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The Dry Winter Skin Edit

Give your complexion a boost in spite the dual effects of the cold outside and the heating inside.

As winter's frosty embrace tightens its grip this month, our skin often becomes the unwitting victim of the season's harsh elements. Dry, tight or chapped, it can leave us feeling less than radiant and our complexions dull and red. In our dry winter skin edit, we share three factors that can lead to dry skin at this time of year, plus 15 skincare superheroes to rescue your complexion from the big chill.

Dehydrating Winds


Winter winds can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it parched and craving hydration. Blustery weather accelerates water evaporation from the skin's surface, making it prone to dryness. Combat this by incorporating hyaluronic acid into your routine. This moisture-locking marvel attracts and retains water, ensuring your skin stays plump and hydrated. Look for serums or moisturisers with hyaluronic acid as a star ingredient for a hydrating boost.

Central Heating


While escaping the cold and staying indoors, we unwittingly subject our skin to another skin-drying source – central heating – which can sap the air of moisture, leading to a dull and dehydrated complexion. The solution? Seek out hydrating masks or creams enriched with glycerin to combat the effects of heated homes.

Hot Showers & Harsh Cleansers


Indulging in steaming hot showers during winter might feel like a luxurious escape, but it can wreak havoc on your skin. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Opt instead for lukewarm showers and gentle cleansers containing ceramides. These lipid molecules fortify the skin's barrier, preventing moisture loss and promoting a supple, smooth complexion.

15 Dry Winter Skin Saviours

Dr Jart

Dr Jart

Ceramidin Eye Cream, £28

Cerave

Cerave

Facial Moisturiser with Ceramides, £13

The Ordinary

The Ordinary

Soothing and Barrier Support Serum, £17.30

Oskia

Oskia

Bedtime Beauty Boost, £93

Fresh

Fresh

Rose Deep Hydrating Balancing Emulsion, £42

Grown Alchemist

Grown Alchemist

Hydra Restore Cream Cleanser, £33

La Roche Posay

La Roche Posay

Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Face and Body Balm, £18

Avene

Avene

Hyaluron Activ B3 Night Cream, £39

Rose Inc

Rose Inc

Hydration Replenish Microencapsulated Moisturiser, £16

Emma Hardie

Emma Hardie

Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm, £20

Skin Rocks

Skin Rocks

The Rich Moisturiser, £65

Sisley

Sisley

Velvet Sleeping Mask, £106

Sunday Riley

Sunday Riley

Juno Antioxidant and Superfood Face Oil, £54

Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s

Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, £30

Susanne Kauffmann

Susanne Kauffmann

Moisturising Mask, £50

By Lydia Mansi
January 2024

Lydia Mansi

Lifestyle Editor

Lydia is an all-round lifestyle guru, tireless champion of women in business and our resident expert on beauty.

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