What is the best skincare for winter?
As the temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, many of us ask: Why is my skin so bad in the winter? Winter weather can be harsh on your skin, stripping moisture and disrupting your natural barrier. But with the right routine, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long.
At SkinSense, we believe that understanding how to adapt your skincare for colder months is the key to lasting comfort and protection. In this guide, we’ll show you how to layer skincare products for winter protection, recommend the best ingredients, and answer the question: what is the best moisturiser for dry winter skin?
Why winter weather affects your skin
Winter conditions, such as cold winds, low humidity, indoor heating, and temperature fluctuations, all contribute to:
- Moisture loss from the skin’s surface
- Compromised skin barrier function
- Increased sensitivity and redness
- Tight, flaky, or itchy skin
If you’ve ever wondered “why is my skin so bad in the winter?”, it’s because these environmental stressors accelerate water loss and weaken your skin’s natural defenses.
How to layer skincare products effectively for winter protection
Proper layering is essential to maximise efficacy and maintain hydration. Winter layering isn’t just about adding more products, it’s about using them in the right order to support your skin’s moisture barrier.
Here’s the ideal winter skincare layering order:
1. Cleanser
Begin with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove impurities without dehydrating your skin.
What is the best cleanser for dry skin? Ceramide24 Delicate Cleansing Cream. A super lightweight texture that’s packed with ceramides to replenish moisture, while lightly cleansing and leaving skin soft and hydrated.
2. Serums
Layer thinner serums first (like hydrating hyaluronic acid), followed by thicker actives (like peptides or ceramides).
- Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin
- Ceramides and peptides help repair and strengthen the skin barrier
What is the best serum for dry skin? Advanced Multi-Peptide Serum. A powerful serum with 8 peptides to strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity and stimulate cell regeneration for more youthful complexions.
Ceramide24 Complex Serum. A favourite to help soothe and calm a compromised skin barrier, while restoring elasticity, tone and radiance.
3. Moisturiser
This is the star of your routine in winter! Thick, nutrient-rich moisturisers to trap water and provide deep nourishment. A great winter skin moisturiser will seal in hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and be rich in nourishing ingredients to support your skin
What is the best moisturiser for dry skin? Advanced Vitamin C Day Cream. Perfect for dull and dehydrated skin, it’s our zingy fresh gel moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid and Linefill™ to hydrate and plump the skin.
AP Perfecting Anti-Pigmentation Day Cream. Targeting areas of pigmentation (think of that patch from last summer!) dryness and inflammation, with an active blend of ingredients that is perfect for daily use.
4. Face Oil (Optional)
Seal in all the goodness with a face oil if your skin is extremely dry.
What is the best facial oil for dry skin? Ceramide24 Glass Skin Elixir. A powerful blend of nourishing plant oils sit alongside our Ceramide NP lipid complex that replenishes the skin’s natural barrier.
Hydranet Midnight Oil Concentrate. An aromatic option for your evening skincare routine, the fusion of oils are rich in antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage, while restoring hydration levels and soothing the senses.
5. Sunscreen (Daytime Only)
Don’t skip SPF, UV rays still affect your skin in winter so make sure your skin is protected all year round.
Our tips for winter skincare success
- Avoid harsh exfoliants: Your skin is more sensitive in winter. Swap strong acids for gentle exfoliants and perhaps reduce the frequency to once a week while your skin adjusts to the new climate.
- Layer up wisely: Start light and build up for maximum hydration, you can never have too much moisture!
- Don’t forget lips and hands: They need moisture too, so keep them topped up with nourishing formulas.
Winter shouldn’t mean compromised skin. By understanding how to layer skincare products for winter protection and choosing the right hydration heroes, you can beat the chill and keep your skin calm and glowing. If you’ve ever wondered why is my skin so bad in the winter, now you know, and you also know what to do about it!
Ready to discover what is the best moisturiser for dry winter skin from SkinSense? Explore our winter skincare range and let your skin thrive this season.