Your winter skin survival guide
How to build a winter-proof skincare routine
Winter is here, and it’s coming for your skin. As temperatures drop, humidity plummets, and indoor heating ramps up, your skin can quickly turn from radiant to raw. Cold, wet, and windy days, combined with drier indoor air, can disrupt the skin barrier, leaving it prone to irritation, flaking, and sensitivity. Just like you swap out your wardrobe for warmer layers, your skincare routine needs a seasonal update too. The good news? With a few smart tweaks, the right ingredients, and a consistent routine, you can keep your skin soft, hydrated, and resilient, even in the depths of winter.
Why winter wreaks havoc on skin
“The humidity starts to decrease in winter, and there is a drop in temperature,” explains Dr Judey, a biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium skincare. “The atmosphere becomes drier, and when we switch heaters on indoors, that reduces the moisture content in the skin even more.”
This sudden shift in environmental moisture can lead to a tight, dry, and even itchy sensation across the face and body. In addition, colder weather slows down circulation and increases dead skin cell buildup, giving the skin a dull, ashy appearance. “Less blood flow and accumulated dead cells literally change the complexion of the skin,” says Dr Judey.
Be kind
The first rule of winter skincare? Go gentle. Swap out your summer gel or foam cleansers for a creamy, hydrating version. If your skin feels tight or uncomfortable after washing, it’s a sign your cleanser is stripping away natural oils and damaging your barrier. A good cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean, calm, and comfortable, not parched.
Exfoliation is still important during winter (especially to brighten dull skin and help products absorb better) but skip harsh scrubs. “Use gentle exfoliating acids rather than physical exfoliants,” says Dr Judey. “You want to remove dead skin, not damage what’s underneath.”
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• The Body Shop Cream Cleanser Vitamin
• Sorbet Age Affect Cream Cleanser
• Sorbet Smoothing Serum
• Garnier Skin Active Micellar Gentle Peeling Wate
Upgrade your moisturiser
The lightweight lotion that kept your skin fresh in summer may not cut it now. Winter calls for a heavier hitter - formulas rich in both humectants (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) and occlusives to draw in and trap moisture. For sensitive or wind-chapped skin, look for moisturisers with calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients. These rich, soothing creams can restore balance and help reduce redness and irritation.
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• Eucerin Original Extra Thick Creme Very Dry Compromised Skin
• Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream Dry & Sensitive Skin
• Uriage Xemose Face Cream
• La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M
Focus on deep hydration
The foundation of any winter skincare routine is moisture, inside and out. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking enough water, and look for skincare powered by moisture-binding ingredients like:
● Hyaluronic acid – to draw water into the skin
● Niacinamide – to support the skin barrier
● Peptides and growth factors – to repair and strengthen
● Oils and butters – to seal and soften
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• Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Plumping Daily Booster
• Sorbet Hydrating Serum
• Skin Republic Niacinamide 20% Serum
• Eveline Rejuvenation Serum Shot
Lock it in
Cold, dry air can pull moisture out of your skin if your skin’s barrier is compromised. Using rich creams and occlusive ingredients like ceramides, squalane, lanolin, or beeswax helps trap hydration and protect your skin from harsh conditions. A top tip? Apply moisturiser or petroleum jelly while your skin is still slightly damp after cleansing or showering. This helps seal in moisture for longer-lasting comfort.
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• Elizabeth Arden Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules
• The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Intense Moisturiser
• CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
Nighttime nourishment
Long winter nights are the perfect opportunity to give your skin some extra TLC. While a good night’s sleep naturally helps your skin regenerate, layering rich, nourishing products before bed can maximise overnight repair. Winter calls for thicker textures and occlusive formulas that work in sync with your skin’s nighttime renewal cycle. “At night, go for an oil-based serum with a thicker moisturiser layered on top,” says Dr Judey Pretorius. This helps lock in hydration, support collagen production, and reinforce the skin barrier while you sleep. For an added boost, apply a hydrating overnight mask once or twice a week to wake up with a refreshed, well-rested glow.
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• L'Oréal Age Perfect Midnight Serum
• The Body Shop Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask
• Dr. Grandel Hyaluron At Night
• Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream
Don’t skip SPF
When it comes to sun protection, colder temperatures are no excuse to forgo this crucial step. While the UVB rays might be weaker in the winter, so you don't get sunburned as easily, the UVA rays that cause wrinkles, premature ageing, and damage are still strong, so SPF is still important. When it comes to choosing a formula, opt for ones that include nourishing properties, as this aids with hydration and boosts moisture levels too.
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• Garnier SkinActive SPF50+ Invisible Serum Sunscreen
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 Hydrating Fluid
• Vichy Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF50
IMAGE: 123rf.com
Products featured in this article
Cream Cleanser Vitamin E 250ml
R 200.00Age Affect Cream Cleanser 150ml
R98.00Smoothing Glycolic Serum
R 199.00Micellar Gentle Peeling Water 400ml
R103.60Original Extra Thick Creme 454ml
R 360.00Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream 50ml
R 115.00Xemose Face Cream 40ml
R 79.80Lipikar Balm AP+M 75ml
R 210.00Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer 50ml
R432.00Hydrating Face Serum
R 199.00
Niacinamide 20% Overnight Serum 30ml
R 300.00Serum Shot Multipeptide Rejuvenation 30ml
R48.00
Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules 30s
R 825.00
Vitamin C Glow Boosting Intense Moisturiser 50ml
R 410.00Advanced Repair Ointment
R216.30Age Perfect Midnight Serum 30ml
R384.00Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask 75ml
R 150.00
Hyaluron At Night 9ml
R 30.00Rich Night Cream 48g
R 449.00Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF50+ 30ml
R 204.00Hydro Boost Moisturiser SPF50 50ml
R 279.00Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF50 40ml
R399.20
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