The Winter Skin Survival Guide

Many of us notice a change in our skin during the winter months. It can feel more textured than usual, dry around the nose and mouth, or flaky between the brows. The primary culprit? A lack of moisture in the air. Dryer air draws moisture away from our skin, behaving much like a sponge soaking up water. This effect is intensified by indoor heating, which further reduces humidity levels and causes our skin to become dehydrated.

Cold weather can also disrupt our skin's natural defences. Our skin’s sebum does a wonderful job at providing a protective barrier for our skin; however, during the winter months, our bodies produce less sebum, leaving our skin more vulnerable to the elements.

Before we dive into our essential products for dry winter skin, here are some basic principles to follow when it’s cold outside. By integrating the right practices into your winter routine, you’ll get much more out of your seasonal skincare:

Covering up not only helps you to stay warm and boost circulation; it's also an important step in shielding your skin from winter's harsh effects. Think of your scarf, gloves, and hat as a suit of armour for your skin, defending it against the onslaught of cold air, wind, and even winter sun. The more layers of protection, the better.

Remember: diet and skin go hand in hand. While topical skincare is essential, what you eat and drink also plays a significant role in your skin's health and resilience. Focus on adequate hydration, healthy fats, and nutrient rich foods while avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine and sugar. That way, you’ll reap maximum benefits from your winter skincare ritual.

Rolling out of bed on a frosty winter’s morning, it can be tempting to jump into a hot shower and stay there a little bit longer than you need to. While this can feel comforting in the moment, it’s not necessarily the best thing for your skin. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight. What’s more, many of us in the UK live in areas with hard water which only adds to this dryness. Try turning your shower’s temperature down just a touch and treat your skin to a shorter soak. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.

Your epidermis — the outermost layer of your skin — constantly renews itself, shedding old skin cells and replacing them with new ones. However, in wintertime, this process can slow down, leading to a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface. To gently remove these skin cells and prevent a flaky, uneven skin texture, reach for a gentle exfoliator a couple of times a week.

Our Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator is the perfect pick for winter because it contains a carefully selected blend of hydrating oils and waxes that nourish the skin while gently helping to shed any build-up. Need to exfoliate those hard-to-reach areas? If you suffer from dry skin on your back, legs, or arms, don’t forget to invest in an exfoliating skin brush. By gently buffing the skin with a natural bristle brush, it’ll remove any flaky patches and help to increase your body’s circulation.

When there’s a sharp, icy bite in the air, a deep moisturiser or serum is your secret weapon. Where possible, try to seek out products that offer plant-powered hydration or contain gentle ingredients, as these are less likely to irritate sensitive winter skin.

Our award-winning Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and coveted Future Restore Serum both contain Padina Pavonica, a brown macroalgae which moisturises the skin, giving it a smoother, plumper appearance. If you adore our Marine Cream but need a touch more hydration, opt for our Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich, which contains emollient Cocoa Butter to provide an extra layer of hydration in winter.

Feel like you can never find anything suitable to quench your skin’s thirst? A nourishing lightweight skin oil is the way to go. The best thing about skin oils is that they not only deliver a much-needed dose of hydration, but they also add a luminous radiance to the skin that’s hard to beat. Suffer from blemish prone skin? It’s a common misconception that those with oily/combination or acne-prone skin don’t need to moisturise. The truth is, hydrating the skin is key to keeping things balanced. This is because the right hydration will prevent your skin from producing too much oil, which can lead to blemishes. 

Rather than going for a rich moisturiser, try something like our skin-balancing Pro-collagen Rose Micro Serum, which supports and strengthens the skin barrier. Lightweight and fast absorbing, it sits perfectly on the skin, while the hydration-boosting red algae and other actives get to work. This gentle skin-quenching formula will help to regulate oil production and ensure your skin isn’t crying out for moisture.

*Independent clinical trial December 2022. Results based on 38 people over 4 weeks. Reading taken 15mins, 1hr, 12hr, 24hr, 48hr & 72hr.

After a long day in the office or out in the cold, it can be easy to let our skincare routines slip. But maintaining a consistent nighttime ritual is crucial for preventing dry skin in winter. Think of it as giving your skin the nourishment and care it needs to repair and rejuvenate while you sleep, so it can face the challenges of winter weather with renewed resilience. 

To give your skin a little extra TLC, start by removing the day's grime and impurities with a hydrating cleanser. It's important to thoroughly remove makeup, as some products, especially those containing alcohol, talc, and certain types of fragrances, can also have a drying effect.

Once the skin is cleansed, apply a nourishing night cream to replenish lost moisture and support your skin's natural overnight repair process. Our Superfood Midnight Facial is perfect for this. Featuring energising Camu Camu (a rich source of Vitamin C), moisturising Cocoa Butter (containing Omega 6 & 9 Fatty Acids), and nourishing Banana Flower Extract, this non-greasy cream works its magic overnight, drenching dull-looking skin in a cocoon of hydration. When paired together, these ingredients create a powerful elixir that helps your skin thrive, even in the depths of winter.

It goes without saying – winter skin hydration requires the right ingredients. Beyond marine algae formulas and plant-based skin butters, there are many other star ingredients that help to maintain moisture and reduce dryness.

Here are some other hydration skincare heroes well worth knowing about: 

Hyaluronic acid: Looking for something gentle-yet-effective? HA has been in the spotlight for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. Found in our Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence, this powerful humectant draws moisture from the air and locks it into the skin. Part of HA’s wide appeal is its versatility. Despite the name, hyaluronic acid is very gentle and non-acidic, making it a great hydration pick for all skin types.

Glycerin: Glycerin is another gentle humectant hero, which is while you’ll find it listed in many of our moisturisers and face creams. Glycerine helps to maintain your skin's natural moisture balance, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and hydrated. If you want to soothe winter dryness and irritation, this is definitely an ingredient to look out for.

Flax Seed Oil: Want an ingredient that’s all about feeding your skin with natural goodness? Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Flax Seed Oil helps to strengthen your skin's natural barrier, seals in moisture, increases hydration levels and helps to improve overall skin tone. You'll find this nourishing ingredient in our Superfood Facial Oil. Use it to even out your complexion and give your skin a healthy radiance boost.

Don't let winter weather dull your radiance. Discover the power of ELEMIS skincare to fortify your skin's natural defenses and maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion throughout the colder months.

Want to spread some skincare cheer this winter? Explore our entire range of winter skincare gifts and empower your friends and loved ones to embrace the season with their most radiant skin yet.