Winter skincare: 5 habits your skin will thank you for
Winter skincare doesn't need to be complicated. Cold air outside and heating indoors both take moisture from your skin, so it can feel drier, tighter or look redder. You don't need a huge routine. You need small, steady habits. Here are five, with the reason behind each one.
Why does skin feel winter so much?
The outermost layer of your skin works as a barrier. It helps hold in water and protects you from the outside. With cold, dry air outdoors and warm, dry air indoors, that water escapes faster. The result is that tight feeling. All the habits below share one goal: keeping your barrier comfortable.
Winter skincare: the 5 habits
1. Wash your face with lukewarm water
Very hot water feels lovely, but it tends to dry the skin out. Use lukewarm water and spend a little less time in the shower. Pat dry gently instead of rubbing with the towel.
2. Choose a gentle cleanser
If your skin feels tight after washing, your cleanser may be too strong. Look for soft textures and don't wash more often than you need to. Exfoliating every day isn't a must either. In the cold, many people tolerate it less.
3. Moisturise in layers, while skin is still slightly damp
Applying moisturiser to slightly damp skin helps trap that water. Think of ingredients by what they do:
- Humectants (such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid): attract and hold water in the skin.
- Emollients (such as squalane and some plant oils and butters): soften and leave skin more supple.
- Occlusives (such as waxes and thicker butters): form a film that reduces water loss.
Oilier skin may be happy with light textures. Dry skin often appreciates a richer final layer, especially at night.
4. Keep wearing sunscreen in the morning
UV radiation doesn't disappear in winter, even on cloudy days. If you already wear sunscreen, keep the habit. If you don't, winter is a good time to start. Apply it as the last step of your morning routine.
5. Look after your lips, hands and indoor air
Lips and hands are very exposed to cold and wind. Moisturise them more often, especially after washing your hands. At home, avoid sitting right next to the heater and air your rooms for a few minutes each day.
Common myths about skin in the cold
- ‘Drinking lots of water fixes dry skin.’ Drinking water matters for your health in general, but it doesn't replace the moisture and protection you apply to your skin.
- ‘Oily skin doesn't need moisturiser in winter.’ Oily and dehydrated can go together. The difference is the texture you choose.
- ‘The more products, the better.’ On irritated skin, fewer steps are usually easier to tolerate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I look after my skin in winter without overdoing it?
Gentle cleansing, layered moisturising and sunscreen in the morning. These three steps give you a solid base.
Do I need to change my moisturiser in winter?
Not always. If your skin feels comfortable, there's no need. If it feels drier, you can add a more nourishing layer or use a richer texture at night.
Can I use my summer sunscreen?
You can, if you like the texture and wear it every day. What matters is using it regularly.
When should I talk to a dermatologist?
See a dermatologist if you have persistent redness, intense itching, cracks or sores, flaking that doesn't improve, or stinging with everything you apply. These signs may point to eczema, dermatitis or another condition that needs assessing. It's also worth checking in if your skin suddenly gets worse for no clear reason.
Not sure where to start? Take the skin diagnosis and see how to care for your skin simply. To get the order of the steps right, read how to use. And if you like short tips, follow #TipOfTheDay.