Should You Change Your Skincare Routine for Winter?

Just like your wardrobe, your skincare should evolve with the seasons.

Winter weather brings a tough combo: frigid winds outside, dry heat inside, and long, hot, steaming showers (guilty!) — all of which can wreak havoc on your skin.

Think dryness, irritation, sensitivity, and dullness; exactly the kind of winter glow we didn’t ask for.

That’s why weather-proofing your skincare routine is an absolute must. Read on below, for your simple guide to switch things up this winter.


Bid farewell to your harsh cleansers and scrubs and opt for gentle, nourishing and non-stripping formulas that support your skin's barrier.

In the colder months, skin is more prone to dehydration, sensitivity, and flakiness; so a hydrating cleanser helps maintain essential moisture while still effectively removing impurities.

Opt for creamy textures and soothing ingredients that leave your skin feeling soft, calm, and comfortably clean - never tight or irritated.

This gentle cleanser begins with a creamy, milky texture that transforms into a soft, silky lather when mixed with water, thoroughly cleansing the skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier.

Enriched with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, and Panthenol, it soothes, hydrates, and comforts dry skin.

Winter skin needs more than just surface-level hydration, it craves deep, targeted nourishment.

That’s why serums become your skin’s secret weapon during the colder months.

Keep an eye out for serums loaded with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, or ceramides. They help flood your skin with hydration, calm down sensitivity, and keep your barrier strong.

Layering one under your moisturiser will make all the difference. It helps your skin stay plump, smooth, and ready to take on whatever winter throws your way.

This moisture-boosting formula containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and allantoin instantly quenches dry and sensitive skin. It works gently to support your skin’s natural barrier, helping to lock in hydration while calming and balancing the complexion.

As temperatures drop, your skin needs more than just a lightweight moisturiser to stay soft and hydrated.

Look for formulas rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which draw moisture deep into your skin.

Pair these with nourishing, moisture-locking ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, vitamin E, and shea butter- they’ll become your skin’s best friends this season.

These richer creams don’t just hydrate; they strengthen and repair your skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and protecting you from cold, dry air. Think of it as your skin’s cosy winter coat.

This ultra-nourishing moisturiser is packed with hydrating and barrier-boosting ingredients that help restore moisture, smooth dry patches, and leave your skin feeling soft and replenished. It’s rich without being heavy, making it perfect for keeping your complexion balanced and comfortable.

It’s easy to want to skip exfoliation when your skin feels extra sensitive in the winter, but leaving it out of your routine can actually do more harm than good.

Cold weather can cause dead skin cells to build up faster, leading to a dull, dry, and flaky complexion.

Instead of reaching for a harsh scrub, switch to a gentler form of exfoliation. If your skin leans on the sensitive side, enzyme exfoliants are a great choice as they offer a mild yet effective way to smooth and refresh without irritation. So don’t give up on exfoliating, just go gentle and your skin will thank you.

Packed with natural fruit and plant extracts, this mask softly exfoliates and brightens without irritation, making it perfect for sensitive and dry skin types, or  skin that has gotten caught up in the winter slump. Gently massage it into dry skin until you feel the product start to liquify and ball up on the skin—oddly satisfying!

Cold weather can leave your skin feeling parched and in need of some serious TLC and that’s where sheet masks come in.

They’re like a big glass of water for your face, infused with skin-loving ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and revive dull, tired skin. It's a quick, no-fuss way to give your skin an instant boost and a little self-care moment for you, too.

These masks are incredible! Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing peptides, and skin-plumping collagen, they give your skin that much-needed boost when the chill sets in.  I love throwing one on once a week, getting cosy, and letting it do its thing.

SPF is an all year round deal. Just because the days may be shorter and the sun feels less intense doesn’t mean those UV rays aren’t still sneaking through.

Cloudy skies can reflect and amplify sun exposure, so protecting your skin is just as important in winter as it is in summer.

Keeping up with your SPF routine is skin’s first line of defence and will help to prevent premature aging, dryness, and discoloration so don’t be tricked by the chill, SPF is a must!

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ is my go-to for dry winter skin because it’s more than just sun protection, it’s like a hydrating, glow-boosting moisturiser with SPF. It’s rich, creamy, and keeps my skin feeling soft and nourished all day, without that heavy or greasy sunscreen feel. Perfect for layering under makeup or wearing solo for a dewy finish, it’s the ultimate SPF multitasker.

Your lips are one of the most delicate parts of your skin, and they can be especially sensitive to the harsh effects of winter.

Unlike the rest of your face, the skin on your lips is thinner and doesn’t have the same protective oil glands, which makes them more prone to dryness, cracking, and irritation.

Now would be the time to level up your lip balm game if you aren’t already using one on the regular. The perfect shield to keep your lips happy, healthy, and crack-free this winter.

I really don't think this product needs any special introduction. If you haven’t heard of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and the power it holds over us, then where have you been? It’s the ultimate fix for dry, cracked lips, especially in winter. Rich, buttery, and packed with nourishing ingredients, it leaves your lips soft, smooth, and seriously hydrated by morning. Trust me - once you try it, you won’t go back.


And there you have it, that’s a wrap on my winter skincare must-haves. Winter can be tough on our precious faces, but with the right products, it’s the perfect time to slow down and show your skin some extra love.