Winter Skin SOS: Expert-Backed Ways to Restore Hydration
Winter asks more of our skin.
Cold air, indoor heating, reduced humidity and slower cellular turnover all work quietly against hydration, leaving skin feeling tight, dull and reactive.
Rather than adding more steps, winter skin care is about restoration. Supporting the skin barrier, replenishing moisture and simplifying your routine so your skin can repair itself naturally.
Here’s how to gently bring hydration back, the expert-backed way.
1. Protect the Skin Barrier First
Your skin barrier is your first line of defence. In winter, it becomes compromised more easily, allowing moisture to escape and irritation to creep in.
Focus on products that support barrier health rather than stripping it.
Look for ingredients like:
Ceramides
Fatty acids
Cholesterol
Squalane
These mirror the skin’s natural lipid structure and help seal hydration in.
Soft swap:
If you’re using foaming or gel cleansers, consider switching to a cream or milk cleanser during colder months.
2. Hydration Works in Layers
Hydration isn’t just about your moisturiser. It’s about layering water into the skin, then sealing it in.
A simple winter-friendly layering approach:
Hydrating mist or essence on damp skin
Hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based serum
Nourishing moisturiser
Facial oil (optional, especially at night)
Applying products to slightly damp skin helps pull moisture deeper and improves absorption.
3. Rethink Exfoliation
Over-exfoliation is one of the most common causes of winter dryness.
In colder months, skin renews itself more slowly. Too much exfoliation can disrupt the barrier and worsen dehydration.
Gentle winter guidance:
Reduce exfoliation to once weekly
Choose mild acids (like lactic acid) or enzyme exfoliants
Avoid exfoliating if skin feels tight, sensitive or inflamed
Think renewal, not resurfacing.
4. Hydration Starts From Within
Topical hydration works best when supported internally.
During winter, we often drink less water and eat fewer hydrating foods, which can show up in the skin.
Support hydration from within with:
Warm herbal teas
Bone broth or mineral-rich soups
Omega-3 rich foods (salmon, walnuts, flax)
Seasonal vegetables like squash, carrots and leafy greens
Skin hydration is a reflection of whole-body nourishment.
5. Adjust Your Evening Routine
Night-time is when skin repairs itself. Winter evenings are the perfect moment to lean into richer textures and slower routines.
Evening winter skin reset:
Double cleanse only if wearing makeup or SPF
Apply hydrating serum
Use a richer moisturiser or overnight mask
Seal with a few drops of facial oil
This creates a protective cocoon that supports overnight repair.
6. Don’t Forget Your Environment
Indoor heating dramatically reduces humidity, pulling moisture from the skin while you sleep.
A small adjustment can make a noticeable difference.
Try:
Using a humidifier in your bedroom
Placing a bowl of water near radiators
Avoiding very hot showers, which strip oils
Your skin responds to its environment as much as your products.
7. Treat Lips, Hands and Eyes With Extra Care
These areas have thinner skin and fewer oil glands, making them more vulnerable in winter.
Simple winter essentials:
Lip balm with beeswax or shea butter
Hand cream applied before bed
Eye cream tapped gently, not rubbed
Consistency matters more than quantity here.
