Five essential skincare tips for transitioning into winter, by experts
As the season changes and we move into colder, harsher weather, your skincare routine might need an update. Lower humidity, icy temperatures, indoor heating, and reduced daylight can all affect your skin differently than in autumn.
One of the greatest mistakes one can make when taking care of their skin is to stick to the same products year-round, as skincare habits should shift with the weather. Experts at Fresha, the go-to booking platform for beauty and wellness, reveal the five essential tips for maintaining healthy, glowing skin this winter.
Check that you’re applying sunscreen correctly
Just because it’s cold and the days are darker doesn’t mean you can skip SPF. Even in winter, UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, contributing to hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and long-term skin damage. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher with at least a 4-star UVA rating is the correct choice, but the part that many get wrong is the application. The average adult needs at least two tablespoons for their whole body, and a nickel-sized dollop for the face alone.
You need it on overcast days and during quick errands outdoors as well. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re sweating, rubbing your face with scarves, or towel-drying. Experts also suggest pairing your SPF with antioxidant-rich serums in the morning to help neutralise environmental stress throughout the day.
Apply thicker lotions to protect the skin barrier
Winter air is significantly drier than in other seasons, and constant exposure to cold temperatures outdoors and heated air indoors can take a toll on your skin. Cold winds, low humidity, and artificial heating can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, cracking, or eczema flare-ups.
This is when lightweight lotions won’t be enough. Switch to richer, ceramide-packed creams that help strengthen the skin barrier, and apply hyaluronic acid or glycerine on damp skin to retain moisture. For lips and hands, look for occlusive balms with ingredients like shea butter or lanolin to prevent moisture loss and protect against the cold.
Use the two-week rule when switching products to help your skin adapt
As the season shifts, so should your skincare. However, rather than making sudden changes and switching your routine overnight, easing into new products over two weeks will help your skin adapt to them more easily, especially if you’re introducing retinol or exfoliating acids.
As part of this gradual adjustment, incorporating a gentle exfoliant (such as lactic acid or mandelic acid under 10%, or a soft physical scrub with smooth, rounded particles) once or twice a week can help get rid of dry, dull skin in winter or clear up clogged pores as the weather warms up in spring. But be careful, as exfoliating too often can irritate your skin and do more harm than good.
Maintain these three habits year-round
While your product lineup should shift slightly with the seasons, certain habits should remain throughout the year. Daily cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection are non-negotiables.
Lifestyle factors such as cold exposure, indoor heating, stress, travel, and lack of sleep can negatively impact skin health. For example, dry indoor environments and long-haul flights during winter can significantly dehydrate the skin. Hydrating face masks containing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerine can support recovery and help prevent tightness, flakiness, dullness, or increased sensitivity. These ingredients attract moisture to the skin, help retain hydration, and soothe irritation.
Treat yourself: professional support can elevate your routine
As the seasons shift into winter, your skin may start to feel drier or more sensitive, so switching to hydrating facials or barrier-repair treatments once a week can help your skin adjust. Seeing a professional between seasons can give your routine a helpful boost and target any specific issues before they become long-term concerns.
By anticipating the effect of weather changes and adjusting your products and treatments in advance, you’ll give your skin the best chance to thrive all year long.
Sources:
data collected by https://www.fresha.com/
- Skin Cancer Foundation – Ask the Expert: How Much Sunscreen Should I Be Using on My Face and Body?
- CeraVe – Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid: Their Role in Achieving Beautiful Skin
- True Botanicals – Mandelic Acid vs. Lactic Acid: What To Know
