The Ideal Winter Skincare Routine & Tips

Let's Talk About Your Winter Skincare Routine

Why is it that as soon as the winter chill arrives, your skin starts to protest? If you're tired of that tight, itchy, or stinging feeling that cold winds bring on, help is at hand.

The combination of cold air, low humidity, and central heating is a serious challenge for your skin. They strip away your skin's natural oils, weakening its barrier. This is when you see dryness, irritation, and even flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema.

But it is possible to feel comfortable in your own skin, even in the depths of winter. A few simple changes can help you build a routine that supports and nourishes your skin barrier. Here are our tips for maintaining soft, healthy skin all season long.

1. Swap 'Light' Lotions for 'Barrier-Protecting' Creams

The moisturiser you used in July won't be enough for December. Winter skin needs products that do two jobs: add hydration (water) and seal it in (oils/lipids).

Look for a thicker, nourishing moisturiser that supports your skin barrier. Ingredients to look for include:

• Ceramides - To help rebuild the skin's natural barrier.
• Hyaluronic Acid - To draw moisture into the skin.
• Glycerin - A powerful humectant that holds onto hydration.

If you use treatments for conditions like acne, which can also be drying, it's even more important to follow up with a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturiser to prevent irritation.

2. Hydrate from the Inside Out

It's an easy tip to overlook, but what you drink is just as important as what you put on your skin. Staying well-hydrated helps keep your skin supple and resilient. You may not feel as thirsty in cold weather, but your body still loses moisture - especially in dry, centrally-heated rooms. Keep a water bottle nearby to remind you to sip throughout the day.

3. Care for Your Body, Not Just Your Face

It's easy to focus on your face, but the skin on your body is just as exposed to the drying effects of winter. Layered clothing and indoor heating can leave legs, arms, and elbows feeling dry and itchy.

Apply a gentle body treatment every day, ideally right after you shower to lock in moisture. Rich creams or nourishing oils, like Bio-Oil, are perfect for targeting extra-dry areas.

Your hands and feet need special attention. Gloves and heavy socks are great for warmth, but they can trap moisture and heat, creating an environment for fungal infections. If you notice symptoms of Athlete’s Foot (like itchy, scaly skin between the toes), speak to our pharmacist. A simple treatment like Canesten Cream can resolve it quickly.

4. Keep Your Skin Moisturised

A reliable moisturiser is your single most important product in winter. Because the cold air holds less humidity, moisture is constantly being pulled from your skin (a process called transepidermal water loss).

Your goal is to slow this down. A great option, especially for those with very dry or sensitive skin, is Balneum Cream for Dry Skin. It’s formulated to help restore your skin's barrier and lock in hydration, providing relief for that tight, itchy feeling. Apply it generously, especially at night.

5. Eat to Support Your Skin Barrier

Healthy skin truly starts from within. The NHS suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can help your skin stay resilient and repair itself. Try to include plenty of:

• Leafy greens (like spinach and kale)

• Root vegetables (like carrots and beetroot)

• Berries (even frozen ones are packed with nutrients)

• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables

These foods provide the nutrients your skin needs to build a strong natural barrier.

6. Turn Down the Tap - Why Hot Showers Can Be Drying

We know - a long, steaming-hot shower feels incredible on a cold day. Unfortunately, that intense heat can cause dry skin. The hot water strips your skin's natural oils (your 'sebum'), which are essential for keeping your skin barrier intact.

Try to keep showers or baths shorter and use warm, not scalding, water. When you're done, gently pat your skin dry with a towel (don't rub!) and apply your moisturiser immediately while your skin is still slightly damp. This locks in that final layer of hydration.

7. Wash Smarter with a Gentle Cleanser or Emollient

If your skin feels "squeaky clean" after washing, your cleanser is probably too harsh. That feeling is often a sign that your natural oils have been stripped away.

For very dry, itchy, or sensitive skin, consider switching your soap or body wash to a shower emollient. These products cleanse the skin effectively without removing its essential oils. They are especially helpful for managing eczema, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable right out of the shower.

8. Don't Put the SPF Away

This is one of the most common mistakes we see. It’s easy to think that if the sun isn't warm, it isn't harmful. But UVA and UVB rays are present all year round, even on cloudy, grey days.

What's more, snow and ice can reflect the sun's rays, increasing your exposure. Make applying a broad-spectrum SPF (at least SPF 30) to your face and any other exposed skin a non-negotiable part of your morning routine.

9. Be Proactive with Eczema and Dry Skin Flare-ups

If you live with a condition like eczema or psoriasis, you already know that winter is prime time for flare-ups. The key is to be proactive, not just reactive.

• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise - Use your emollients generously and frequently, even when your skin feels fine. This maintains the barrier and can prevent a flare-up from starting.

• Choose fragrance-free formulas to avoid irritation.

• If your symptoms worsen, don't just wait for it to pass. Our pharmacist can recommend the right over-the-counter products to help calm inflammation, relieve itching, and protect your skin.

10. Check Your Labels for Drying Alcohols

Not all alcohols in skincare are "bad," but some can be very drying, especially in winter. If your toner or cleanser makes your skin feel tight, check the ingredients list. Be wary of ingredients like SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, especially high up on the list. Instead, look for "fatty" alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol, which are non-irritating and can actually be good for dry skin.

Winter Skincare FAQs

Below, we've answered the most common FAQs surounding winter skincare.

Why does my skin get so dry in winter?

It's the mixture of cold outdoor air (which holds less moisture), harsh winds, and dry indoor heating. This combination constantly draws moisture from your skin and weakens its natural protective barrier, leading to that tight, dry, and irritated feeling.

How often should I moisturise?

At least twice a day (morning and night) is ideal. It's especially important to moisturise right after washing your face or bathing, as this locks in the moisture from the water.

Should I change my whole skincare routine in winter?

Not necessarily your whole routine, but you should definitely adapt it. You might just need to swap your lightweight summer moisturiser for a richer cream and perhaps switch to a gentler, more hydrating cleanser.

Can I still exfoliate during winter?

Yes, but gently! Exfoliating once a week can help remove dry, flaky skin and allow your moisturiser to absorb better. Avoid harsh physical scrubs and opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid) or a very soft cloth. Over-exfoliating will only irritate your skin further.

Is SPF really necessary in winter?

Absolutely. UV rays don't take a winter holiday. They can still cause damage and premature ageing, even on the cloudiest days.

Take Care of Your Skin This Winter with 121 Pharmacy

At 121 Pharmacy, we understand how uncomfortable dry winter skin can be. We stock a wide range of winter skincare essentials to help you stay comfortable and protected all season long.

From nourishing moisturisers like Balneum Cream for Dry Skin to gentle cleansers, emollients, and targeted treatments, we have everything you need to support your skin.

Explore our full range of winter skincare online, or speak to our friendly, expert pharmacy team for free, personalised advice. We're always happy to help you find the perfect products for your skin.