Winter Skincare Routine: 10 Easy Steps to Keep Skin Hydrated and Happy

As the temperatures drop and days get shorter, winter brings cosy sweaters, warm drinks, and unfortunately, dry skin. The colder weather and lower humidity can leave skin feeling tight and sensitive, often causing flakiness or even breakouts. Adjusting your skincare routine to suit the season can make all the difference in keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing. Here’s how to prepare your skin for winter with a routine that’ll keep it radiant all season long.

Winter vs. Summer Skincare

Our skin’s needs change with the seasons. In summer, with heat and humidity causing extra oil and shine, lighter, oil-free products like gel moisturisers and mattifying SPF are ideal for keeping skin fresh. But winter is a whole different story. With cold, dry air, skin often needs richer, deeply hydrating products—creamy cleansers, thick moisturisers, and nourishing oils that lock in moisture. Adding ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and squalane can also reinforce the skin barrier to better retain hydration. By tailoring your routine to the season, you’ll keep your skin comfortable and radiant, whatever the weather!

1. Choose a Gentle Cleanser

Your cleanser should work with—not against—your skin’s moisture levels. A cream or oil-based cleanser is perfect for winter, as it cleanses while locking in hydration, unlike foaming cleansers that can strip skin. If you double cleanse, start with an oil-based cleanser to lift away makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle cleanser to keep skin fresh but not parched.

Tip: Keep the water lukewarm when washing your face to avoid unnecessary dryness.

Need cleanser recommendations? Check out my post on the best cleansers for all skin types!

2. Focus on Hydration

Hydration is essential for that radiant winter glow. Reach for hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help attract moisture to the skin. Lock it all in with a rich moisturiser containing ceramides, peptides, or squalane to support your skin’s barrier.

Must-Have: A winter-specific serum with hyaluronic acid for that extra plumpness, even in the driest conditions. You can see my top picks for hyaluronic acid serums for winter here.

3. Gently Exfoliate

Exfoliating is great for banishing dead skin cells, but go easy in the winter. A gentle exfoliant like lactic acid or an enzyme-based product once or twice a week will smooth the skin without stripping it.

Any of the product recommendations in this post on gentle acid toners would be ideal for use in winter!

4. Add Retinol to the Mix

Winter is the perfect season to try retinol since there’s less sun exposure to make skin sensitive. This powerhouse ingredient boosts cell turnover, reduces dullness, and evens out texture—great for winter skin concerns. Just pair it with a hydrating serum or barrier-supporting moisturiser for optimal results.

Check out my review of Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 here. If you are new to retinoids you may want to read this guide to building a morning and night routine with retinol.

5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Yes, you need sunscreen in winter! UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, so SPF is a must. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to keep skin protected year-round.

6. Add an Oil or Rich Moisturiser for Extra Protection

For tight, dry skin, consider adding a face oil like jojoba or marula, which adds an extra layer of hydration and locks in moisture. Not a fan of oils? Opt for a richer cream or balm for additional support against the winter chill.

For more information on adding facial oil to your routine, check out this post on face oils for winter!

7. Try a Weekly Hydrating Mask

Hydrating masks can be a lifesaver in winter. Look for one with ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid to instantly boost moisture levels. My current favourite is the Pai Skincare Resurrection Mask (£44), which works wonders on my parched winter skin in just 10 minutes!

8. Switch Up Your Makeup for Winter

Winter makeup should focus on hydration. Swap matte foundations for creamier formulas, or mix a drop of face oil into your foundation. Cream blushes and highlighters give you a dewy look without the dryness that powder can bring.

Tip: Finish off with a hydrating setting spray for a fresh, glowy finish.

9. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier does the heavy lifting in winter, acting as a shield against dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Cold weather and indoor heating can weaken this barrier, so keeping it strong is key to maintaining healthy, resilient skin. To reinforce it, look for products rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol—these ingredients work together to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors. If your skin starts to feel irritated or sensitive, don’t hesitate to dial back on strong actives like retinoids or acids, as these can be a bit harsh in winter. Give your skin time to recover with gentle, barrier-supportive products and watch it stay calm, hydrated, and comfortable even through the chilliest days.

When my skin is feeling irritated I always reach for La Roche Posay Cicaplast B5 Balm. It has saved my skin so many times!

10. Don’t Forget Body Care

Your body needs extra TLC too. After showering, apply a thick lotion or cream with ingredients like shea butter to lock in moisture. This quick step can make a huge difference in how your skin feels throughout the day. If you aren’t a fan of heavy body lotions, try applying squalane oil to dry areas and then follow up with a lightweight lotion!

Winter Skin Tips by Skin Type

Oily Skin Winter Routine

1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser: Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to keep oil production balanced without over-drying.
2. Lightweight Moisturiser: Opt for an oil-free moisturiser with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.
3. Spot Treat with Salicylic Acid: If breakouts occur, apply a targeted salicylic acid treatment, but avoid overuse to prevent drying.
4. SPF is Essential: Oily skin still needs sunscreen! Choose a lightweight, mattifying SPF to keep shine at bay.

Combination Skin Winter Routine

1. Dual Moisturizers: Use a lightweight moisturiser on oily areas (like the T-zone) and a richer one/facial oil on dry patches.
2. Gentle Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate once or twice weekly to keep skin smooth, especially in areas prone to flakiness.
3. Hydrating Serum: Apply a hydrating serum all over to balance the skin and avoid any tight, dry feeling.
4. Barrier Support: Look for products with ceramides or squalane to maintain a strong, healthy barrier that can handle fluctuating skin needs.

Dry Skin Winter Routine

1. Rich Cleanser: Use a cream or oil-based cleanser to add hydration and protect the skin’s natural oils.
2. Layer Hydration: Start with a hydrating serum, followed by a rich moisturiser with ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid.
3. Protect with Oils: Add a few drops of facial oil to your routine to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.
4. Hydrating Masks: Use a weekly hydrating mask for a deep moisture boost.

Sensitive Skin Winter Routine

1. Fragrance-Free Products: Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to reduce irritation.
2. Barrier-Strengthening Ingredients: Look for ceramides, fatty acids, and aloe to keep the skin barrier calm and strong.
3. Reduce Exfoliation: Minimise exfoliation, sticking to gentle options like enzyme exfoliants only when necessary.
4. Sun Protection: Sensitive skin is prone to winter sensitivity; choose a mineral SPF to protect without irritation.

Ready for a Winter Glow?

With just a few simple adjustments, you can keep your skin hydrated, comfortable, and glowing through winter’s challenges. What are your go-to winter skincare products? Share your favourites in the comments below—I’d love to know what you’re using!