MY WINTER SKIN HACKS (THAT GENUINELY WORK)

I asked my Instagram followers what they'd like to see next on the blog, and this got the most votes...so here we are!

As we find ourselves deep in the trenches of the bitter January weather, I know I'm not the only one whose skin has taken a hit.

Even though my skin leans more oily, I notice a real difference when the weather changes.

Cold air, indoor heating and temperature fluctuations can leave my skin feeling dehydrated, looking a little lacklustre and needing a little more attention than usual.

My usual hydration routine just wasn't cutting it, and I knew it was time to up the ante and call in some extra support.

Over the past few weeks, I've managed to find a happy medium, and my skin is finally getting back to its usual plump, hydrated self.

So, here's the scoop on what I've been doing, the products that have truly come in clutch, and a few of my favourite winter skincare hacks to help keep your skin happy during this colder season...

P.S: many products throughout this post are shoppable (if they're underlined), so you can click straight through if you fancy grabbing anything!

If you're shopping on LookFantastic, don't forget to use my code LFTFCHLOEMYKEL at checkout to save yourself a little £££ - you're welcome!

-

Barrier First, Always

Before we get into all the juicy product recommendations, let's talk about the foundation of healthy winter skin: your skin barrier.

Cold weather, wind, indoor heating and hot showers can all contribute to dryness and irritation.

When your skin barrier isn't functioning as it should, it struggles to retain moisture, leaving your skin feeling tight, flaky, sensitive or generally unhappy.

And here's the thing: you can layer on all the hydrating serums in the world, but if your skin barrier needs support, hydration alone might not be enough.

This is why I always come back to barrier-supporting skincare during the colder months.

Ingredients worth looking for:

• Ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids: These lipids help maintain the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss

• Panthenol and beta-glucan: Brilliant for soothing and supporting skin that feels dry or irritated

• Glycerin and hyaluronic acid: Humectants that attract water to the skin, helping it feel hydrated and plump

• Niacinamide: Can support the skin barrier and help regulate excess oil (but if your skin is feeling particularly sensitive, a lower concentration may be more comfortable)

• Centella asiatica: A favourite in Korean skincare for its soothing properties

I'm also a big fan of barrier-focused brands such as Byoma and Dr. Jart+, particularly when my skin needs a little extra nourishment.

My golden rule? If your skin is stinging, tight, unusually flaky or feeling reactive, don't automatically reach for another exfoliant.

Simplify your routine, focus on gentle cleansing and moisturising, and give your skin a chance to recover.

Your skin doesn't need to be exfoliated into submission.

Sometimes, it just needs a little extra TLC!

Cleanse Smarter, Not Harder

One of the easiest ways to support your skin in winter is to rethink how you're cleansing it.

That squeaky-clean feeling might seem satisfying, but if your skin feels tight or uncomfortable afterwards, your cleanser could be too stripping for your current needs.

Here's what I'd recommend:

• Switch to a gentle cleanser: Cream, lotion and balm cleansers can be lovely options if your skin feels dry or tight

• Avoid over-cleansing: You don't necessarily need to wash your face multiple times a day - a gentle cleanse in the morning may be enough for some skin types, while others may prefer a rinse with water

• Keep the water lukewarm: Hot showers can encourage dryness and irritation

• Don't leave your skin sitting bare for too long: Apply your hydrating products and moisturiser shortly after cleansing (ideally when your skin is still damp)

You don't need an elaborate cleansing routine to have great skin.

In winter, being gentle and consistent often makes a much bigger difference than adding yet another product.

Hydration Is a Layering Game

When my skin starts feeling dehydrated, I love building up hydration in lightweight layers rather than relying on one product to do everything.

Think of it like getting dressed in winter: one thin layer isn't always enough, so you build your outfit depending on how cold it is.

Your skincare can work in a similar way.

The trick is choosing complementary products and adjusting the number of layers to suit your skin.

Milky toners: My winter staple

If there's one category of skincare I reach for more in winter, it's milky toners.

They're lovely for adding a comforting layer of hydration without necessarily feeling as heavy as a rich cream.

My firm favourites include:

• Bubble Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner: A lovely option for adding a milky layer of hydration

• Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner: One of my favourites when I want that more lightweight, nourishing feel

• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Serum Toner: A richer option when my skin is feeling particularly dry or in need of extra barrier support

I usually apply mine after cleansing and before my serums and moisturiser.

