Winter in the UK brings chilly winds, low humidity, and indoor heating, all of which can wreak havoc on your skin. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or dullness, adjusting your skincare routine is essential to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion during the colder months.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ultimate winter skincare routine tailored to UK weather, ensuring your skin stays hydrated, protected, and radiant. We’ll also highlight some must-have products, including COSRX and Sensoo Skincare, to help you build the perfect winter regimen.
Gentle Cleansing: Say No to Stripping Your Skin
During winter, the skin’s natural moisture barrier is more vulnerable. A harsh cleanser can strip away essential oils, leading to irritation and flakiness. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes dirt and impurities without over-drying.
Best Cleansers for Winter:
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser – This gentle cleanser balances your skin’s pH while providing hydration.
- Sensoo Skincare Hydrating Cleansing Balm – A nourishing balm that melts away makeup and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier.
Tip: Avoid foaming cleansers with sulfates as they can be too harsh for winter skin.
Hydration Boost: Layering is Key
Cold weather and indoor heating deplete moisture levels in your skin, making hydration a top priority. Layering hydrating products can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Step-by-Step Hydration Routine:
- Hydrating Toner – Look for toners with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and centella asiatica to soothe and plump the skin.
- Essence or Serum – A hyaluronic acid serum like the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence provides deep hydration.
- Moisturizer – Opt for a thicker moisturizer with ceramides and squalane to seal in hydration.
Tip: Apply products on damp skin to enhance absorption and hydration.
Lock in Moisture with the Right Moisturizer
Your summer moisturizer won’t cut it in winter! The key to soft, hydrated skin is using a richer, occlusive moisturizer that prevents moisture loss.
Best Moisturizers for Winter:
- Sensoo Skincare Intensive Repair Cream – A luxurious, deeply hydrating cream enriched with ceramides and botanical extracts.
- COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream – Strengthens the skin barrier and prevents dryness.
Tip: If your skin is extra dry, add a few drops of facial oil (like rosehip or squalane) to your moisturizer for an extra boost.
Protect Your Skin Barrier
Winter can weaken your skin’s natural protective barrier, making it prone to irritation and redness. Strengthening the skin barrier with ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides is essential.
How to Protect Your Skin Barrier:
- Use Barrier-Repairing Ingredients – Products with ceramides, peptides, and fatty acids restore and strengthen your skin.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliation – Stick to 1-2 times a week for chemical exfoliation to prevent irritation.
- Apply a Sleeping Mask – The COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask deeply nourishes overnight.
Tip: Reduce the use of strong actives (like retinol and AHAs) if your skin becomes more sensitive in winter.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen (Yes, Even in Winter!)
Many people think sunscreen is only for summer, but UV rays are present year-round and can still cause skin damage during winter. Snow and ice can reflect UV rays, increasing exposure.
Best Winter Sunscreens:
- COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 – Lightweight yet hydrating, perfect for winter wear.
- Sensoo Skincare Daily Defense SPF 50 – Offers broad-spectrum protection with added hydration.
Tip: Choose a sunscreen with moisturizing properties to prevent dryness while staying protected.
Special Care for Lips and Hands
Lips and hands often suffer the most in winter, becoming dry, cracked, and uncomfortable. Lip balms and hand creams should be winter essentials in your routine.
Winter Lip & Hand Care Routine:
- Lip Balm – Use a nourishing lip balm with shea butter, beeswax, or lanolin to keep lips soft.
- Hand Cream – Opt for a rich, non-greasy hand cream with ingredients like glycerin and urea.
Tip: Exfoliate lips once a week using a sugar scrub to remove dead skin before applying balm.
Hydration from Within: Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin
Great skincare isn’t just about products—it’s also about lifestyle habits that keep your skin healthy from the inside out.
Winter Skincare Lifestyle Tips:
Drink Enough Water – Central heating can dehydrate your skin, so keep up with your water intake.
Use a Humidifier – Helps combat dry indoor air and keeps skin hydrated.
Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods – Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Reduce Hot Showers – Hot water can strip natural oils, leading to dryness. Stick to lukewarm water.
Tip: Sleep with a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent moisture loss overnight.
Conclusion
Winter skincare in the UK is all about hydration, protection, and barrier repair. With the right products, including COSRX and Sensoo Skincare, you can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and resilient despite the harsh weather.
By following this ultimate winter skincare routine, you’ll be able to maintain a radiant complexion all season long. Stay consistent, listen to your skin’s needs, and enjoy soft, supple skin all winter!
