MY WINTER SKIN HACKS (THAT GENUINELY WORK)

I asked my Instagram followers what they’d like to see next on the blog, and this was a popular one...so here we are!

As we find ourselves deep in the trenches of bitter January weather, I know I can’t be the only one whose skin has taken a hit.

My usual hydration protocol was starting to fail me, and I knew I had 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, and the products that have truly come in clutch...

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Focus on Hydration

Milky toners

These are an absolute winter staple for me.

My firm favourites include the Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner, my beloved Bubble Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner, and Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner.

If your skin is feeling especially compromised and in need of barrier support, the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Serum Toner is incredible - thicker, richer, and deeply nourishing.

Apply skincare on damp skin

This is where facial mists really earn their keep.

Applying products to damp skin helps humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid work more effectively.

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Mist is a favourite, but The Inkey List Hydro-Surge Dewy Face Mist is a great, more affordable dupe.

Layer hydration (thin → thick)

This is where winter skin really transforms.

I love rotating and layering hydrating serums depending on how my skin feels.

Some favourites:

• Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule 100 Serum — super watery and lightweight

• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

• Bubble Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner

• Naturium Barrier Bounce

• Tatcha The Dewy Skin Milk

• Rhode Barrier Balm

Think of hydration like outfits: you wouldn’t wear one thin layer in winter, so don’t expect your skin to thrive on one step either.

Seal Everything In

Sealing hydration with face oils

Once hydration is in, you need to lock it down, and at night, I always finish with a face oil.

The Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil is my go-to. It's luxurious, nourishing, and thick without feeling greasy or heavy.

Why oils aren’t moisturisers (and how to use them properly)

Oils don’t actually hydrate the skin, they don’t add water.

What they do brilliantly is seal in whatever hydration you’ve already applied underneath.

This is why oils should always come after your hydrating serums and creams, not instead of them.

Think of oils as the protective coat over your skincare.

Barrier creams as the final step

Barrier creams are essential in winter. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream (tube for moderate dryness, pot for serious barrier repair) is a staple.

Rhode Barrier Butter is another perfect option, even just dabbed onto drier areas like the chin and mouth, especially if you’re using tretinoin like I am.

Humectant “sandwiching”

Layer, listen, and adapt. Mist, product, mist, product. Add a layer, remove a layer.

Your skin’s needs can change daily depending on weather, heating, hormones, and actives. Staying responsive is key.

Barrier > Everything

Why winter is all about barrier repair

Cold air, wind, indoor heating, and hot showers all weaken the skin barrier.

When your barrier is compromised, moisture escapes more easily and irritation increases.

Supporting the barrier isn’t just about comfort, it’s what allows your skin to actually hold hydration and tolerate actives long-term.

Ceramides, cholesterol & fatty acids

These are the building blocks of a healthy skin barrier. Ingredients matter more than ever in winter.

Niacinamide (low %)

Low concentrations help strengthen the barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve resilience without irritation.

Panthenol, beta-glucan & calming ingredients

These soothe, repair, and support recovery, especially important if your skin feels reactive.

Barrier-focused brands

Byoma is a fantastic affordable option, and the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin range is a hero for compromised skin.

Korean skincare in general places huge emphasis on barrier health.

Ingredients like centella asiatica are brilliant for calming and repair.

When to pause actives

If your skin is stinging, tight, or flaky, actives can wait. Barrier first, always.

Cleanse Smarter in Winter

• Switch to cream, balm, or oil cleansers: get hydration wherever you can

• Avoid over-cleansing

• Cleanse once daily if your skin allows

• Always use lukewarm water (hot water is incredibly stripping)

  
  

Smart Ways to Use Actives in Winter

• Actives at night only

• Lower frequency > higher strength

• Buffer acids with hydrating toners

BHA via cleansing oils or washes

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

It contains BHA (salicylic acid), which helps dissolve oil and clear pores.

Using BHA in an oil format is much gentler in winter, you get the benefits without stripping the skin.

Naturium 2% BHA + milky toner

This combo allows you to reap the benefits of exfoliation while immediately replenishing moisture and supporting the barrier.

Exfoliation 1–2x weekly max

If your skin is flaky or dry, it’s asking for nourishment, not more exfoliation.

Retinoid + barrier sandwiching

Winter is a great time to commit to retinol due to reduced sun exposure, but it can be tricky - sandwiching a milky toner or barrier cream underneath and on top helps cushion dryness and irritation.

Always apply retinoids to completely dry skin and let previous layers fully absorb first.

Strategic Extras That Make a Big Difference

Slugging & wrapping masks

I’ve been loving the Medicube Collagen Wrapping Mask one or two nights a week, the results speak for themselves.

Hand-pressing vs rubbing

Pressing products into the skin minimises irritation and improves absorption.

Apply skincare straight after showering

A damp canvas helps ingredients penetrate and hydrate more effectively.

Humidifier overnight

A game-changer for winter dehydration.

Listen to your skin

If it stings, stop. Adjust, simplify, and support recovery.

Inside-Out Winter Glow

Electrolytes > just water

I swear by Freesoul HydraCreatine, not just at the gym. Internal hydration is just as important as topical.

Healthy fats

Salmon, olive oil, avocado, plus omega 3 supplementation. I’ve noticed a visible difference in my skin’s glow since being consistent.

Heating & alcohol awareness

Both are incredibly dehydrating in winter.

Stress & sleep

7–8 hours makes a real difference. Skin repair happens when you rest.

Winter Skin from a Pro Make-Up Artist Perspective

Why foundation separates more in winter

Dehydrated skin creates uneven texture, causing foundation to cling, split, or patch.

How dehydrated skin can look oily

When skin lacks water, it often overproduces oil to compensate, leading to the illusion of oiliness.

Skin prep > base products

Winter make-up success starts with prep. Favourites include:

• Laneige Blue Hyaluronic Toner

• Byoma Photo Glow Mucin Serum

• Glossier Priming Moisturiser or Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

• Magic Water Cream if you want lighter hydration

• Weleda Skin Food if you’re extremely dry

You can often skip primer if skin prep is done properly.

If you do want one, Milk Hydro Grip is a great option.

When skincare is too heavy

Layer smartly and allow at least a minute between products to avoid pilling and heaviness.

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Winter skin isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it smarter.

Hydration is a routine, not a single product, and it should be adjusted as needed.Barrier health equals long-term glow.

And finally: never forget your SPF, even in winter.

Will you be trying any of these hacks?