If I'm using a retinoid or another potentially irritating active, I may adjust the order or use a moisturiser-buffering technique depending on how my skin is feeling.

But remember - there's no need to follow a ten-step routine religiously simply for the sake of it.

Find the combination that works for your skin.

Apply skincare to slightly damp skin

This is where facial mists and toners really earn their keep.

Applying hydrating products to slightly damp skin can help humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract and retain water.

The important part is following up with a moisturiser to help reduce moisture loss.

My favourites include:

• Tatcha The Dewy Skin Mist: This one gets a lot of hype for a reason - genuinely does give your skin a dewy plump glow

• The INKEY List Hydro-Surge Dewy Face Mist: A more affordable alternative for adding a quick hit of moisture

I love using a mist between layers, particularly when my skin is feeling a little parched

Just remember that more isn't always better.

If your skin is feeling dry, continually misting it without following up with moisturiser isn't necessarily going to solve the problem.

Layer your hydration: Thin to thick

I love rotating and layering hydrating serums depending on what my skin needs.

Some favourites include:

• Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum: A lightweight and silky texture that gives your skin an instant drink and a glass-skin effect

• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum: The peptides in this pack an extra punch alongside the hyaluronic acid

• Naturium Barrier Bounce: The most luxurious, silky and thick serum/oil hybrid - a truly unique formula that I adore

But when it comes to serums - you don't need all at once.

Think about what you're trying to achieve, choose products that complement each other and apply them from lighter textures to richer ones where practical.

For me, it's about giving my skin enough hydration without creating a heavy, sticky cocktail of products.

The humectant sandwich

One technique I love is what I think of as humectant sandwiching: applying a hydrating layer, following with a serum or moisturiser, and adding another layer if my skin needs it.

For example:

1. Start with slightly damp skin

   
   

2. Apply a hydrating toner or serum

3. Follow with your moisturiser

4. If needed, finish with a richer cream or a small amount of facial oil

You can adapt this depending on your routine, the weather and how your skin feels that day.

Your skin's needs can change with the temperature, indoor heating and the products you're using, so learning to adjust your routine is far more useful than blindly following a rigid set of steps.

Seal Everything In

Hydration is one part of the equation.

Helping your skin retain that moisture is the other.

This is where moisturisers, barrier creams and facial oils come in.

Barrier creams: The final step

A good moisturiser is non-negotiable for me during the colder months.

I want something that leaves my skin feeling comfortable, nourished and protected, rather than tight again an hour later.

A few favourites:

• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream: A great option when my skin needs extra nourishment

• Rhode Barrier Butter: Lovely for adding a richer layer, particularly on drier areas such as around the chin and mouth

• Byoma Barrier Repair+: A more affordable option that sits somewhere between a cream and a rich balm

If you're using strong retinoids or other potentially irritating actives, a comforting barrier cream can also help support your skin while you adjust your routine.

Face oils: The finishing touch

At night, I sometimes finish my routine with a face oil when my skin needs extra nourishment.

My go-to is the Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil.

I love its rich, luxurious feel without it feeling overly heavy on my skin.

But let's clear something up: oils don't add water to the skin in the same way that water-based hydrating products do.

Instead, oils can help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss, depending on their formulation.

They're best thought of as an additional step rather than a replacement for your hydrating serum or moisturiser.

My general order is:

Hydrating serum → moisturiser → facial oil (if needed)

You don't have to use an oil every night, either.

If your moisturiser is already doing the job, you might not need one at all.

The aim is comfortable, hydrated skin, not the maximum number of layers.

Using Actives Without Compromising Your Barrier

Winter can be a tricky time for active ingredients.

You might still want to work on congestion, uneven texture or signs of ageing, but your skin may be less tolerant of your usual routine.

My advice is to focus on consistency and tolerance rather than trying to push through irritation.

Exfoliation: Less can be more

If your skin is flaky or feeling dry, your first instinct might be to exfoliate away the rough patches.

I get it, but sometimes those flakes are a sign that your skin is irritated or dehydrated, and exfoliating further can make things worse.

Rather than automatically reaching for acids, assess how your skin feels.

If your skin is comfortable and tolerating exfoliation well, you might find that once or twice a week is enough.

