The Ultimate Winter Hydration Guide For Glowy Skin

With the cold climes settling in, it’s time to turn our attention to extra skin hydration. With a +129% increase in searches for ‘winter skin care’, and a whopping +1300% increase in searches for the ‘best winter face moisturiser’, it’s clear we’re all in need of a daily dose of dew to boost our skin’s seasonal glow.

So, with the help of Dr Nevianna Bordet – a consultant dermatologist at The Day Clinic— here at Cult Beauty we’ve uncovered the top tips and tricks on how to keep skin looking happy, healthy and glowy... even if the cold weather has other ideas.

But that's not all, offering you more than advice we've hand-picked suggestions to winter-proof your ritual and amplify your glow – from Medik8’s skin-brightening C Tetra Luxe serum, powered by radiance-recovering vitamin C to favourites from fresh (Lotus Youth Preserve Exfoliating Toner, we’re looking at you), we have plenty of products to seamlessly weave into any routine so it’s easy to dial up the brightness. Just a few simple swaps (or additions) can make a big difference at this time of year, and respecting skin’s barrier function is key. So why try low-intervention cleansing (Fig. 1’s Micellar Oil Cleanser is an ultra-gentle way to melt the day without disrupting skin’s defences) and introduce a barrier-bolstering serum? Allies of Skin’s Multi-Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum not only protects but supports skin’s repair and recovery (as well as helping to diminish depth of lines).

WHAT AFFECT DOES THE WINTER SEASON HAVE ON THE SKIN

a collection of three skin casre products and a half eaten bake well tart

With the degrees dipping and our limbs needing extra layers, it’s our skin that is often left exposed to the harsher elements outside. The result? A complexion craving some much-needed TLC. “Our skin becomes very dry and itchy with conditions like eczema being triggered during the winter. Switching from hot and cold temperatures can cause the redness and inflammation associated with sensitivity and the need to wear hats and scarves can trap oil, leading to breakouts” explains Dr Nevianna.

SO, WHAT CHANGES SHOULD WE MAKE TO OUR BEAUTY ROUTINE IN THE WINTER

“As the temperature drops, your skin needs richer formulas to penetrate more layers. Look for moisturisers that contain shea butter, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Cold weather can cause your skin to crack, dry out and lose moisture, so it’s important to keep your skin hydrated to ensure it doesn’t lead to any complications.” Plus, as the skin is the body’s biggest organ, you need to make sure you keep it healthy and protected from any viruses flying around during this time. “Maintaining our moisture levels during the winter, make it easier to transition our skin to other seasons and avoid long term skin irritations.”Switching to a cherishing cleanser is a brilliant way to respect your skin’s needs in the winter. Try a creamy formula (like Kate Somerville’s Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser) which eliminates make up and impurities without upsetting your complexion’s equilibrium. And look for formulas infused with barrier-boosting ceramides to supplement your skin’s defences. Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Cream is great for skin that’s suffering from the inflammatory effects of the elements, while SUMMER FRIDAYS’ Jet Lag Mask repairs and replenishes skin that’s been over-exposed to the cold. Soothing, softening and supporting skin’s barrier function is of the essence, and few things rival the restorative, regenerative powers of Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream – an indulgent, clinically advanced formula that fortifies and bolster’s skin’s resilience.

WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID IN OUR BEAUTY ROUTINE DURING WINTER

“Avoid harsh products that include alcohol and fragrances. These ingredients can cause skin irritation and dry out skin. Instead, opt for products that are light and target sensitive skin – even if you don’t have irritation. Also, avoid using any type of strong exfoliant. Look for comforting, hydrating sheet masks or a cream with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or panthenol. If you’re after more limb-loving tips, you can read a comprehensive guide on winter skin care here.

DR NEVIANNA BODET’S WINTER HYDRATION TIPS

Now we’ve learnt why winter plays havoc on our skin, it’s time to dive into how we can help our complexion look luminous and glowy during this time.

MOISTURISE DAY AND NIGHT

Use thick, emollient-rich moisturisers to lock in hydration. Look for creams with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin or hyaluronic acid to have the best effects of hydration.

280.00€

42.94€

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (Various Sizes)

20.34€

LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Cream Moisturiser 50ml

37.86€

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich 50ml

27.12€

58.76€

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream 50ml

179

39.55€

80.00€

USE A HYDRATING CLEANSER

A gentle, hydrating cleanser is important as it won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid using harsh soaps that can lead to dryness.

