When the temperature changes in the colder months, your skin can be affected from the cold air, indoor heating in your car and home, and the low humidity. This can cause damage to your skin’s protective barrier, leaving it dry, tight, and more prone to sensitivity and reactions. Therefore, dermatologists have unanimously agree that your winter skincare products should be different from your summer products.
At Dr Skincare UK, we’ve selected the top skincare products recommended by dermatologists to help you ensure your skin is hydrated, and protected all throughout the winter months. Depending on your skincare concerns you may need a rich anti-aging cream, a hydrating and soothing cleanser, and specified treatment serums. We have a wide range of brands to address all concerns including brands such as CeraVe and La Roche Posay.
Why Skin Changes in Winter
Winter skincare challenges happen to everyone, even those without existing problems. Theres numerous why your skin acts differently in cold weather:
- Dry Air: Colder air holds less moisture in it, which means there is an increased water loss in the skin.
- Heating: Central heating systems dries the air out further, therefore reducing the skins natural oils.
- Hot Showers: A comforting habit that can compromise the skin barrier and cause tightness or flaking.
- High winds: Wind can irritate and damage the outermost skin layer, often leading to redness and sensitivity.
- UV skin damage: Although the sun may be less noticeable in the winter months, UV rays still come through the clouds and can damage your skin barrier.
As the seasons change, so should your skincare products. During winter you need to prioritise barrier protection, hydration, and exfoliation.
Dermatologist-Approved Winter Skincare Essentials
Here’s dermatologists’ top picks for winter skincare products, we have split them up to support every step of your winter skincare routine, with shopping links to Dr Skincare UK:
1. Cleansers that don’t strip but instead nourish your skin
Your winter cleanser should remove dirt and makeup without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. The colder air combined with central heating can reduce the moisture in the skin resulting in dehydrated and irritated skin. Therefore, its pivotal that all your winter skincare essentials focus on boosting hydration.
- Why we love it: This non-foaming cleanser contains 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate while cleansing and protect the skins barrier.
- Most suited for: Normal, dry, or sensitive skin.
- Hot Tip: Use lukewarm water and avoid foaming cleansers to ensure gentle yet effective cleansing.
2. Hydrating Serums to Lock in Moisture
Serums with humectants help draw moisture into the skin, which is critical in cold climates. Focus on selecting serums with rich formulas with hyaluronic acid or alternatives to properly hydrate and plump the skin.
Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops
- Why we love it: With radish root, cocoa seed extract, and antioxidants. This serum calms, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier against pollutants.
- Most suited for: Dehydrated, irritated, or sensitive winter skin.
3. Rich Moisturisers That Repair and Protect
Moisturising is essential in winter to prevent dryness, flaking, and tightness. During the winter seek out rich moisturisers to make up for the dehydration in the skin due to the colder air.
Cetaphil Daily Defence Face Moisturiser
- Why we love it: Containing ceramides and SPF. This lightweight formula provides protection from the winter sun.
- Most suited for: Sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer
- Why we love it: Ideal for oily skin; has a mattifying effect to reduce extra oils whilst absorbing quickly yet deeply hydrating.
- Most suited for: Oily skin.
4. Gentle Exfoliants.
Even in winter, exfoliation is still required to remove dead skin cells and improve product absorption. Exfoliants also aid in the renewal of the skin barrier, through shedding dry skin and using a rich moisturiser you can maintain a radiant complexion all year long.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
- Why we love it: A two-step process to exfoliate and nourish the skin to reduce signs of aging. This exfoliation process contains two acids, which has been suggested to be used once a week.
- Most suited for: Those with skincare concerns surrounding aging.
Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Lactic Cleanser
Why we love it: Two-in-one exfoliant and cleanser which effectively removes dead skin cells and build up. Perfect anti-aging product, as well as for increasing general cell turnover to maintain a hydrated complexion.
Most suited for: Combination skin
5. Anti-Aging Creams That Nourish and Protect
Cold air can make fine lines more noticeable through drying the skin out. Anti-aging creams that combine active ingredients and hydration are ideal.
CeraVe Anti-Aging Face Cream with SPF
Why we love it: Retinol smooths fine lines and boosts collagen, combining this with SPF to maximise the anti-aging effects.
Most Suited For: Mature Skin.
Dermalogica Age Clearing Clear & Brightening Kit
Why we love it: Helps maintain youthful skin through using active ingredients to rid the skin of pollutants.
Best suited for: Youthful Skin
6. SPF: Your Daily Winter Sun Protection
Even during the winter months, UVA rays can cause aging and long-term skin barrier damage.
CeraVe Facial Hydrating Moisturising Lotion With SPF 25
Why We Love It: A non-greasy moisturiser, with a built in SPF to protect and hydrate the skin during the winter months. With three essential ceramides to guarantee all day hydration.
Best Suited For: All Skin Types
Tip: Use SPF even on cloudy days or when indoors near windows.
Additional Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
Adopting good skincare routine and combining these with healthy habits can maximise the benefits of your skincare:
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom to combat dry air within the home.
- Drink 3L of water to stay hydrated from the inside out.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol-based toners.
- Gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, avoid using towels.
- Layer skincare from thinnest to thickest to fully see the benefit.
Lastly, winter can be challenging for your skin, but with the right products and routine, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion year-round. Trusted by dermatologists, brands like CeraVe and Paula’s Choice offer science-backed solutions for hydration, repair, and rejuvenation.
