Cold air outside, central heating inside and blustery winds in between can all leave your skin feeling tight, dry and dull. Winter is one of the toughest seasons for your skin, but with a few smart tweaks to your routine, you can keep your complexion calm, comfortable and glowing right through to spring.
From choosing the right cleanser to protecting your hands and lips, these winter skincare tips are simple to follow and suitable for most skin types. If you have a diagnosed skin condition or very sensitive skin, always check with a GP or dermatologist before making big changes to your routine.
1. Switch to a richer cleanser
Your first step should be to look at what you are using to wash your face. Many foaming and gel cleansers are brilliant in summer but can feel too harsh in winter, stripping away the natural oils your skin needs to stay comfortable.
Consider swapping to a cream, milk or balm cleanser that cleans without leaving your face feeling tight. Look for words such as “gentle”, “hydrating” and “soap-free” on the label, and avoid heavily fragranced formulas if your skin is easily irritated.
If you are looking for more product inspiration, you might enjoy our list of ten skincare products every woman needs, which includes a range of cleansers for different skin types.
2. Never skip moisturiser
In winter, moisturiser becomes non-negotiable. Cold air and low humidity draw moisture from the skin, while wind exposure can weaken your skin barrier, leading to redness and flaking.
Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type but leans a little richer than your summer choice. Ingredients to look for include:
- Ceramides to support the skin barrier
- Glycerin and hyaluronic acid to attract water into the skin
- Shea butter and natural oils to seal in hydration
Apply moisturiser morning and night, preferably within a few minutes of cleansing so you lock in as much water as possible.
3. Add a hydrating serum
If your skin still feels tight or looks a bit papery, introduce a hydrating serum underneath your moisturiser. Serums are designed to deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients in a lightweight texture, so they are fantastic for boosting moisture without feeling heavy.
Hyaluronic acid is a popular choice, as it attracts and holds water in the upper layers of the skin. Look for formulations that also contain soothing ingredients such as panthenol, aloe vera or oat extract if you are prone to sensitivity. For more natural hydration ideas, have a look at our piece on the surprising health and beauty benefits of aloe vera.
4. Use sunscreen every single day
Many people put their SPF away when the temperature drops, but ultraviolet rays are present all year round. UVA in particular can penetrate clouds and glass, contributing to premature ageing and increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and apply it to any exposed skin every morning, including your face, neck and the backs of your hands. If you are spending time outdoors or around snow, remember that UV can reflect off bright surfaces, so reapply regularly.
For detailed sun safety guidance, the NHS sunscreen and sun safety advice is a reliable place to start.
5. Exfoliate gently and less often
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull and flaky, but overdoing it in winter can damage the skin barrier and cause more dryness. If you normally exfoliate several times a week, you may find that once a week is enough when the weather is cold.
Opt for gentle methods such as a soft washcloth, a low-strength chemical exfoliant or an enzyme mask rather than harsh scrubs with large, rough grains. If your skin becomes sore, red or tight after exfoliating, that is a sign to scale back.
6. Protect your lips and hands
Lips and hands tend to suffer most in winter because the skin here is thinner and often left exposed to the elements. Frequent handwashing and alcohol-based sanitisers can further strip away moisture.
Keep a rich, fragrance-free hand cream next to every sink and apply it after washing. Look for emollient ingredients such as petrolatum, glycerin and shea butter. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends regular use of emollients to help repair and protect the skin barrier, especially if you are prone to dermatitis or eczema.
For lips, choose a balm that contains occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, lanolin or beeswax. Apply before bed and whenever your lips feel dry, and avoid licking them, as saliva evaporation actually makes dryness worse.
7. Turn down the heating when you can
Central heating may feel lovely when it is freezing outside, but very warm, dry air indoors can pull moisture from your skin. You do not have to shiver to protect your complexion, but it is worth avoiding the highest settings on your radiators where possible.
If your home feels stuffy and your skin is constantly dry, try lowering the temperature slightly, wearing an extra layer of clothing and using blankets. Your energy bill may thank you as well.
8. Add a humidifier to your home
Another way to combat dry indoor air is to use a humidifier, especially in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or home office. By adding moisture back into the air, a humidifier can help reduce flaky patches and tightness.
If you do not own a humidifier, even simple tricks like placing a bowl of water near a heat source can increase local humidity a little. Just make sure any device you use is cleaned regularly to prevent mould and bacteria build-up.
9. Adjust your shower routine
Long, extremely hot showers are one of the quickest ways to strip natural oils from your skin. During winter, try to keep the water warm rather than steaming hot, and reduce the time you spend under the spray.
Use a gentle, soap-free body wash and avoid heavily fragranced products if your skin is sensitive. Once you are out of the shower, pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing, then apply a body moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to trap more water in the upper layers.
10. Nourish your skin from the inside
Topical products are only part of the picture. Your skin also benefits from what you eat and drink. Aim to sip water regularly throughout the day, even when you do not feel particularly thirsty. Herbal teas and warm water with lemon can be comforting choices in cold weather.
Try to include healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish in your diet, along with plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables for antioxidants. These habits support your overall health as well as your skin. For further ideas, you may like our feature on the surprising benefits of olive oil for health, beauty and home.
When to seek professional advice
While dry, slightly tight skin is very common in winter, persistent itching, cracking or rashes may be a sign of an underlying condition such as eczema or contact dermatitis. If your skin is extremely uncomfortable, keeping you awake at night or showing signs of infection, speak to a healthcare professional.
The British Association of Dermatologists patient information leaflets offer clear, accessible information on many common skin problems, but they are not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Winter does not have to mean dull, flaky skin. By making small adjustments such as switching to a gentler cleanser, applying moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp and protecting vulnerable areas like your hands and lips, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion all season long.
Consistency is key. Choose a simple routine you can stick to every day, rather than a complicated set of products that ends up gathering dust on the bathroom shelf.
Which of these winter skincare tips are you going to try first? Have you discovered any tricks of your own for keeping your skin happy when the temperature drops?
- Share your favourite winter skincare habits in the comments to help other readers.
- Try adding at least one new tip from this list to your routine this week and see how your skin responds.
- Explore more beauty and skincare-themed posts on Top 10 of Anything and Everything, including our dermatologist-backed secrets for youthful, radiant skin.
- If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a friend who always complains about dry winter skin.