The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser 150ml

36.16€

32.00€

15.81€

Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser 200ml

37.29€

Avène Tolerance Control Extremely Gentle Cleanser for Very Sensitive Skin 200ml

18.02€

WEAR SPF

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, even in winter. UV rays can still affect your skin and some sunscreens also provide additional moisture - just because it’s cloudy, it doesn’t mean the UV rays aren’t affecting your skin.

Lancaster Invisible Face Fluid SPF30 30ml

27.12€

Sun Bum Original Glow Lotion SPF 30+ 59ml

23.72€

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 120ml

39.55€

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+ 50ml

197

22.60€

41.25€

ALWAYS HAVE A LIP BALM HANDY

Use a hydrating lip balm to protect your lips from chapping. Remember your lips are part of your skin too, so they’re just as important and shouldn’t be neglected. If you can’t get hold of a lip balm, use your face moisturiser.

8.70€

20.34€

OLE HENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment 12ml

19.21€

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask - Berry (Original) 20g

287

23.73€

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm 15g (Various Shades)

2532

25.90€

EXFOLIATE GENTLY

Regularly using an exfoliator on your skin to remove dead skin cells but do so gently to avoid irritation and drying your skin out even more.

OLE HENRIKSEN Lemonade Smoothing Scrub 30g

14.69€

28.25€

Caudalie Vinoclean Deep Cleansing Exfoliator 75ml

25.90€

WISHFUL Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

18.65€

DR NEVIANNA BODET’S DOS AND DON’TS FOR GLOWY WINTER SKIN

1. DO INVEST IN A HUMIDIFYER

Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, which can help prevent your skin from drying out

2. DO DRINK MORE WATER

Keeping our bodies hydrated with water is also essential to keeping our skin looking radiant. Drinking enough water can help improve blood flow in your skin – including your face. In addition, it can reduce breakouts and is one of the simplest ways to improve skin health. And how much water should we be drinking you ask? “Water intake varies for everyone, but the rule of thumb is to drink two plus liters a day.”

3. DON’T TAKE HOT SHOWERS, TAKE WARM SHOWERS INSTEAD

Take shorter, warm showers instead of hot ones, as hot water can dehydrate your skin. If you want to improve the circulation in your skin, finish off with a cold blast of water - this can help reduce pores and tighten skin.

4. DON’T DRINK COLD WATER

Stay hydrated from the inside by drinking room temperature water throughout the day to hydrate your skin. Why? Because lukewarm water is the gentlest on the skin.

WINTER SKIN FAQs

three skin care products placed on a green background. products are agustinus bader the rich cream, kate sommerville cleanser and summer fridays serum

Which vitamin is best for your skin during winter?

The best vitamin for your skin during the winter is vitamin C. With the lack of sunshine during the winter months, adding a dose of vitamin C into your routine will help brighten your complexion and bring back some glow.

Which serum is best for glowing skin in winter?

The best serums for glowing skin during the winter are formulas which include hyaluronic acid. Not only does this hero ingredient attract and retain moisture, but it plumps the skin, boosts the look of elasticity and supports your skin barrier function— all essential in ensuring your complexion is cared for during winter.

What is your body lacking when you have dry skin?

There is a plethora of reasons as to why you may have dry skin and usually it’s because you are lacking in a variety of nutrients and vitamins including vitamin C, D and A as well as vitamin B3, zinc and iron. This is why using skin care packed with hardworking minerals and vitamins can do wonders for your complexion.

Now that you understand the causes behind your winter skin woes and have the tools to keep it nourished and hydrated, you're all set to face the cold with confidence.

Rina Teslica Writer and expert

Rina is Cult Beauty’s Junior SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or co-hosting her own parenting one, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.

THE ULTIMATE WINTER HYDRATION GUIDE FOR GLOWY SKIN

IN THIS ARTICLE

WHAT AFFECT DOES THE WINTER SEASON HAVE ON THE SKIN

SO, WHAT CHANGES SHOULD WE MAKE TO OUR BEAUTY ROUTINE IN THE WINTER

WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID IN OUR BEAUTY ROUTINE DURING WINTER