When your skin starts feeling dry or slightly dehydrated in winter, what's the first thing you buy? A richer moisturiser… I bet.

But here's the thing, if your cleanser is stripping your skin every morning and night, even the best moisturiser is going to have a hard time keeping up. And in clinic, while yes, I do switch up the moisturisers with my clients, through the cooler months I also pay attention to their cleansers.

You see, as a dermal clinician, I actually think cleansers are one of the most underrated products in a skincare routine.

They're on your face for less than a minute, so people assume they don't matter much, but if they're disrupting your skin barrier twice a day, or the one you’re using is full of actives you don’t pay attention to, you'll soon start to notice.

It's not just the cold weather, because between icy mornings, blasting the heater all day, lower humidity and hotter showers (because let's be real, none of us are taking lukewarm showers in July), our skin loses water much more easily. Which means the skin barrier has to work even harder to keep moisture in.

So if you're washing with a cleanser that's too harsh for the season, you're making that job even harder.

Making sense?

Now, does that mean foaming cleansers are bad? Not at all. In fact, this is one of the biggest skincare myths I hear, because there are some beautiful foaming cleansers that are perfectly gentle and great for so many skins!

However, I think, through winter, the better question we all need to be asking ourselves is… "how does my skin feel after I wash it?"

And if it’s starting to feel tight, squeaky clean or like you need moisturiser immediately, then maybe it might be trying to tell you your skin isn’t loving your cleanser right now.

So what should you be looking for instead? Well, winter is all about supporting your skin barrier. So if you need a gentler cleanser, I’d be on the hunt for one with ingredients that include:

They’re basic ingredients, but they're the ones that make the biggest difference when your skin is feeling stressed.

This is one I come back to time and time again. It's fragrance-free, budget friendly, creamy and incredibly gentle, making it a great option if your skin is feeling reactive or irritated.

If you want something affordable: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

A classic for good reason. It contains ceramides to support the skin barrier and cleanses without leaving your skin feeling stripped.

One of my favourite second cleanses. It melts away sunscreen and makeup so well and emulsifies into a milky cleanser. You only need a tiny bit too so it lasts for so long too!

If you're after a luxe, cosmeceutical option: ​Cosmedix benefit clean gentle cleanser

A beautiful gel cleanser that leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable after cleansing. I love it for dry or mature skin, especially in winter when supporting the skin barrier becomes even more important.

Now don't let the lactic acid scare you, this cleanser provides very gentle exfoliation while still looking after your barrier. I like it for dry, dull skin that isn't already using multiple exfoliating products, as sometimes a little gentle exfoliation can actually help dry skin look and feel smoother. And an exfoliating cleanser has a little less contact time on the skin which is helpful!

Best new hydrating cleanser: Bioderma Hydrabio 24H Moisturising Micellar Cleansing Foaming Gel

One of Bioderma's newest launches, this hydrating foaming cleanser uses micellar technology to lift away makeup and impurities without leaving skin feeling tight. A great option if you love the fresh feel of a foam but your skin leans dry. 

Best body cleanser for dry skin: Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil

And don’t forget your body! If your body feels itchy, tight or flaky every winter, don't overlook your body wash. This shower oil cleanses gently while helping to replenish the skin barrier, making it a favourite for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Ie. good for the whole family too!

We often think winter skincare is about adding more products, but sometimes it's actually about taking one step back and making sure the products you're already using are working with your skin instead of against it.

So don’t ignore your cleansing step this winter! AND remember, a cleanser shouldn't leave your skin feeling squeaky clean. It should leave it feeling calm and happy!