The winter can be harsh in every way. Darker nights and colder temperatures can make you feel tired out, especially on your skin. Cold winds, dry indoor heating and low humidity all combine to leave your complexion feeling tight, flaky and irritated. Many notice their skin looking duller and feeling less resilient during these colder months, making proper hydration more important than ever. The good news is that with the right beauty routine, you maintain soft, glowing and healthy skin. These tips are simple, effective and suitable for all skin types.

Step 1: Switch to a rich and moisturising cleanser

The cold winds and indoor heating of the winter months mean that your skin requires more help to maintain moisture. This starts with your choice of cleanser. Opting for a more hydrating rather than harsh foaming cleansers in the winter prevents the slipping of natural oils that most average cleaners do, which worsens dryness. The types of cleansers that help to maintain natural oils are creamy cleansers, oil-based cleansers or gentle hydrating gels. 

When applying these cleansers, aim to use lukewarm water rather than hot water and apply the gel in gentle circular motions for 20 seconds. If you wear make-up and struggle to remove it with normal cleansers, double cleansing helps remove all residue and keeps skin clear and preventing the chance of blemishes.

Step 2: Exfoliate gently, but not too much

Although you may think that you don’t have to exfoliate due to the harshness of winter, it’s still important to remove dead skin cells that can make skin look dull. Gentle exfoliation one to two times a week prevents irritation from dead skin cells and further dryness. The best kind of exfoliants are chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs or BHAs or very mild physical scrubs. However, ensure that these physician scrubs are natural and do not contain harsh microbeads, and very lightly wash your face with them. Immediately after cleansing, it’s essential to follow with moisturiser and ensure that you’re not putting any harsh products, such as acids, to prevent irritation whilst your skin is in a vulnerable state.

Step 3: Use a hydrating serum

Serums are a simple but effective way to add additional hydration to your skin in one easy step. Using one or two serums with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, or ceramides is an efficient way to add hydration to your daily routine. 

The best way to apply these serums to gain the most benefits is to gently pat them onto damp skin to lock in as much moisture as possible and then apply a rich moisturiser to form a hydrating and protective layer to act as a barrier for your skin. For more dry skin, the best serum to opt for would be hyaluronic and vitamin-heavy formulas, whereas for more oily skin, try niacinamide and aloe vera formulas that help to control oil as well as hydrate.

Step 4: Apply a rich moisturiser or cream

Utilising a thicker moisturiser in the colder months is key to trapping water, preventing moisture loss. There are many options that you can choose from to retain moisture, such as creams, balms or lotions with ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter or squalane. Another way to retain this moisture is to moisturise immediately after cleansing and serum to lock in hydration, not forgetting the neck and hands.

For those who need extra moisture, layering three or four products such as a hyaluronic acid serum, a rich moisturiser, and a face oil or a thick shea butter balm is a perfect combination.

Step 5: Sunscreen in winter

UV rays are still strong enough in the winter to cause dryness, pigmentation and premature ageing. SPF creams that are 30+ that also include hydrating properties are the perfect combination of protection and hydration. Just like in the summer months, apply daily and reapply if outdoors for long periods of time, but ensure that the formulas are suitable for your skin type, whether you have dry skin or sensitive skin. 

Step 6: Hydrate from the inside and protect overnight

Internal hydration is just as important as external hydration, and there are a few ways that you can ensure that you are hydrated all winter.

Drinking- Proper hydration starts with what you drink. Make sure you’re consuming plenty of water throughout the day and add herbal teas for an extra hydration boost during the colder months. Warm drinks not only keep you hydrated but also help improve circulation, which supports a healthy complexion.

Eating- Your diet also plays a significant role in maintaining moisture. Incorporating water-rich foods like cucumbers, berries, oranges and leafy greens helps keep your skin naturally supple. Healthy fats from foods like avocados, nuts and olive oil can strengthen your skin’s barrier and reduce winter dryness. 

Other hydrating habits- Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself, so adding extra moisturiser before bed is essential. Apply an overnight mask or sleeping pack to lock in hydration, and use a facial oil, especially on dry areas. Adding a humidifier to your bedroom can also restore moisture to the air. Keeping your skin soft and comfortable. Consistency with these habits will help your skin stay glowing all winter long. 

Bonus tips for extra hydration

Lip care: Hydrating lip balms or glosses

Hand and body care: Rich creams or body butters after showering

Showering: Avoid hot showers that strip natural oils 

Make-up tips: Use hydrating makeup products, such as a cream blush from REFY, to hydrate and avoid flaking.

Start hydrating 

Keeping your skin hydrated during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these six essential steps, switching to a richer cleanser, exfoliating gently, using a hydrating scrub, applying nourishing moisturiser, protecting your skin with suncream and combining internal hydration with overnight care, you can maintain soft, healthy skin all season long. Consistency is key, and preventing dryness is always easier than treating it later. With a simple routine and the right habits, achieving glowing, comfortable winter skin is completely within reach.