Noticed your usual skincare routine isn’t quite as efficient now the mercury has dropped? Makeup artist and beauty expert, Naomi Lake, examines what might be affecting our skin this winter and how we can help keep things balanced.
12 winter skincare tips that beauty experts swear by
Why winter can unsettle the skin
From biting winds to central heating, winter places new demands on the skin.
“Cold weather decreases blood flow to the skin’s surface, so natural internal resources like nourishment, oxygen and oils aren’t as abundant as they are in summer,” explains Elizabeth King, skincare expert for Weleda. As circulation slows, the skin’s own protective barrier can become weaker and less resilient.
External factors play their part too.
“Wind exposure causes irritation, redness and increased evaporation from the skin’s surface,” says Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji, Doctor of Chinese Medicine and founder of Dermatology M. Reduced sunlight can also affect vitamin D synthesis, indirectly influencing skin health.
Our winter rituals can also make things worse. Hot baths and showers can strip protective lipids from the skin’s outer layers, while seasonal shifts towards richer comfort foods may influence inflammation and barrier repair.
For midlife skin in particular, the impact can be more noticeable. “Skin naturally produces fewer lipids as we age,” explains Dr Priya Verma, GP and multi-award-winning aesthetic doctor. “When this is combined with friction from extra layers and fluctuating humidity, the skin can become more reactive, with increased tightness, flaking, redness and sensitivity.”
Supporting dry skin through the colder months
When it comes to caring for dry skin in winter, the experts agree that reducing moisture loss is key.
“It’s about switching to richer emollients that help rebuild the skin barrier, rather than simply coating the surface,” advises Mazin.
Choosing the right cleanser can also make a big difference. Dr Clare Kiely, Chief Medical Officer at The Skin Diary, recommends cutting back on foaming formulas in favour of cream, oil or balm cleansers. “Look for occlusive ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter or squalene to help seal in hydration,” she says.
Pairing the right ingredients is key, too. “Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerine draw moisture into the skin,” explains Priya, “while ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids replenish the lipid matrix, which is especially important for midlife skin. Ingredients such as niacinamide can also help reduce inflammation.”
Plant extracts can offer additional support. “Calendula has powerful wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” says Elizabeth, making it particularly helpful for strengthening a compromised winter skin barrier.
Rebalancing oily skin in cold weather
Oily skin types aren’t immune to winter challenges either. Texture and formulation of products become key when nourishing the skin without overwhelming it. Look for lightweight moisturisers that contain niacinamide or hyaluronic acid to help maintain hydration while supporting balance.
“Oily skin still needs moisturiser in winter,” says Clare. “Skipping it can actually trigger more oil production. Gels or emulsions are often better tolerated, while very occlusive balms are best reserved for targeted dry areas.”
With extra layers potentially trapping oil and humidity around the face and neck, winter breakouts can be an issue. “Avoid over-stripping the skin, as this only encourages increased oil production,” advises Priya. Instead, she recommends gentle use of low-strength azelaic or salicylic acid to regulate sebum without compromising the barrier.
Botanicals can also play a role. Elizabeth says that antibacterial plant ingredients such as thyme, echinacea, chamomile and calendula can help to restore calm, while Mazin recommends Centella asiatica for its ability to support microcirculation, collagen synthesis and skin repair.
Soothing sensitive and reactive skin
For more reactive skin types, frequent temperature changes and friction from clothing can increase sensitivity. Adding extra lipids can help improve overall resilience.
“Almond oil has a natural affinity with the skin and is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants,” says Elizabeth. “Applying a small amount to sensitive areas can make a noticeable difference in comfort.”
Mazin agrees, noting that jojoba seed oil closely mimics the skin’s natural lipids, helping to improve moisture retention without irritation or heaviness.
The expert verdict
While it’s wise to adapt our skincare routine as the seasons change, the experts urge a measured approach.
“Many of these changes are temporary,” reflects Priya. “Rather than reacting with panic or overloading the skin, it’s important to recognise that skin is an ecosystem — and it thrives when it’s gently and consistently nurtured.”
9 hydrating heroes for winter skin
Dermatology M, Nourishing Cleansing Balm, £38
Protect your skin barrier with a melting balm cleanser, made with anti-inflammatory Zicao herbal extract.
Skin Diligent, Cellular Hydration Serum, £49
With hyaluronic acid and magnesium, probiotics, prebiotics, and a patented vitamin D-like compound. Skin is hydrated and resilient. Save 15% with the code LIZLOVES.
AESTURA, ATOBARRIER365 Hydro-Essence, £27
A skin-barrier savoir. Light and hydrating, it combines high-density ceramides and fatty acids to lock in moisture.
By Sarah, Tender Skin Balm Moisturising Cream , £26
A lightweight moisturiser that helps to restore sensitive, itchy and dry skin. Formulated with soothing plant oils and and prebiotic inulin to aid skin recovery. Save 20% with the code LIZLOVES.
Rosalique Redness Relief Day Cream, £34.99
With vitamin E, squalene and mango seed butter, this calming moisturiser works to soothe inflammation in stressed-out skin.
Revision Skincare, DermProtect Barrier Defence Moisturiser, £138
An intensive moisturiser for intense hydration, replenishing natural lipids and enhancing moisture retention. It also works to optimise barrier function and support the skin microbiome for enhanced resilience.
The Skin Diary, Night Repair Therapy £135
Clinically proven to support skin repair, and designed to be more effective than retinol at boosting collagen and elastin. Formulated with hydrolysed tomato skin, bilberry extract and niacinamide.
Meder, Lumino-Derm Mask £22.50
A multi-award-winning sheet mask infused with organic plant-derived active compounds, peptides and probiotics, to brighten, hydrate and calm inflammation.
Weleda, Sensitive Recovery Oil £23.95
A stripped-back formula with sweet almond, plum seed and blackthorn flower extract. Use to hydrate and balance skin, or to cleanse and remove eye makeup (it’s great for those with sensitive or dry eye areas).
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