19 Best-Kept Winter Skincare Secrets

Here’s the cold, hard truth: a regular skincare routine just won’t cut it in winter. Between the dry indoor heating and the icy outdoors, our skin gets dry, tight, and oh-so-thirsty. Fear not, though, with a curated routine of winter skincare essentials (and a little expert insight), your skin can survive and thrive, without a flake in sight.

Central heating, much like air conditioning, draws moisture from the skin, causing the outer stratum corneum to become dry and irritated. “Central heating can also cause an increase in perspiration and sebum production, which can block pores and cause breakouts,” explains skin and aesthetics expert Nina Prisk of Update Aesthetics. This environment can also trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. “There are various things that can be done to improve skin health during the winter and incorporating certain ingredients into your skincare regime is a great starting point,” adds Prisk. 

Ceramides
Ceramides strengthen your skin's barrier, locking in moisture and preventing dryness. Prisk notes, “Ceramides are lipids which are important for the skin’s structure and also for helping to improve the barrier function, preventing moisture loss and maintaining hydration.”

Squalane and Natural Oils
Squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, providing deep hydration without heaviness. Prisk explains, “Squalane is a lipid produced naturally which, when used in skincare, can help to aid hydration and reduce inflammation.”

Hyaluronic Acid
Look for hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and hydrated in winter. Prisk says, “Hyaluronic acid naturally fills out volume and also helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.”

Sun Protection
Lastly, “one big mistake that people make is stopping using their SPF too,” says Prisk. “It’s important to keep wearing SPF all through the winter months in order to protect skin.”

Incorporate these ingredients into your routine to maintain healthy, hydrated skin all winter long. Just as we swap sandals for boots and iced lattes for well, regular lattes, winter calls for a shift in skincare. This seasonal product roundup brings together the MVPs (Most Valuable Products) of the season. formulated with key winter skincare ingredients to keep your skin glowing - even when it’s dark outside.

Bubble Skincare | Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturiser

This hydrating cream moisturiser by Bubble Skincare provides deep hydration, making it perfect for those with dry skin. Infused with aloe leaf juice and avocado oil, it soothes and nourishes the skin. The non-greasy formula ensures a smooth, refreshed complexion all day long. Ideal for both morning and evening routines.

Available at Boots

Teoxane | [3D] Lip

Teoxane’s [3D] Lip is a plumping and hydrating lip care product designed to enhance the volume and smoothness of your lips. It combines the benefits of hyaluronic acid and collagen-stimulating ingredients to provide long-lasting hydration and a naturally fuller appearance. This product also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the lips.

Available at Teoxane

NIOD | Hydration Vaccine & MMHC2

The NIOD Duo combines the Hydration Vaccine and Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2) to provide comprehensive hydration and anti-aging benefits. The Hydration Vaccine creates a breathable barrier to prevent moisture loss, while MMHC2 infuses the skin with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. This duo is perfect for maintaining youthful, plump skin.

Available at Cult Beauty & Space NK

Erborian | Ginseng Super Serum

Erborian's Ginseng Super Serum is an anti-aging serum enriched with ginseng extracts to help firm and smooth the skin. This powerful formula works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used both day and night for maximum benefits.

Available at Erborian

Hydro Mask | Caci

The Hydro Mask by Caci is designed to deeply hydrate and plump the skin. Infused with collagen and hyaluronic acid, this mask provides an instant boost of moisture, leaving the skin feeling smooth and revitalised. It's perfect for use after a facial treatment or anytime your skin needs a hydration boost.

Available at Caci

456 Skin | Night Hack Intense Overnight Repair & Glow Cream

456 Skin's Night Hack Intense Overnight Repair & Glow Cream is designed to rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. This cream focuses on repairing daily skin damage and enhancing the skin’s natural glow. It is formulated with powerful ingredients that support skin regeneration and moisture retention. Suitable for all skin types, it ensures you wake up with a refreshed and radiant complexion.