If it's stinging, tight or unusually flaky (all signs that your barrier could be compromised), pause exfoliation until it has settled.

BHA for oily and congested skin

Although I lean towards oily skin, I still need to be mindful of overdoing it with exfoliating ingredients.

I recently discovered the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil while shopping at PureSeoul.

It contains salicylic acid (BHA), an ingredient commonly used to help unclog pores and manage congestion.

I was intrigued by the idea of incorporating BHA into an oil cleanser, particularly during winter when I don't want my cleansing routine to leave my skin feeling stripped.

However, the effectiveness of an exfoliating cleanser depends on its formulation and how it's used.

An oil format doesn't automatically make BHA gentler, so introduce it gradually and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Retinoids and the barrier sandwich

If you're using retinol or prescription retinoids, winter can be a good opportunity to reassess your routine and make sure it's working for your skin.

But don't feel pressured to start or increase a retinoid just because it's winter.

These ingredients can cause dryness, peeling and irritation, particularly when you first introduce them or increase their frequency.

A moisturiser sandwich can help some people manage this:

1. Apply a thin layer of moisturiser to clean skin

2. Allow it to settle, then apply your retinoid as directed

3. Follow with another layer of moisturiser if needed

Follow the instructions for your particular product, and if you're using a prescription retinoid, take guidance from your prescriber.

Applying it to dry skin and introducing it gradually can help minimise irritation.

I'd also avoid layering multiple strong actives simply because your skin seems dull.

Sometimes, a few nights focused purely on hydration and barrier support are exactly what you need.

Remember: your skincare routine should work with your skin, not against it.

Strategic Extras That Make a Big Difference

Once you've got your core routine sorted, there are a few extra tricks I love incorporating when my skin needs a little something more.

Overnight masks and slugging

I've been loving the Medicube Collagen Wrapping Mask one or two nights a week.

It's a fun extra step when I want my skin to look refreshed and feel smoother the following morning.

Another option is applying a generous layer of La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 as the final step in your evening routine.

You can use it as a targeted treatment on dry areas or as a richer layer when your skin needs extra comfort.

You don't need to use a thick layer every night, and more occlusive products aren't suitable for everyone.

If you're prone to congestion or irritation, see how your skin responds before making it a regular habit.

I'd also be cautious about applying heavy occlusive products over retinoids or other irritating actives, as this can increase irritation for some people.

Sleeping in a gel-sheet mask

If you know me, you know I'm a fan of a good ol' sheet mask!

One of my favourites for soothing, hydrating skincare nights (especially if my skin is feeling a bit pissed off) are the Biodance Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Masks.

It's steadily become one of my favourite beauty rituals and I love incorporating a dedicated hydrating mask a few nights a week to really give my skin a hydrating treat.

Press, don't rub

This is such a simple one, but it's worth mentioning.

When applying hydrating products, I often prefer gently pressing them into the skin rather than aggressively rubbing or dragging my hands across my face.

It won't magically make your products absorb better, but it can make application more comfortable, especially if your skin is feeling sensitive.

Apply skincare after showering

I love using that post-shower window to get my skincare on.

Your skin doesn't need to be soaking wet, but applying a hydrating product to slightly damp skin and following with moisturiser can help support hydration.

Just avoid very hot water and prolonged showers if dryness is an issue.

Listen to your skin

I'll keep saying it again and again: pay attention to what your skin is telling you.

If it stings, feels tight or suddenly becomes much more reactive, don't keep piling on the products in the hope that one of them will fix it.

And likewise, don't desperately cling onto the actives or the retinoids just because you're scared that your skin might "go backwards" or because you feel like you'll be losing progress.

Simplify, focus on gentle hydration and barrier support, and reintroduce active ingredients gradually once your skin feels comfortable again.

Your Winter Glow Starts From Within

It's important to note that skincare isn't the whole picture, either.

Your everyday habits can influence how your skin looks and feels, so it's worth paying attention to the basic fundamentals.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water supports your overall health, and dehydration can affect how your skin looks and feels.

You don't need to force yourself to drink excessive amounts, though.

Aim for regular fluid intake throughout the day and adjust according to your needs.

Don't forget healthy fats

I'm a big believer in building a balanced diet around nourishing, varied foods.

Salmon, olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds can all contribute to a healthy dietary pattern, providing fats and other nutrients that support normal skin function.

