amino acids and hyaluronic acids to flood the skin with moisture, leaving it bouncy, plump, and juicy. It’s the kind of glow where people ask, “Have you had a facial?” and you just smile and say, “Nope, just skincare.
The texture of this one is divine. It melts from a cream into a silky veil on the skin, leaving you hydrated but never heavy. Think cashmere for your face.
Yes, it’s an investment… but it’s one that pays off. It uses stem cell science to improve tone, texture, and bounce over time. Honestly, I will never go without this moisturiser in my rotation!
The perfect everyday cream but still rich enough to support your skin in colder months, yet light enough to be wearable under makeup. Full of ceramides, humectants and lipids, to repair your skin without feeling heavy or greasy. Whether your skin feels tight or just a little tired, this is the cream that helps restore softness and bounce.
A cult favourite for a reason. This is rich, comforting, and smells like a spa in a tube. Perfect for dry patches, elbows, hands, and anywhere that needs extra love.
P.S
If you’re not using eye cream, start now. The skin under your eyes is thinner, drier, and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it deserves its own care moment. Use your ring finger to dab a pea-sized amount morning and night, it helps with hydration, puffiness, and fine lines.
Don’t forget your lips!
Winter lips are no joke, cracked, sore, and flaky. Ummmm, no thanks. Keep one of these in every bag and apply liberally:
Summer Fridays | Lip Butter Balm
Silky, glossy, and smells delicious. A handbag staple.
Technically for night, but honestly, it is so good I use it all day.
The OG multitasker. It fixes everything from dry lips to cuticles and even brows in a pinch.
Even when it’s grey and cold, SPF is still essential. UVA rays don’t take a break in winter, and protecting your skin now means fewer fine lines later. I’ve done an entire blog on all the SPF you will ever need. Trust me – this still applies in winter!
Winter skincare isn’t about doing more… it’s about doing better. Support your barrier, layer hydration, and use formulas that comfort and protect. Make your skincare feel like self-care!
Love,
Lisa xx