How to keep your skin nourished and glowing all winter
Winter can be one of the harshest seasons for our skin. Constantly moving between freezing outdoor temperatures and warm, dry central heating indoors can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, sensitivity, dehydration, and a dull, lacklustre complexion. For many people, winter can also exacerbate existing skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema.
The good news is that with a few mindful adjustments, both externally through skincare and internally through nutrition and lifestyle, you can support healthy, nourished, and glowing skin throughout the colder months. A seasonal shift in products, a little extra self-care, and attention to what you feed your skin from within can make all the difference.
Below are some effective ways to support winter skin health naturally.
Modify your skincare routine for winter
Switch to cream or oil-based cleansers during winter, as these are less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils. Avoid over-cleansing, which can compromise the skin barrier and worsen dryness.
While exfoliation is still important, winter is not the time to over-exfoliate. Opt for gentler exfoliation methods to prevent irritation and inflammation.
Choose a rich moisturiser that supports and protects the skin barrier. Always apply face and body moisturiser immediately after washing or bathing to lock in moisture. Night-time facial oils, such as rosehip oil, are especially beneficial for dry winter skin. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C, which helps brighten and support collagen production. I personally love Aromatherapy Associates’ Anti-Ageing Intensive Skin Treatment Oil, containing lavender and vitamin E, both soothing and nourishing for sensitive, forty-plus skin.
My winter skincare staples also include the Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask, Hilltop Honey Lip Balm, Ancient + Brave collagen, and Sukin Rose Face Mist, which I spritz throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated while working at my desk.
Moisturise the skin from the inside out
Healthy fats are essential for winter skin hydration. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, supplements, and oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies, help reduce inflammation and support skin moisture from within. Avocados, coconut oil, and olive oil also play an important role in maintaining a strong, hydrated skin barrier during the colder months.
Eat a balanced, skin-supporting diet
A radiant complexion starts with a nutrient-dense, colourful diet rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. Think in terms of eating the rainbow:
Red: cranberries, frozen berries, tomatoes, peppers
Yellow: lemon, ginger, squash, yellow peppers, golden beetroot
Green: broccoli, leafy greens, kiwi
Purple: beetroot, figs, red cabbage, purple carrots
Orange: carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, turmeric, clementines
White: garlic, onion, cauliflower, turnip
For healthy winter skin, include these key nutrients regularly:
Vitamin E (almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach), which supports skin repair and protection
Vitamin C (kale, spinach, blood oranges, frozen berries), which supports collagen synthesis
Zinc (pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, oysters, shellfish, chicken), which aids wound healing and inflammation
Gut-supporting foods (prebiotics and probiotics), which help to nourish the gut–skin axis
Hydration matters
Hydrating your skin from within is just as important as topical skincare. Aim for 1.5–2 litres of water daily, supplemented with herbal teas. Rosehip and hibiscus teas are wonderful winter choices, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that support skin health.
Avoid hot baths and showers
As tempting as they are in winter, hot baths and steamy showers can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen dryness. Stick to lukewarm water, especially if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, as excessive heat can increase inflammation.
Prioritise sleep for glowing skin
Sleep is one of the most powerful (and underrated) beauty tools, especially in winter. While we sleep, our skin repairs and regenerates. Extra rest helps prevent dullness, dehydration, and under-eye circles. Embrace your inner sleeping beauty, winter is definitely the season for it.
Embrace bare-faced days
I love choosing a few make up free days each week. After a nourishing morning skincare routine, I let my skin breathe for the rest of the day. This reduces exposure to potentially irritating ingredients and encourages self-acceptance. It also allows you to notice signs your body may need more rest, hydration, or dietary support.
Reduce what dulls your glow
Alcohol, excess caffeine, sugar, and ultra-processed foods can all dull the complexion. Consider healthier swaps, such as replacing coffee with matcha or a turmeric latte. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and supports glowing skin by fighting free radical damage and slowing visible signs of ageing.
Use a humidifier
Indoor heating dries out the air, which can quickly dehydrate the skin. Using a humidifier at home helps restore moisture to the environment and can significantly support dry, winter-stressed skin.
Wishing you a glowing winter.
DISCLAIMER: This journal is for information only and does not constitute or include any advice of any nature whatsoever. No reliance should be placed on the information or opinions in this journal. The reader should carry out their own research and consult with a suitably qualified medical practitioner.