I've noticed my skin looking healthier when I'm consistent with my overall routine, including nutrition, although no single food or supplement guarantees a glowing complexion.

Your environment and daily habits

Central heating, low indoor humidity and very hot showers can all contribute to skin dryness.

Alcohol and excessive caffeine intake can also contribute to dehydration, particularly when consumed in excess.

You don't have to avoid every little pleasure in life, but being mindful of these factors can help you work out why your skin might be feeling less comfortable than usual.

Prioritise sleep and stress management

Sleep and stress management deserve a place in your beauty routine, too.

Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and enough rest to feel refreshed.

For most adults, that means around seven to nine hours a night (my sweet spot is 8!)

Remember, you don't need a "perfect" wellness routine.

Small, consistent habits are often more sustainable than trying to change everything at once.

Winter Skin Through a Pro Make-Up Artist's Eyes

As a professional make-up artist, I see first-hand how much the condition of the skin can influence the final make-up result.

And winter can be particularly challenging.

You can have the most beautiful foundation in your kit, but if the skin underneath is dehydrated, it can be much harder to achieve that smooth, fresh, skin-like finish.

Why does foundation separate more in winter?

When skin is dry or dehydrated, flaky patches and uneven texture can become more noticeable.

Foundation may cling to those areas, settle into fine lines or appear patchy throughout the day.

Sometimes, the instinct is to switch foundations or add more primer, when the real issue is the skin prep underneath.

Can oily skin be dehydrated?

Absolutely.

Oiliness and dehydration aren't the same thing.

Oily skin produces more sebum, while dehydrated skin lacks water.

You can experience both at the same time, which is why your complexion might look shiny but still feel tight or uncomfortable.

The solution isn't necessarily to pile on heavy creams - it's to find the right balance of hydration and moisturisation for your skin type.

Skin prep is everything

Quite literally!

For that fresh, glowy winter make-up base, these are some of the products I tend to reach for:

• Revolution Skin Bouncy Drops Hydrating Jelly Toner Essence: The texture of this is slightly thicker than your average toner, and provides a gorgeous layer of hydrating before layering on the rest of your prep products

• Byoma Phyto Glow Mucin Serum: The most perfct "vegan snail mucin" serum that will lteraslly make your skin look like glass

• e.l.f. Thirst Burst Drops: Glowy plumpness in a bottle (and very affordable, too!)

• Glossier Priming Moisturiser: A real staple for an overall, fuss-free priming moisturiser before make-up application

• Weleda Skin Food: A God send if you have particularly dry skin or if you really want that dewy make-up look

These are options I like to consider depending on the person's skin, the finish we're going for and the make-up products I'll be using on top.

You don't necessarily need a separate primer if your skincare is well suited to your skin and you've allowed your products to settle.

But if you're after extra grip, Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer or the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer are definitely options worth considering.

When your skincare is too heavy

There's a balance to be found between hydrated skin and a base that's so overloaded with products that everything starts slipping around.

This is particularly important when you're getting ready for an event, a night out or even your wedding day.

A few tips:

• Apply thin layers rather than one thick layer of everything

• Give your products time to soak in before applying make-up (a minute or so is fine)

• Choose textures that work well together (water-based with water-based, oil-based with oil-based etc)

• Use richer products selectively on the areas that need them most

• Don't assume that more glow always means better skin prep

As a make-up artist, I'd much rather see well-prepped, comfortable skin than ten layers of skincare that haven't had time to settle.

Great make-up really does start with great skin prep.

And if you're a Bride-to-be, this is especially worth thinking about in the lead-up to your wedding.

Consistent, gentle skincare is much more useful than introducing a whole new routine a few days before the big day.

Ultimately: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Winter skincare doesn't have to mean buying a whole new collection of products or adding ten more steps to what you're already doing.

For me, it's about understanding what my skin needs, focusing on hydration, supporting my skin barrier and knowing when to take a step back from active ingredients.

Sometimes, that means layering a milky toner and a hydrating serum.

Other times, it means reaching for a richer moisturiser, skipping exfoliation or simply giving my skin a break.

And finally, one rule of thumb that never changes with the seasons: never, ever forget your SPF! 

UV exposure doesn't disappear in winter, so be sure to keep your broad-spectrum sunscreen in your daily skincare routine.

-

Will you be trying any of these hacks?