The Winter Skin Survival Guide

Step 1: Cleanse with Comfort

During winter, consider switching your cleanser from a gel or foaming formula to a gentle, pH-balanced balm, cream or oil formula. These richer textures remove makeup, sunscreen and daily impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped – our skin-softening Cleansing Balm is a great switch.

If you use a cleanser containing exfoliating acids, you may not need to abandon it completely. Try using it less frequently and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Step 2: Layer with an Essence

This is a great additional step to consider building into your winter skincare routine. Think of an essence as a large glass of water for thirsty skin.  Look for humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or panthenol. These ingredients attract and hold water, creating a lightweight layer of hydration without making your routine feel heavy.

Try tapping your essence gently onto clean skin and move on to the next step while your face is still slightly damp – this will really help the rest of your skincare to absorb.

Step 3: Support with a Serum

Next, reach for a hydrating or barrier-supporting serum. A well-formulated serum – like Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum or Pro-Collagen Rose Micro Serum – delivers targeted ingredients in a light texture that layers comfortably beneath your moisturiser.

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help boost hydration, while ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides and panthenol can support a healthy skin barrier.

Apply a few drops with your fingertips, pressing rather than rubbing the product into your skin. There’s no need to wait for each layer to dry completely – slightly damp skin can help your next product absorb more easily.

Step 4: Cocoon with a Moisturiser

Moisturiser is important throughout the year, but winter is often the time to choose something a little richer.

If your face feels dry by lunchtime, consider swapping a lightweight lotion for a nourishing cream rich in shea butter and fatty-acid-rich plant oils to help support the skin barrier, we love Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.

Or, if you really want to treat your skin, try an overnight cream such as ELEMIS Superfood Midnight Facial a couple of nights a week.

Combination or oily skin still needs moisture, too. Instead of reaching for the richest formula available, look for a barrier-supporting moisturiser with a comfortable, non-greasy finish.

Step 5: Seal with an Oil

Facial oil is the cosy blanket of a winter routine: optional, but lovely when your skin needs an extra helping of comfort.

Apply one or two drops after moisturiser in the evening to help seal in hydration. Oils containing squalane or jojoba are good places to start, particularly if you’re concerned about a heavy finish. We love Pro-Collagen Marine Oil. 

New to facial oil? Start by mixing a single drop into your moisturiser and see how skin feels.

Step 6: Protect with SPF 
Grey sky? Drizzle? Your sunscreen still deserves a place in your winter skincare routine.

It’s worth remembering that UVA rays are present throughout the year and can pass through cloud cover, contributing to premature skin ageing. Finish your winter skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, applying it generously to your face, ears and neck.

If winter dryness makes your usual sunscreen uncomfortable, try a moisturising cream or lotion formula. The best SPF is ultimately one you’ll be happy to wear every day.

Your products are only part of the picture. These small changes can also help dry or sensitive skin feel more comfortable:

• Wash your face with lukewarm rather than hot water to avoid damaging the delicate skin barrier
• Keep showers warm and brief, especially if your body also feels dry
• Introduce new active ingredients gradually
• Avoid layering several exfoliating products in the same routine
• Apply moisturiser shortly after cleansing to help lock in hydration

Most importantly, listen to your skin. If it starts stinging, flaking or feeling persistently tight, simplify your routine and focus on gentle, fragrance-free hydration while the skin barrier recovers.

FAQs

What order should you apply skincare in winter?
As a general rule, apply your skincare from the lightest to the richest texture. Start with cleanser, followed essence, serum, and moisturiser. If your skin needs extra nourishment, finish with a few drops of face oil. During the day, always make SPF the final step - even when the winter sun is hiding.

Should you exfoliate in winter?
Yes, but your skin may appreciate a gentler approach. Exfoliation helps lift away dead skin cells and smooth areas that feel dry or flaky, but overdoing it can leave the skin barrier feeling more vulnerable. Reduce the frequency if your skin feels tight, sensitive or irritated, and follow with plenty of hydration.

Is it better to use a face oil or a moisturiser in winter?
You don’t necessarily have to choose. A moisturiser helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, while a face oil adds nourishment and helps seal in moisture. Apply a few drops after your moisturiser or blend them into your cream for a richer winter skincare ritual. If you only want to use one, choose a moisturiser suited to your skin type.