Autumn is here, and winter is just around the corner. With colder, windier weather outside and indoor heating cranked up, dry air becomes unavoidable. This change disrupts the skin’s barrier, often leading to dry, itchy skin for many—particularly those with conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
To keep your skin healthy and hydrated, winter skincare essentials are a must. Below, we’ve rounded up the best winter skincare tips and products to help you protect your skin in winter. From tried-and-true ingredients to new favourites in the winter skincare arsenal, these solutions will help your skin look and feel its best throughout the colder months.
Facial Cleanser
During the colder months, using a gentle and moisturising facial cleanser is crucial to maintain your skin’s hydration. Opt for products like Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser, which effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping your skin. Avoid cleansers containing alcohol, as they can exacerbate dryness, and be mindful of overusing glycolic or salicylic acid-based products—these may need to be used less frequently in winter to prevent irritation.
Body Cleanser
Your body deserves as much attention as your face when it comes to winter skincare. Choose creamy gels or mousses that are fragrance-free to avoid irritation. For those with eczema or sensitive skin, opt for cleansers that include hydrating ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, or silicones to lock in moisture and soothe dryness.
Facial Moisturiser
As the colder months set in, lightweight lotions may no longer provide sufficient protection against the harsh weather. Instead, opt for a richer, more luxurious moisturiser like Obagi Hydrate Lux, which is specifically formulated to deeply hydrate and protect your skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrator that retains moisture and keeps your skin plump and healthy.
For an added boost, try Obagi Daily HydroDrops, a luxurious antioxidant serum designed to combat dullness and transform your skin into a glowing, hydrated masterpiece. This serum not only provides instant hydration but also helps protect against environmental stressors, making it an essential addition to your winter skincare routine.
Body Moisturiser
Applying a body moisturiser immediately after a shower or bath, while your skin is still damp, is one of the best ways to lock in hydration. This method helps seal the existing moisture in your skin, keeping it soft and supple even in the driest winter months.
For an extra hydration boost, consider using a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, a superstar ingredient that absorbs up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Adding this to your winter skincare routine ensures your skin stays nourished and hydrated from head to toe, even in the harshest weather.
Rejuvenating Products
In winter, products containing anti-ageing ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinoids may need to be used less frequently or in lower concentrations to avoid over-drying the skin. Consider switching to gentler alternatives, such as moving from a prescription retinoid like tretinoin to a milder yet effective retinol.
If you’re unsure which products are best for your winter skincare routine, consult Dr. Charlotte for personalised recommendations tailored to your skin’s needs.
Sunscreen
You should be wearing sunscreen year-round, even in the UK! Focus on areas exposed to the elements, such as your face, neck, ears, and hands. Opt for moisturising sunscreens in cream form rather than lotions or sprays, as they offer extra hydration for winter-dry skin.
For optimal protection, choose products with broad-spectrum coverage, water resistance, and an SPF of at least 30. Obagi HydraFactor Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a perfect choice, combining a moisturiser and sunscreen in one to deliver hydration, soothing ingredients, and reliable UV protection.
Consider Professional Skin Treatments
Winter is an ideal time to explore professional skin treatments that can rejuvenate your skin and restore hydration. Treatments like polynucleotides, Profhilo, gentle chemical peels, and laser procedures offer tailored solutions for addressing winter skin challenges.
- Profhilo: This injectable treatment uses hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and remodel the skin, reducing signs of ageing and delivering an instant hydration boost.
- Polynucleotides: Known for improving the skin’s moisture retention, polynucleotides result in a plumper, more hydrated appearance. Their anti-inflammatory properties also soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
- Gentle Peels & Laser Treatments: These procedures are best suited for the colder months when reduced sun exposure lowers the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
By incorporating these professional treatments into your winter skincare routine, you can achieve healthier, more radiant skin despite the challenges of colder weather.
Keep Hydrated
Winter weather and indoor heating can quickly dehydrate your skin, leaving it dry and more sensitive. To maintain hydration throughout the day:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat dryness from the inside out.
- Swap Coffee for Green Tea: Green tea offers not only hydration but also antioxidant benefits to protect your skin.
- Limit Alcohol: Reduce your alcohol intake, as it can significantly dehydrate your skin.
These simple lifestyle changes can help maintain your skin’s moisture balance during the colder months, keeping it healthy and resilient.
Layer Up at Bedtime
Your evening skincare routine is an ideal time to use more occlusive, rich products that lock in moisture and repair your skin overnight.
- Rich Moisturisers: Opt for a luxurious product like Obagi Hydrate Lux to deeply nourish and support your skin barrier while you sleep.
- Skin Oils: Incorporate oils into your nighttime routine for an extra hydration boost. Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops, infused with Vitamin B3, Hibiscus Oil, and Abyssinian Oil, provide long-lasting hydration, soothe the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This added nourishment at bedtime ensures your skin stays soft, hydrated, and protected through the cold winter nights.
Protect Your Lips
The delicate skin on your lips is highly prone to dryness and cracking, especially during winter. Licking sore lips may seem comforting, but it actually worsens the dryness and can lead to ‘lick eczema.’
- Seal and Protect: Use an effective ointment to keep your lips hydrated and shielded. Personal favourites include Cicaplast Balm B5 by La Roche-Posay and Eucerin Dry Skin Acute Lip Balm for long-lasting relief.
- Sun Protection for Lips: If you’re skiing or spending time outdoors, remember that lips are vulnerable to sunburn. Opt for a balm containing zinc oxide, a fantastic physical sunscreen that reflects UV rays and offers extra protection against the sun’s harsh effects on lips.
By keeping your lips protected and hydrated, you can avoid winter discomfort and maintain soft, healthy lips all season long.
