By Winter in Australia might not always look like a snow globe, but it sure knows how to suck the life out of your skin. From cooler winds to blasting indoor heaters, your face is about to go through the seasonal wringer. That’s why adjusting your skincare routine in the colder months isn’t optional—it’s essential. With a few smart swaps, your face can stay plump, dewy, and flake-free all winter long. And no, you don’t need a trolley full of products—just a few essentials that actually work. That’s where active skincare products like the best moisturiser for dry skin, and a gentle sensitive skin cleanser come into play.
Why Winter Skin Gets Cranky
Let’s break it down. Cold air outside + dry heat inside = one thirsty face. Your skin barrier is more likely to get compromised, leading to dryness, redness, flakiness, and sometimes irritation. Your sebaceous glands produce less oil in the cooler months, and any moisture you do have in your skin is more likely to escape thanks to lower humidity. Add wind, warm showers, and less water intake to the mix, and it’s no wonder your face starts acting up.
But fear not. With a few tweaks and the right ingredients, you can keep your skin strong, soft, and happy—even if your nose is permanently cold!
The 3 Core Products That’ll Get You Through Winter
A Proper Sensitive Skin Cleanser
That super-foamy face wash you loved in summer? Bin it for now. In winter, your skin needs a gentle cleanse that won’t strip your already-depleted natural oils. A sensitive skin cleanser packed with nourishing ingredients like glycerin or lactic acid will help clean without causing irritation, making it perfect for dry or compromised skin barriers. Use it morning and night to avoid grime build-up and to keep your pores from throwing a tantrum.
Step Up Your Moisture Game
Winter skin doesn’t just want a moisturiser—it needs a seriously good one. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or squalane to help lock in hydration and repair your skin barrier. The best moisturiser for dry skin will be thicker than your summer one, but it should still absorb well and leave your skin feeling comfy, not greasy. Layer it over serums to seal the deal—literally.
Never Skip the Actives
Just because it’s not 35 degrees and blindingly sunny doesn’t mean you should slack on the skincare that actually does something. Keep using your vitamin C in the morning and retinal at night—just be sure to sandwich those potent ingredients between layers of hydration. Active skincare still works wonders in winter, helping repair sun damage, fight fine lines, and boost your skin’s natural glow.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Repeat after me: UV rays don’t hibernate. Even in winter, you’re still exposed to damaging rays—especially in Australia, where our sun’s got a real bite. Make sure your morning routine ends with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher. If you’re using active skincare products, sunscreen isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Other Winter Skin-Saving Tips
- Shorter, cooler showers: Long hot showers feel amazing but wreak havoc on dry skin.
- Hydrate from within: Don’t forget to drink water—even if you’re not sweating it out.
- Use a humidifier: Particularly useful if you sleep with the heater on. It’ll help stop your skin from drying out overnight.
- Avoid harsh scrubs: Ditch the gritty exfoliators and go for a chemical exfoliant once or twice a week to keep things smooth without micro-tears.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Smart
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, itchy, flaky skin. With the right tweaks to your routine—and just three reliable products—you can coast through the season with healthy, hydrated skin. Focus on a nourishing sensitive skin cleanser, invest in the best moisturiser for dry skin, and don’t ditch your active skincare just because the temp’s dropped. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right stuff.