Winter skincare routine: how to keep your skin comfortable in the cold

When the temperature drops, many people notice their skin changing almost overnight. Cheeks feel tight after washing, lips crack, hands turn rough and patches of dryness appear on legs and elbows. Winter weather is tough on skin: cold wind outdoors, dry air from central heating indoors and long hot showers all strip away moisture. The good news is that a few simple adjustments to your routine can make a real difference to how your skin feels until spring.

Why skin gets drier in winter

Your skin has a natural protective barrier made of oils and other lipids that help hold water in. Cold air carries less moisture, and heated rooms dry the air further, so water evaporates from the skin more easily. Harsh cleansers and very hot water remove even more of those natural oils. The result is skin that feels tight, looks dull and can become itchy or sensitive.

Winter skincare is mostly about protecting that barrier: cleansing gently, adding moisture back and sealing it in.

A simple winter routine for your face

1. Cleanse gently. Swap foaming or stripping face washes for something milder. Cleansing balms and creamy cleansers lift away makeup and the day’s grime while leaving skin feeling softer. A balm such as the Meltaway Cleansing Balm is massaged onto dry skin and then removed with a warm, damp cloth.
2. Use lukewarm water. Hot water feels comforting on a cold evening, but it dries skin out faster.
3. Moisturise while skin is slightly damp. Applying moisturiser within a minute or two of washing helps lock in water. You may find a richer cream suits you better in winter than the light lotion you use in summer.
4. Go easy on exfoliation. Gentle exfoliation once a week or so can remove flaky patches, but overdoing it in winter can leave skin raw.
5. Keep using SPF on bright days. Winter sun is weaker, but daylight still reaches your skin, especially on clear days or in the snow.

Lips, hands and body

Some areas need extra attention when it is cold:

• Lips have no oil glands of their own, so they dry quickly. Apply a lip balm regularly, especially before going outside, and try not to lick your lips, which makes dryness worse.
• Hands take a beating from frequent washing and cold weather. Keep a hand cream by the sink and in your bag, and wear gloves outdoors.
• Body skin benefits from a rich balm or lotion applied straight after a bath or shower. Our balms range includes body balms that work well on elbows, knees and shins.
• Feet can become hard and cracked in winter boots. Moisturise them at night and wear cotton socks to help the product sink in.

Small habits that help

Your environment matters as much as your products. A few easy changes can support your skin through the colder months:

• Keep showers and baths short and warm rather than hot.
• Pat skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
• Place a bowl of water near a radiator or use a humidifier to add a little moisture to dry indoor air.
• Drink water regularly through the day.
• Choose soft fabrics next to the skin, as rough wool can irritate dry patches.

If your skin becomes very red, cracked, painful or intensely itchy, or if dryness does not improve with regular moisturising, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. Conditions such as eczema often flare in winter and may need specific treatment.

Winter skincare does not need to be complicated. Gentle cleansing, generous moisturising and a little protection from the elements are usually enough to keep skin comfortable until the warmer weather returns.