Winter Skincare Routine: Simple Steps for Comfortable Skin

Cold winds outside, central heating inside and hot showers in between: it is no wonder our skin often feels tight and dull at this time of year. A simple winter skincare routine can make a real difference, and it does not need a bathroom shelf full of products. This guide shares general, friendly advice to help your skin feel comfortable until spring.

Please note this is general lifestyle information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition or a concern about your skin, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Why skin changes in winter

Cold air tends to hold less moisture, and indoor heating dries the air further. Together with wind, hot water and long baths, this can leave skin feeling dry, tight or flaky. Your hands, lips, face and lower legs are often the first to show it.

The good news is that a few small habits go a long way. Think of your winter skincare routine as gentle, consistent care rather than a big overhaul.

Step one: cleanse gently

Cleansing is the first stage of a kind winter skincare routine, and the easiest to get wrong.

In winter, many people find that a foaming or strongly scented cleanser feels too harsh. Switch to something mild, such as a creamy or lotion-style cleanser, and avoid scrubbing hard.

• Use lukewarm water rather than hot. Hot water can strip the skin.
• Pat your face dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
• If you wear make-up or sunscreen, a cleanser or cleansing balm in the evening will remove it. In the morning, a simple rinse with water may be enough for some people.
• Go easy on exfoliating. Once or twice a week is plenty, and less if your skin feels sore or sensitive.

Step two: moisturise, and do it often

Moisturiser is the hero of any winter skincare routine. Many people find they need a richer cream in winter than the light lotion they used in summer. Look for products described as suitable for dry or sensitive skin, and if you are not sure what to choose, ask a pharmacist.

Timing helps. NHS-linked self-care guidance for mild dry skin suggests applying moisturiser soon after washing, bathing or showering, when skin needs it most, and applying it generously and regularly through the day. It also advises smoothing it on gently in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing hard.

Hands, lips and body

• Hands: keep a small tube in your bag and by the sink. Wear gloves outside and rubber gloves for washing up.
• Lips: use a simple balm before bed and during the day.
• Body: apply cream or ointment after the bath or shower, paying attention to elbows, shins and feet.

Step three: do not skip sun protection

UV levels are lower in the UK in winter, but not zero, and cold, bright days can still catch you out. Whether you wear sunscreen every day in winter is a personal choice, but it makes sense on bright days, if you are outdoors for long periods, or if you are heading to the snow, where reflected light is stronger. If you wear a moisturiser with SPF, check the product label and how much to apply.

Step four: look after your skin from the inside and outside

Skincare is not just about products. Your habits matter too, and many of them are lovely ways to wind down.

• Keep showers and baths shorter and warm, not hot. Hot water dries skin out.
• Drink water through the day and eat a varied, balanced diet.
• Get enough sleep. Skin and mood both appreciate a regular bedtime.
• Add some humidity indoors. A bowl of water near a radiator or a humidifier can ease very dry air. Some plants like a bit more humidity too, as you can read in our guide to winter houseplant care.
• Do not sit right next to the fire or heater. It can dry skin and make it feel itchy.

Getting outside in daylight can lift your mood as well. Even a short walk helps, and our piece on time in nature has ideas for making the most of it, even in colder weather. For a wider approach to feeling good as the nights draw in, our autumn wellbeing reset is a gentle place to begin.

A simple morning and evening winter skincare routine

Here is a straightforward template. Adapt it to your skin and keep it simple.

Morning

• Rinse or cleanse gently with lukewarm water.
• Apply a moisturiser, with SPF if you choose.
• Apply lip balm.
• Put on gloves and a scarf before you head outside, to protect your skin from the wind.

Evening

• Remove make-up and sunscreen with a gentle cleanser.
• Apply a richer moisturiser or night cream.
• Apply hand cream and lip balm.
• Once or twice a week, add a hydrating face mask if you enjoy it.

Choosing products without the confusion

Your winter skincare routine does not need lots of products. The skincare aisle can be overwhelming. A few pointers can help.

• Read the ingredients list. If you know your skin reacts to something, avoid it.
• Introduce one new product at a time. That way you know what suits you.
• Patch test. Try a small amount on your inner arm first and wait to see how your skin reacts.
• Choose fragrance-free if your skin is sensitive. Strong scents can irritate some people.
• Do not believe every claim. Expensive does not always mean better.

If you love scented products, you can still enjoy fragrance in other ways around the home. Our guide to autumn perfumes and warm scents is a good place to start.

Make it a little ritual

A winter skincare routine is also a lovely excuse to slow down for five minutes. Play some music, light a lamp and enjoy the feeling of looking after yourself. If you want to build the whole evening around it, you will find ideas in our guide to hygge at home.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

Mild dry skin is common and can often be helped with self-care, but some things are better checked by a professional. NHS-linked self-care guidance suggests speaking to a GP if skin is red or inflamed, if dryness and itching are disturbing your sleep, if you have open sores or signs of infection, or if you have large areas of scaling or peeling skin.

If your skin is painful, keeps cracking, or you have a long-term condition such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, ask your pharmacist or GP for advice rather than trying to fix it yourself. Also seek advice about any new or changing mole or mark, whatever the season.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I moisturise in winter?

Many people find it helpful to moisturise at least morning and evening, and after washing hands or bathing. If your skin still feels tight, apply more often or ask a pharmacist about a richer product.

Do I need a different winter skincare routine to summer?

Not necessarily a different routine, but often gentler cleansing and richer moisturising. Adjust as the weather and your skin change.

Should I still wear sunscreen in winter?

UV is lower in a British winter, but it is not absent. Many people choose to use it on bright days or when outdoors for long periods. It is a personal choice, and a pharmacist can advise on products.

Are hot baths bad for my skin?

Long, hot baths can dry the skin. Keeping them shorter and warm rather than hot, and moisturising afterwards, is usually kinder to your skin.

Where to go from here

Build your winter skincare routine from the simplest changes: a gentler cleanser, a richer moisturiser and slightly cooler showers. Looking after dry skin is easier when you stay consistent. See how your skin feels after a week or two, then adjust. If you have a wellbeing tip you would like to share, or would like to write for us, please get in touch with us. For more easy reads, pop over to the Brew and Browse home page.