Should I change my skincare routine in winter?

Should I change my skincare routine in winter?

When the clocks go back, the temperature drops and the air turns dry, your skin feels it first and dry skin in winter becomes a real thing. The tightness, flakiness, and irritation that often appear during the colder months are more than just seasonal annoyances, they’re signs your skin barrier is struggling. So, should you change your skincare routine in the winter? Absolutely. Here’s why, and how to do it right.

Why Winter Affects Your Skin So Much

Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating all work together to strip your skin of moisture. This leads to dryness, redness, lack of radiance and increased sensitivity. Even oily skin types can experience dehydration in winter, as harsh conditions disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

In short: your summer skincare routine likely isn’t enough to protect your skin throughout the cold months and a change in skincare routine is needed for the winter.

How to Know It’s Time to Adjust Your Routine

Not sure if you need a winter skincare routine? Look out for these telltale signs:

  • Your skin feels tight or itchy after cleansing.
  • Makeup sits unevenly or highlights dry patches.
  • You’re noticing more redness or irritation than usual.
  • Your lips and hands are constantly dry or cracked.

If this sounds familiar, your skin is craving more moisture and gentler care to restore the skin barrier.

How to Change To A Winter Skincare Routine

1. Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Foaming or gel cleansers can be too harsh in winter. Instead, use a cream or oil-based cleanser that cleans without stripping your skin’s natural oils. Look for ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to help maintain hydration.

SkinSense top product picks:

Ceramide24 Delicate Cleansing Cream – not only is this super gentle and calming for the skin, but added ceramides support the skin barrier and replenish hydration levels

2. Cut Back on Exfoliation - But Don’t Skip It Completely

Exfoliation helps remove dull dead skin cells but overdoing it can worsen dryness. Stick to gentle chemical exfoliants (like lactic acid) once or twice a week.

SkinSense top product picks:

Energel ™ Face Mask – this includes papaya and mango enzymes which helps increase skin cell turnover, without stripping the skin and over exfoliating.

3. Add a Hydrating Serum

Serums rich in niacinamide, panthenol, or peptides can boost your skin barrier and reduce inflammation. A hydrating serum under your moisturiser helps lock in extra moisture when you need it most.

SkinSense top product picks:

Multi-Peptide Serum – Featuring a complex of 8 peptides to improve skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production, all working towards strengthening the skin barrier.

4. Upgrade to a Richer Moisturiser

Lightweight gels might work in summer, but winter calls for more nourishment. Choose a barrier-repairing moisturiser with ceramides and hydrating actives, the best moisturiser for the winter will have a blend of all these ingredients. If your skin feels extra dry, layer a few drops of facial oil or use an occlusive like petrolatum at night.

SkinSense top product picks:

Ceramide24 Rich Repair Cream – Designed to support your skin barrier, it’s fragrance-free so won’t upset sensitive skin and replenishes dehydrate complexions with a blend of oils. Added prebiotics and post-biotics work to strengthen the skin barrier, for more resilient skin.

5. Don’t Ditch Your Sunscreen

Even when it’s cloudy, UV rays still reach your skin, plus snow can reflect up to 80% of them if you’re in that climate. Continue using an SPF 30+ daily, ideally one with hydrating ingredients.

Common Winter Skincare Mistakes to Avoid

Many people unintentionally make their winter dryness worse. Here are some habits to break:

  • Taking long, hot showers that strip away oils.
  • Using strong exfoliants or retinoids too often.
  • Forgetting to apply SPF.
  • Ignoring your lips and hands.
  • Skipping a humidifier, which helps restore indoor moisture levels, or at least airing your rooms each day to allow trapped moisture to escape

Small changes like patting (not rubbing) your face dry or applying moisturiser to damp skin can make a big difference.

Extra Tips for Glowing Winter Skin

  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom to prevent dryness overnight.
  • Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Try a hydrating overnight mask once or twice a week. We love the Advanced Overnight Leave On Mask for radiant, plump and nourished skin by morning!
  • If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, patch test any new products.

Your skin’s needs change with the seasons, so your routine should too. By adding hydration, protecting your barrier, and avoiding common winter mistakes, you can keep your complexion soft, healthy, and glowing all season long.

If you’ve been wondering “Should I change my skincare routine in the winter?” the answer is yes, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few thoughtful swaps can make all the difference to creating your own winter skincare routine.

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