10 Winter skin care tips

Healthy skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s about keeping your body protected and feeling its best.

As your largest organ, skin does a lot of heavy lifting. It shields you from viruses, bacteria, and other everyday threats, while also helping you sense changes in your environment and stay comfortable.

Winter can be tough on your skin. Cold air, dry indoor heating, and harsh winds can all leave it dry, itchy, or irritated.

Luckily, a few simple tweaks to your daily routine, like extra hydration, gentle cleansing, protective moisturisers and natural skin-friendly fabrics, can make a big difference, keeping your skin healthy and happy all season long.

1. Keep skin nourished

Creams or balms work better than lotions for normal to dry skin. Because of tallow's biocompatibility, it's especially useful for dry or winter-stressed skin, as tallow is deeply moisturise and helps lock in hydration. 

Dry skin in winter moisturiser

Apply a small amount to clean, slightly damp skin, warming it between your hands first so it melts in easily.

If your skin is sensitive, go fragrance-free.

2. Try an oil cleanse

Over-cleansing in winter can strip away your skin’s natural oils. Using an oil like jojoba can be a gentle, effective way to remove makeup and impurities without drying out your skin.

How to use oils to cleanse skin

Massage a small amount of cleansing oil onto dry skin, then add a little warm water to emulsify it.

Rinse thoroughly and follow with your usual moisturiser. 

3. Moisturise on damp skin

Apply your moisturiser straight after bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in moisture and keeps your skin softer and more hydrated for longer.

4. Go easy on hot water

We all love a hot bath on a cold night, but if you suffer from dry skin, keep showers and baths short and lukewarm. If you just can't give up your soaks, you can add nourishing oils like coconut or jojoba, plus essential oils like rose or lavender for extra hydration.

Pat dry rather than rubbing to prevent stripping your skin barrier.

5. Increase humidity

Dry indoor air can draw moisture out of your skin. A room humidifier can really help – just remember to clean it and change the water regularly.

Or try some DIY ones here.

6. Protect your skin

Very cold temperatures can lead to skin problems, so cover your face when it’s blustery to protect your skin from icy winds, which can quickly lead to dryness and irritation.

Use a good, nourishing lip balm when heading outdoors to keep lips soft, comfortable and protected from the elements.

7. Don’t forget sun protection

Winter sun can still damage your skin—if you’re outdoors for long periods, use sunscreen.

Too much sun exposure can cause premature ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer.

8. Winter supplements

As we age, natural collagen production slows down, which can lead to dryness and wrinkles. Supporting your skin with collagen, through supplements or collagen-rich foods, can help maintain its strength and resilience.

Vitamin C also plays a key role in collagen production and is a powerful antioxidant. Combining collagen with vitamin C can be particularly effective, as vitamin C helps your body use collagen more efficiently, promoting smoother, more hydrated, and healthier-looking skin.

Which vitamin deficiency causes dry skin in winter?

During the colder months, reduced sunlight and seasonal changes can affect vitamin D absorbtion. Taking it as a supplement can help maintain overall wellbeing and support healthy skin throughout winter. 

9. Stay hydrated

It’s easy to drink less water in winter, but hydration is still key for healthy skin. Aim to sip water regularly throughout the day, and include warming drinks like herbal teas.

10. Choose skin-friendly fabrics

Wool and synthetic fabrics can irritate sensitive skin. Opt for soft, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo next to your skin to help prevent dryness and itching.