Winter Skincare Routine: How to Protect Dry Skin in Cold Weather
Cold air outside, dry heating inside: winter is hard on skin. If your face feels tight by lunchtime, your hands crack and your shins look flaky, your skin is losing moisture faster than it can replace it. The good news is that a few small changes to your winter skincare routine make a big difference.
Why skin gets drier in winter
Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating dries the air even further. With less humidity around it, skin loses water more quickly. Hot showers, wind and rough scarves add to the problem by stripping away the natural oils that keep the skin barrier strong. The result is dry, tight, sometimes itchy or red skin.
Your winter skincare routine, step by step
1. Switch to a gentler cleanser
Foaming cleansers that feel fine in summer can leave skin tight in winter. Try a creamy, low-foam formula instead, such as our Gentle Cleansing Milk, and wash with lukewarm rather than hot water.
2. Add a hydrating layer
Apply a hydrating serum to slightly damp skin straight after cleansing. Humectants such as hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin and help it look plumper. Our Hydrating Serum is light enough to use morning and night.
3. Use a richer moisturiser
Winter is the time to move from a light gel to a cream. A richer moisturiser seals in the water from your serum and protects against wind. The Nourishing Rich Cream is fragrance free, which suits skin that has become sensitive in the cold.
4. Seal it with a facial oil at night
On very cold or windy days, press two or three drops of facial oil over your moisturiser in the evening. Our Nourishing Facial Oil adds a protective layer while you sleep.
5. Keep wearing sunscreen
UV rays still reach your skin in winter, and snow reflects them. Finish your morning routine with SPF, such as the Mineral Sunscreen SPF30.
Don’t forget your body and hands
- Rough elbows, knees and heels: urea softens rough patches and helps skin hold on to water. Try the 5% Urea + 2% Panthenol Body Cream after your shower.
- Dry, cracked hands: keep a hand cream by the sink and reapply after every wash. The Silk Skin Hand Cream absorbs quickly, so you can get straight back to work.
- Itchy, sensitive skin: choose a mild, minimal formula like the Sensitive Skin Body Cream.
Five winter skin habits that help
- Keep showers short and lukewarm.
- Pat skin dry, then moisturise within three minutes.
- Use a humidifier in the bedroom if the air feels dry.
- Cut back on strong exfoliants to once a week.
- Wear gloves outdoors to protect your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change my skincare routine in winter?
Yes. Most people benefit from a gentler cleanser, a hydrating serum and a richer moisturiser in winter, plus less frequent exfoliation.
What is the best moisturiser for winter?
Look for a cream rather than a gel, ideally fragrance free if your skin gets irritated in the cold. Layering it over a hydrating serum gives the best results.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UV levels are lower but not zero, and snow reflects sunlight. A daily SPF30 is a good habit all year.
Ready to winter-proof your routine? Explore our Ansiktsvård and Hälsa och skönhet collections.
