Winter Skincare Guide: Protect, Nourish and Shield Your Skin from the Chill
When winter rolls in, so do cold winds, indoor heating, and shorter days, all of which can wreak havoc on your skin. From dry patches and dullness to increased sensitivity, your skin faces new challenges during the colder months. But with the right winter skincare routine (and yes, SPF still matters), you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long.
What Happens to Your Skin in Winter
As the temperature drops, so does the humidity in the air. Your skin naturally loses more moisture, leading to tightness, flakiness, and sometimes irritation. Combine that with central heating and hot showers, and your skin barrier can quickly become compromised, resulting in dryness, redness, and even breakouts.
Even oily or combination skin types can experience dehydration in winter. The skin tries to compensate by producing more sebum, which can lead to congestion. That’s why hydration and barrier protection are at the heart of every good winter routine.
How to Care for Your Skin in Winter
The key to a healthy complexion in winter is to nourish, protect, and support your skin barrier. Let’s break it down:
1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
Avoid foaming or stripping cleansers that can dehydrate your skin. Instead, reach for creamy or oil-based formulas that cleanse while maintaining moisture. If you’re using actives like retinol or acids, gentle cleansing becomes even more important to prevent irritation.
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2. Layer Hydration
Your skin needs extra hydration in the colder months, not just moisturiser, but hydrating serums and mists that boost water levels from within. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin.
Pair your hydrating routine with EVY’s Daily UV Mousse SPF 30 or Daily Defence Face Mousse SPF 50, a Swedish favourite designed for sensitive skin. EVY’s unique mousse technology forms a long-lasting barrier that locks in hydration while protecting against UV and environmental stress.
Explore EVY Technology sunscreens.
3. Don’t Skip SPF (Even in Winter!)
It’s a common misconception that SPF isn’t needed when it’s cloudy or cold. While UVB rays (responsible for sunburn) may weaken in winter, UVA rays (the ones that cause ageing, pigmentation, and long-term damage) are present all year round and penetrate clouds and glass.
If you’re working by a window, driving, or spending time outdoors, daily SPF is non-negotiable.
Top Picks for Winter SPF:
- Ultrasun Face SPF 50+: Lightweight, non-greasy, and packed with antioxidants to protect and soothe dry winter skin.
- Altruist Face Fluid SPF 30 or SPF 50: Affordable, broad-spectrum protection developed by dermatologists for sensitive skin.
- Australian Gold Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 (Fair to Light or Medium to Dark): A mineral formula that gives a natural glow, perfect for dull winter days.
Tip: Choose a formula with added skincare benefits like hydration or antioxidants to simplify your morning routine.
4. Moisturise (and Then Moisturise Some More)
Seal in hydration with a rich, nourishing moisturiser, especially one that contains ceramides, niacinamide, or shea butter to strengthen the skin barrier. Applying your moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp helps lock in water.
For a multitasking option, pair your moisturiser with a layer of EVY Face Mousse or Ultrasun Anti-Age SPF 30, both of which double as protection and hydration in one step.
Shop Moisturisers and Daily SPF.
5. Protect Lips, Hands and High Points
Your lips, nose, and hands are often the first to show signs of dryness. Keep a nourishing balm or hand cream close by, and reapply SPF to your lips daily.
Try:
For ski trips or outdoor walks, a high-altitude sunscreen like Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ is a must. It’s designed for harsh conditions, offering long-lasting protection against intense UV exposure.
Extra Tips for Winter Skin Health
- Humidify your home: Using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water near heaters can help restore moisture to the air.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water (and herbal teas like rooibos or chamomile) keeps your skin supple from within.
- Be gentle with actives: Reduce frequency of retinol or exfoliating acids if your skin feels tight or flaky.
- Protect while skiing or hiking: Reapply SPF every two hours, as snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays.
Shop Your Winter Skincare Routine
At Sun & Skin, we curate trusted, dermatologist-approved suncare and skincare designed to care for your skin all year round, even when the sun feels far away.
Explore our range of winter skincare and suncare essentials, featuring brands like:
- Ultrasun: High-performance Swiss sun protection for sensitive skin
- EVY Technology: Barrier-boosting formulas perfect for dry, winter skin
- Altruist: Dermatologist-developed protection that’s effective and affordable
- Australian Gold: Botanical and tinted SPF for a radiant winter glow
Winter skincare is about balance: hydrating deeply, protecting consistently, and never underestimating the power of SPF, even on the cloudiest days. By supporting your skin barrier and shielding it from invisible UV damage, you’ll enter spring with skin that’s not just protected, but glowing and healthy. The season may be cold, but your skincare routine should stay sun smart.
