Say Goodbye to Winter Dullness: How to Keep Your Skin Glowing All Season Long (and Why You Need to!)

Winter can be cold and windy, and you are probably feeling it right now.  That chilly winter air makes you get out your woollies, scarves and gloves and sip endless cups of herbal tea. Winter can be magical, but your skin might be quietly crying out for help.

Now, imagine your skin like a castle with protective walls. In summer, those walls are strong, flexible, and well-guarded. But in winter? The cold, dry air and indoor heating sneak in, stealing your precious moisture and leaving your skin feeling tight, flaky, and dull.

If you’ve ever woken up in winter and thought, “Why does my face feel so dry?”, you’re definitely not alone. Over 80% of people experience dry or dehydrated skin during winter months! 

Fun fact: Your lips are the first to show dryness and flakiness because they lack oil glands. That’s why they chap so easily!

But here’s the great news: you don’t have to live with dull, irritated skin during winter. With the right tools and a bit of self-love, you can enjoy beautiful skin through winter. 

Why Your Skin Changes in Winter (And Why It Matters)

Have you ever noticed your favourite summer moisturiser suddenly is not enough? Or that your skin feels sensitive and red after stepping outside?

That’s because winter air is cold and dry, and indoor heating sucks the moisture out of your skin. The result? Your skin barrier (your castle walls!) weakens, causing moisture to escape. 

When this happens, your skin can’t protect itself as well. You might see:

• Flaky patches (aka "crocodile skin")

• Increased fine lines (yep, dehydration can make them look deeper!)

• Redness and sensitivity

• Breakouts, yes, even in winter!

I once met a client named Emma during a winter training session at a salon. She thought she had dry skin and had given up on skincare altogether. Her skin was tight, blotchy, and dull. After just one tailored treatment and switching her to a hydrating, barrier-repairing routine, her skin was transformed. Emma's skin was glowing, she felt more confident, and loved the treatment!

That’s the magic of understanding your skin’s seasonal needs.

Your Winter Skincare: What (and Why!)

Now let’s get to skincare. It’s not just about what to use, but why, so you can understand the science behind it.

1. Gentle, Nourishing Cleanser

Harsh foaming cleansers are like using dishwashing liquid on delicate silk. Instead, switch to a creamy, oil-based, or balm cleanser that removes impurities without stripping your natural oils.

Why? Because maintaining that protective oil layer is vital for hydration and barrier strength.

2. Hydrating Toner or Essence

Imagine a dry sponge versus a damp sponge. Which one absorbs moisture better? Exactly! A hydrating toner preps your skin to absorb the goodness of serums and moisturizers that follow.

Look for toners with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. They’re like a big glass of water for your skin!

3. Replenishing Serum

Think of serums as your skin’s personal coaches. They’re packed with active ingredients that address dehydration, dullness, or sensitivity head-on.

For winter, a serum rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide will plump, soothe, and strengthen your barrier.

4. Rich, Barrier-Repairing Moisturiser

Your moisturiser is like a cozy woollen jumper for your face. In colder months, you need a thicker, more emollient formula to seal in hydration and protect against environmental stressors.

Look for ingredients like shea butter, squalane, or fatty acids.

5. Sunscreen (Yes, Even in Winter!)

“Wait… sunscreen in winter?” You bet! Up to 80% of UV rays still reach us, even on cloudy days. Think of sunscreen as your invisible umbrella against ageing and sun damage.

6. Weekly Exfoliation & Masks

Exfoliation is like gently sweeping away old, tired skin cells to reveal your fresh, radiant self underneath. But be cautious! Over-exfoliating can harm your barrier.

Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid once a week, followed by a deeply hydrating mask. It’s the perfect self-care ritual for a chilly Sunday afternoon, blanket, book, mask on… bliss!

Fun Fact: Why Hot Showers Are a No-No For Your Face

As much as we all love a steamy shower on a frosty day, hot water can strip natural oils and dehydrate your skin further.

Try lukewarm water on your face and limit your showers to under 10 minutes. Then slather on your moisturiser immediately after, while your skin is still damp, to lock in all that moisture.

It’s Not Just Your Face: Don’t Forget the Rest!

Your lips, hands, and body deserve some love, too!

• Use a rich lip balm with SPF (yep, your lips can get sun damage even in winter).

• Keep hand cream by your bedside and apply it before sleep, I like to call it a “sleeping mask for hands!”

• Switch to nourishing shower oils or creams, and follow with a lush body butter or oil.

Little daily acts of care build up to big results over time, and your future self will thank you, trust me. 

The Secret Sauce: Lifestyle Tweaks for Winter Glow

Skincare doesn’t stop at products, it’s a lifestyle.

Hydrate from within: Herbal teas, soups, and plenty of water keep your skin cells happy. I personally have at least 8 cups of herbal tea daily, from zingy lemon-ginger to soothing rose hip.

Eat good fats: Omega-3s and healthy fats help strengthen your skin barrier from the inside out. Think avocados, nuts, salmon, and olive oil.

Beauty sleep is real: Your skin regenerates at night. Aim for 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your skin. Find small daily joys, a walk, dance break, or simply breathing mindfully.

My Personal Winter Night Ritual (Steal It!)

On cold nights, I light a soft candle, put on my favourite playlist, and begin my slow, nurturing night routine.

1. Cleansing oil - removes make-up, sunscreen.
2. Milky cleanser - to soften and hydrate my skin and manage my rosacea.
3. Toner - a gentle pat, hydrating and brightening, preparing my skin for the ritual.
4. Exfoliant - once a week, to slough off dry skin and smooth the texture.
5. Deep pore cleanser - once/twice a week, to deeply cleanse and refine the pores.
6. Eye cream - I have used an eye cream since I was nineteen years old and happy to report it has worked! I have a few wrinkles around my eyes!
7. Hydrating serum & night cream— massaging it in, smoothing away the wrinkles, visualising each drop sealing in softness.
8. Neck serum - I have started using a neck serum in the last 10 years to firm up my neck. Looking not bad for a 55-year-old!
9. Face oil - to replenish ceramides and fatty acids, nutrition for the skin! I like to use my gua sha tool to depuff and firm the skin.
10. Lip serum - because I love plump lips! I almost never have chapped lips.
11. Hand cream - I keep it on my bedside table, and when I'm getting ready for bed, I love to treat my hands and nails.

These rituals turn skincare into soul care. And let’s face it, we all need a little extra kindness in winter.

Ready to Transform Your Skin This Winter?

If you’re thinking, “I’d love a step-by-step guide to make all this easy,” I’ve got you covered!

My book, Winter Skin: The Seasonal Skincare Solution, is your ultimate winter skin companion. It’s packed with:

• The science behind winter skin changes

• Ingredient breakdowns (so you know exactly what to look for!)

• Practical routines for every skin type

• Fun facts, inspiring stories, and gentle nudges to love yourself

Plus, it comes with a FREE Winter Skincare Routine Planner to help you create a customised daily ritual that feels as comforting as your favourite woolly scarf.

Let’s Get Your Glow Back!

Winter doesn’t have to mean giving up your glow. By understanding what your skin craves and why, you can turn this season into a time of radiance and renewal.

Remember: your skin is a mirror of your daily habits. What will your mirror show in 10 years?

If you’re ready to fall in love with your skin again, grab your copy of Winter Skin here — and let’s glow through winter together.

P.S. Want to ask questions or share your winter skin wins? Join my Facebook group or find me on Instagram, I love seeing your journeys!