What does winter do to your skin?

Winter dries the skin because cold air holds less moisture, wind strips the skin's surface, and central heating creates warm, dry indoor air. Together, they weaken the skin's barrier, so it loses water more easily. That's why many people notice tightness, flaking, redness or dullness from October onwards.

Skin that's already dry or sensitive tends to feel it most, but even oily skin can become dehydrated in winter. Our guide to dry vs dehydrated skin explains how to tell the difference.

How should you change your winter skincare routine?

A winter skincare routine should focus on protecting and replenishing the skin's barrier. Switch to a gentler cleanser, use a richer moisturiser, add a hydrating serum, ease off strong exfoliants and keep wearing SPF every morning.

Morning

• Cleanse gently with lukewarm water, or simply rinse if your skin is very dry.
• Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
• Use a richer moisturiser with ceramides or fatty acids.
• Finish with SPF 30 or higher.

Evening

• Remove makeup and cleanse with a creamy or balm cleanser.
• Use your treatment products, such as retinol, a few nights a week.
• Apply a nourishing moisturiser, and a little extra on dry patches.

Gina's tip: Turn the shower temperature down a notch. Long, hot showers feel lovely in winter, but they strip your skin's natural oils faster than anything else.

The American Academy of Dermatology's tips for relieving dry skin include short, lukewarm showers and moisturising straight after washing, which are especially useful in winter.

Do you need SPF in winter?

Yes. UVA, the part of sunlight linked to ageing and pigmentation, reaches your skin all year round, including on cloudy days and through windows. Wearing SPF 30 or higher every day in winter protects your skin and any treatment results. The NHS recommends at least 4-star UVA protection when choosing a sunscreen.

Which treatments work well in winter?

Winter is one of the best times for resurfacing treatments, because weaker sun makes aftercare easier. Chemical peels and microneedling work well from autumn to early spring, and a SKINSTORM facial is ideal for dull, dehydrated winter skin. Our guide to the best time of year for chemical peels explains why.

• SKINSTORM: deep hydration and a reset for dull, tired skin.
• Chemical peels: brighten skin and help products absorb.
• Dermaplaning: removes dry, flaky build-up for smoother skin.

When to see a GP

If your skin becomes very dry, cracked, itchy, red or sore in winter, or doesn't improve with moisturiser, it could be eczema or another skin condition, and it's worth seeing your GP or a pharmacist.

How much do winter treatments cost?

At Gina Rose Beauty, SKINSTORM starts from £175, chemical peels from £40, dermaplaning £40 and microneedling from £100. We'll help you build a winter skincare routine, and choose the right treatment, at your free consultation.

About the author

Gina is the owner of Gina Rose Beauty in Sutton Coldfield and has over 10 years' experience in the beauty industry. She specialises in advanced skincare and runs a fully accredited training academy for aspiring beauty professionals. Meet Gina and the team. Last reviewed: October 2026.

Book a free skin consultation in Sutton Coldfield

Struggling with winter skin? Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll recommend a routine and treatment plan for the colder months. Book your free skin consultation on Fresha

You can also read more about what happens at a skin consultation, the SKINSTORM facial, or explore all our skincare treatments.

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