7 Simple Tips for Fixing Dry Winter Skin, According to a Dermal Therapist
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
Beauty expert Joanna Fleming wears many hats.
When she’s not working on Adore Beauty's content channels and co-hosting our very popular (and award-nominated) Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast, Joanna's also a qualified Dermal Therapist.
That means she knows her stuff when it comes to all things skin care.
On a recent episode of Beauty IQ Uncensored, Jo shared her tips on managing 'winter skin'.
You know, when the temperature drops and your skin starts looking and feeling dry, flaky, dehydrated, dull, or all of the above.
And when Joanna shares skincare advice, we listen and we take note.
Then we jump onto the Adore Beauty website and add the products to cart immediately.
If you're short on time, allow me to recap the seven skincare tips Jo swears by for managing dry skin in winter.
Plus, the best winter skincare products she always has on standby.
You can listen to the full Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast episode below.
1. Stop Having Super Hot Showers.
I'm personally guilty of taking really long, hot showers in winter.
Then, I act surprised when my skin feels tight and itchy, but according to Jo, I should take note.
“Everybody loves a super hot shower, especially when it gets really cold. You’ll often find when you get out of a really hot shower or bath, your skin feels quite itchy and tight," she says.
"That's not a good sign, that’s your skin screaming out for hydration."
Instead, try sticking to warm showers over scalding hot. Try being the operative word.
2. Look for These Skin Barrier Ingredients.
If you've heard about this 'skin barrier thing' before but aren't sure what it means, allow Jo to explain.
"If you are experiencing super dry skin, I would say it's likely you’re experiencing an impaired barrier to some degree.”
“Your barrier is the most important thing for you to keep supported when you’ve got really dry skin, because if you’ve impaired your barrier, the water in your skin is just going to go straight out."
You can support your skin barrier in winter by using products containing ingredients like vitamin E, ceramides and essential fatty acids.
Jo adds, "They will all support your skin’s barrier, and support what’s going on under the skin to make sure it stays hydrated.”
Watch this YouTube video below for more skin barrier info and tips!
3. Use a Face Oil (Even If You Have Oily Skin).
Why should you think about adding a face oil into your winter skincare routine?
“If you think about dryness and dehydration: dehydration is a lack of water, and dryness is a lack of oil," Jo says.
"You want to be replenishing dry skin with oils so that it can function at its best.”
Facial oils can get messy, so Jo recommends adding a few drops of your facial oil in with your moisturiser.
Apply your oil at least half an hour before bed to give it time to absorb into the skin - and not onto your pillow.
The best face oil for you will depend on your skin type.
We break down face oils for different skin types in this Beauty IQ article, and on YouTube in this video.
4. Switch Your Cleanser.
Did you know gel or foaming cleansers might be stripping away more oil than your skin requires in winter?
If you find your skin feels tight or dry, try switching to hydrating oil cleansers and cream cleansers.
You could also try skipping cleanser in the morning, or alternating between hydrating and gel cleansers throughout the week.
5. Switch Your Exfoliant, Too.
When Jo's Beauty IQ Uncensored co-host Hannah asked if dry skin-havers should avoid exfoliating cleansers, turns out switching to a gentler exfoliant in winter can actually help.
“Lactic acid still hydrates skin, and at the same time, it gently exfoliates so those hydrating products can get into the skin," she says.
"You’re still encouraging that cell turnover, but you’re not going to be causing any skin irritation, or risk going overboard or over-exfoliating.”
6. Get Yourself a Winter Moisturiser.
This might be a no-brainer, but it's always a good idea to switch from your summer gel moisturiser to something more substantial in winter.
"You need something richer to make sure you’re creating more of an occlusive barrier [over the skin] to keep moisture in, and all of the cold and wind out."
Got oily skin like Hannah? She sticks to lighter gel moisturisers in the day, but will sub in a heavier moisturiser at night.
Watch this YouTube video below for help choosing the best moisturiser for you.
7. Try a Hydrating Overnight Mask.
The last tip Jo has for us involves an optional step in your evening skincare routine.
If you are super dry, she suggests opting for a hydrating overnight mask over a moisturiser.
"These act like barrier creams to prevent water loss. I apply a thick layer and leave it on overnight."
Hot tip: Some overnight masks or sleeping masks also double as excellent skin prep options before makeup to avoid patchy foundation.
Best Winter Skincare Products.
Everyone's winter skincare routine will look different depending on your skin type, concerns and budget.
Jo adds, "You don't have to spend a lot of money on winter skin care."
"Rather, it's good to have a couple of crucial items on rotation that will replace lost moisture and keep skin feeling supple and bouncy."
Here's a list of Jo's non-negotiable winter products.
Jo reckons this is Alpha H's most underrated product. It's formulated with a 1% Ceramide Complex to boost hydration and support the skin’s barrier repair, as well as reduce dry, flaky and sensitive skin.
2. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
This is great for those on a budget! It gently cleanses skin without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, and contains a combination of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to support the skin's barrier.
Jo's mentioned this winter skin saviour on the podcast several times over the years. It soothes dry and dehydrated skin, and nourishes it while you sleep.
Jo says everyone needs to have this balm in their routine, and I tend to agree. It's perfect for post-procedure skin and soothing skin meltdowns.
5. Alpha-H Generation Glow.
Generation Glow improves the appearance of skin tone and texture, and is suitable for all skin types. Think of it as Liquid Gold's gentler counterpart.
6. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
This sulphate, mineral oil and alcohol-free product works to nourish your skin while helping it to repair itself overnight. It's also a little bit bougie and special on a cold winter's night.
7. Viviology Liquid Exfoliant.
Remember how Jo said lactic acid is a gentler exfoliant than other alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid? This toner is gentle on your skin AND your bank account.
This rich barrier cream helps repair damaged, dry, cracked skin. The combination of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate helps limit the risk of bacterial proliferation, too.
P.S. If you want more skincare ideas for the cooler months, watch our winter skincare facial YouTube video below.
Keen for some more winter skincare articles? Check out these below:
