Top Tips for Your Winter Skincare Routine

The winter skincare routine of dreams? Yes please. There’s no skin *quite* like we experience in the colder months: dry, sensitive, and redder than any sunburn in summer - which can only be relieved with a reliable selection of winter skin saviours. Enter this step-by-step routine that’s been tried, tested and loved by members of our Sephora team, along with the winter skincare tips you need to elevate it. 

Why is skin dry during winter?

There's many reasons why skin tends to become dry during winter, mainly due to the combination of cold temperatures and low humidity levels. As cold winter air comes with the season, it holds less moisture than warm air, especially in heated indoor environments (as much as we love cosying up to our heaters). Sadly for our skin, this results in a lack of glow. Cold, harsh winds can strip away the thin layer of oil that traps moisture in our skin, making it more prone to dryness and irritation. 

We've all been there, tempted to switch the heating on as soon as we walk through the door. But you might want to hold off for the benefit of your skin! While helping to maintain a comfortable temperature and cosy vibe, your central heating system contributes to dry air via heat reducing the humidity in the air, causing moisture to evaporate from the skin. So it's worth thinking twice when you get in; instead, cuddle up in your favourite knit or heated blanket, and consider using a humidifier to add moisture to your home.

Hot showers are just as inviting, but hot water actually strips skin of its natural oils, which acts as a battier to lock in moisture. If you're in a steamy shower for too long, it can lead to dryness and worsen skin conditions. Our advice? Turn the temperature down a notch and enjoy bathing in warm water instead of hot. Lather your body in a rich moisturiser or body butter afterwards to keep your skin feeling its best.

As the days get darker earlier, we tend to spend more time indoors and miss out on our daily dose of Vitamin D. While we're aware sunlight has its pros and cons, having reduced sun exposure in the winter months may affect skin's health. Any sign of sun? We saw lap it up when you can (in moderation, of course) and remember to stay safe with SPF. Drink enough water, too - H20 is a must for staying hydrated and maintaining skin moisture. 

Summer vs winter skincare routine - what's the difference?

The change in seasons can only mean one thing: a change in skincare routine. In summer, keep your skin healthy and comfortable with a light, fast-absorbing serum and water-based moisturiser to save it from feeling too greasy, and follow up with sunscreen. Clogged pores can be caused by sweating and increased oil production, but using a gentle exfoliator can help with this to remove dead skin cells and prevent breakouts. When out in the sun, choose skincare products containing antioxidants like Vitamin C to protect from free radical damage. And for those of you who don't know about free radicals? They're unstable atoms that can damage cells in the body, causing harm and signs of ageing. 

Let's move onto our winter skin routine, shall we? Drench dry skin with serums containing Hyaluronic Acid, use richer moisturisers to lock in moisture, and create a protective barrier against harsh winter conditions with sunscreen. Avoid flaky skin by gentle exfoliation, but bear in mind your skin might be more sensitive in cold weather so be careful to not over-exfoliate. And if you're wondering how to relieve chapped lips? We keep a hydrating lip balm on us at all times and regularly apply to keep dry lips ultra-moisturised. There you have it, the secrets unlocked to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion all year round. 

Should you wear sunscreen in winter?

Just as in summer, our skincare experts advise us to continue wearing sunscreen in the winter. The sun's UV rays are present every day of the year; while the intensity of UVB rays may be slightly lower this season, UVA rays can still damage your skin, even on cloudy, overcast days. In fact, snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, potentially increasing sunlight exposure. Winter sports lovers, listen up - wearing sunscreen on the slopes is especially important for ultimate skin protection. 

Consistent use of sunscreen helps to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines as well as treat sunspots. Protecting your skin is a no-brainer to reduce the risk of skin damage or developing any skin conditions or diseases. Add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your daily routine that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Use one with a sun protection factor of at least 30, and don't just apply it on your face but to all exposed skin, including your neck and hands. 

What are the best ingredients for winter skin?

In the winter, your skin longs for products with hydrating ingredients. We're talking ones that repair the skin barrier *and* offer protection against environmental conditions. Our must-have skincare ingredient for winter? Hyaluronic Acid. This powerful ingredient is our number one for attracting and retaining moisture, keeping the skin as plump as possible. Incorporating this into your cleanser can help prevent over-drying skin while providing hydration.

Glycerin is another top ingredient that draws moisture to the skin, and Ceramides do a wonderful job at strengthening your barrier. Rich butters, like Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter, are also ideal for moisturising and nourishing dry skin. Our choice for providing hydration without clogging pores? Closely resembling the skin's natural sebum, Jojoba Oil is great for balancing oil production. 

Beneficial for those with sensitive skin, the anti-inflammatory properties of Oat Extract can help to soothe or calm irritated skin. And if you're after a more radiant complexion, look out for antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Green Tea Extract, or Resveratrol that help protect skin from environmental damage.  You can also consider using Petroleum Jelly or Lanolin (if you're not vegan) on really dry skin for a protective skin barrier and to prevent moisture loss. 

How to treat really dry skin?

Some of our top tips for treating really dry skin include washing your skin with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser that's fragrance-free; fragrances and other skincare products with alcohol or harsh chemicals can further dry out the skin, so these are big no-nos to avoid. 

Moisturising your skin regularly, applying sunscreen, and using a humidifier in your environment are essentials during the winter months. Drinking water and including omega-3 rich foods in your diet are easy ways to stay hydrated from within. You can also shield skin from winds or low temperatures by wearing protective clothing including gloves and scarves. We never leave the house without them!

If your dry skin feels any discomfort, itching, or redness, it's best to seek professional advice or consult a dermatologist who can give you an accurate skin diagnosis and treat your skin with the appropriate care.

What's the best hand cream for dry hands?

 More often than not, you might end up forgetting to look after your hands, but moisturising dry hands in the winter is a must if you want to maintain soft, hydrated skin. This is where hand creams come in. The effectiveness of these depends on your individual preference, skin type and the severity of your dry skin, but ultimately you want to choose a hand cream that provides intense moisture to cracked hands. We've got you.

Known for its rich, concentrated formula, we highly recommend Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream with SPF20 that works wonders in harsh weather. For rough hands seeking long-lasting hydration, Eucerin Intensive Repair Hand Cream promotes noticeably smoother skin, or choose luxurious protection with L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. Providing relief for itchy, irritated hands, Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream soothes with Colloidal Oatmeal. And offering all the goodness of Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin in one, give your palms a little pamper with CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream. They're only one click away from being in your hands!

By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 27 November 2023