Every winter, it happens.
The temperature drops, the heater goes on, and suddenly my skin starts behaving like I’ve been wandering through the Sahara instead of just walking to the shops.
After a few winters of trial and error and being humbled by the harsh conditions (and buying products that promised miracles but delivered disappointment), I’ve realised glowing winter skin isn’t about having a 12 step skincare routine. It’s about doing a few simple things consistently, using the right products to give your skin a little extra loving when it needs it most.
Here are the five things that genuinely make the biggest difference for me.
1. Treat your skin barrier like it’s your best friend
I used to think if my skin looked dull, I needed to exfoliate harder.
It turns out my skin wasn’t asking to be scrubbed into another dimension. It was asking for help. Cold weather demands serious skin defence.
Our skin barrier is basically our body’s built-in bodyguard, locking moisture in while keeping irritation out. Once I started focusing on repairing it instead of fighting it, my skin became calmer, softer and much happier.
One product I have been reaching for when my skin starts throwing a winter tantrum is Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. There’s a reason it’s celebrating 25 years and still has a cult following. Whenever my skin feels dry, irritated or just generally offended by the weather, this is what I reach for. I even have gotten my partner using it after his hard day of labour.
We also cant forget that our lips need a lil loving as well, thats why I’m excited that Avene has also recently dropped Avène’s Cicalfate+ Repair Lip Balm . So our lips can also look juicy and hydrated all winter long.
2. Let your skincare do the hard work while you’re asleep
If a product can work while I’m asleep, I’m already interested.
Night-time is when our skin naturally goes into repair mode, so this is the perfect opportunity to use richer products that replenish moisture while you dream about your next holiday somewhere warm.
I’ve been loving Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Ultra-Rich Cream because I wake up looking like I’ve actually had eight hours of sleep… even when I definitely haven’t. It leaves my skin feeling deeply hydrated, bouncy and much less stressed after days battling cold air and indoor heating.
3. Don’t forget your eyes
So we have our face covered but we cant forget about the eyes!
Winter can have a funny way of making us tired even after a good night’s sleep, the skin around my eyes somehow still says, “She stayed up until 2am watching documentaries.”
The eye area is naturally thinner and loses moisture more easily, so giving it a little extra attention can make a huge difference.
Because I was a big fan of Biossance face cream, I also tried Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream and found it helps reduce puffiness while keeping the delicate skin around my eyes hydrated, making me look noticeably fresher, even if I’ve only had one coffee instead of my usual two.
4. Don’t forget your body
I’m definitely guilty of spending ten minutes on my face… then completely forgetting the rest of my body.
Winter has a way of reminding me though. Dry shins, itchy arms and flaky elbows suddenly appear out of nowhere.
One habit that’s made a real difference is applying a nourishing body oil straight after showering while my skin is still slightly damp. It helps lock in moisture and keeps my skin feeling soft for much longer. I have been preferring a body oil to a cream, and its more lightweight.
Lately, I’ve been using the Bio Omega Body Contouring Oil, which blends Australian boab, pumpkin seed, rosehip and jojoba oils with neroli, bergamot and lavender essential oils. It smells delicious and absorbs beautifully without leaving that greasy feeling and gives my skin a healthy, hydrated glow.
Its also extra gorgeous because it’s also formulated to support skin elasticity and improve the appearance of stretch marks, scarring, cellulite and extreme dryness.
5. Give your skin a little extra love
Instead of quickly applying my products before bed, I’ll often spend a few extra minutes gently massaging them into my skin. It feels like a small act of self care, but it also helps boost circulation, ease puffiness and leaves my complexion looking fresher and more radiant.
One ritual I’ve been loving is the Rapid Dermal Repair | Skin Recovery Kit. The three step routine is designed to deeply hydrate, restore and revive tired winter skin using 100% natural and organic ingredients. It targets dryness, dullness and the visible signs of ageing, leaving skin feeling plumper, smoother and noticeably more radiant.
I also love that it’s suitable for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, which is exactly what my skin seems to become every winter. This has a cleaner, an exfoliater and a moisturiser. So you skin can be truly pampered like it deserves this winter.
6. Remember that skincare starts in the kitchen too
I wish glowing skin came purely from glamorous products,
Sadly, my vegetables would like a word.
One of the biggest improvements I’ve noticed has come from drinking more water (yes, even when it’s freezing) and making sure I’m eating enough healthy fats like salmon, avocado, walnuts and chia seeds.
It’s not the most glamorous advice, but hydrated skin really does start from the inside.
I’ve realised that glowing winter skin isn’t about having the longest skincare routine or chasing every new product. It’s about giving your skin a little extra support when the weather is working against it.
Focusing on hydration, protecting your skin barrier and choosing products that nourish rather than overwhelm can make all the difference.
Your face will thank you. Your lips definitely will.