Available at Harvey Nichols

Rosalique | 3-in-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula

Rosalique’s 3-in-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula is a unique treatment designed to reduce redness and even out skin tone. It combines powerful active ingredients to soothe sensitive skin and conceal redness with a natural-looking tint. Ideal for daily use, it also offers SPF protection, making it a multifunctional skincare solution.

Available at Amazon

Skeyndor | Timeless Prodigy The Cream

Skeyndor’s Timeless Prodigy The Cream is a luxurious anti-aging cream that works to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. It contains a combination of peptides, growth factors, and hyaluronic acid to improve skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. This cream targets the signs of aging, leaving the skin looking youthful and radiant.

Available at Skeyndor

GUVU | Under Eye Masks 5 Pack

The GUVU Under Eye Masks are designed to rejuvenate and hydrate the delicate skin under your eyes. Each pack contains five sachets that deliver a concentrated dose of moisture and nutrients, reducing puffiness and dark circles. These masks are perfect for a quick refresh, leaving your under-eye area looking bright and revitalised.

Available at GUVU Beauty

Slow Ageing | Essential Face Balm

The Essential Face Balm by Slow Ageing is a nourishing balm designed to deeply hydrate and protect the skin. It features a blend of natural ingredients including essential oils and botanical extracts to soothe and rejuvenate the skin. Ideal for daily use, it promotes a healthy, radiant complexion and helps combat the effects of environmental stressors.

Available at Slow Ageing

Dr. Loretta | Intense Replenishing Ceramide Serum 30ml

Dr. Loretta's Intense Replenishing Ceramide Serum is formulated to restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Enriched with ceramides, this serum helps to lock in moisture and protect against environmental aggressors. It is ideal for dry, sensitive skin and helps to soothe irritation while providing deep hydration.

Available at Lookfantastic

JoonByrd | Sunday Sofa Body Butter

Sunday Sofa Body Butter is a luxurious moisturiser designed to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Infused with butters, botanical oils, and rambutan leaf (a natural retinol alternative) this body butter provides long-lasting moisture and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. Its rich texture makes it perfect for dry skin and for use all year round.

Available at JoonByrd

Antipodes | Baptise H₂O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel

Antipodes Baptise H₂O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel is a lightweight moisturiser that provides intense hydration. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and Manuka honey, this gel helps to lock in moisture and soothe the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Available at Lookfantastic

LANEIGE | Bouncy & Firm Lip Treatment

LANEIGE's Bouncy & Firm Lip Treatment is designed to nourish and plump the lips. Formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, it provides deep hydration and helps to smooth out fine lines around the lips. This treatment ensures your lips stay moisturised and appear fuller and more youthful.

Available at Cult Beauty

MECCA COSMETICA | Lip De-Luscious SPF20

MECCA COSMETICA’s Lip De-Luscious SPF20 is a hydrating lip balm that offers sun protection while keeping your lips soft and smooth. Infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E, it provides long-lasting moisture and a hint of shine. The added SPF20 helps protect against UV damage, making it perfect for everyday use.

Available at Mecca Cosmetica

Allies of Skin | Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream 0.1%

The Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream by Allies of Skin combines 0.1% retinal with peptides to target signs of aging and promote skin repair. This potent night cream helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture and firmness. It also contains antioxidants to protect against environmental damage.

Available at Allies of Skin

Cellcosmet | Ultra Vital

Cellcosmet Ultra Vital is an intensive revitalising cellular cream that helps to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. Enriched with CytoPep™ Cellular Extracts (CI 5) and the Postbiotics Complex, this cream supports the skin’s natural regeneration process and improves elasticity. It is designed to combat signs of aging and provide a youthful, radiant complexion.

Available at Cellcosmet

Omnilux | Contour FACE

The Omnilux Contour FACE is an advanced LED light therapy mask designed to rejuvenate and improve the appearance of your skin. Utilising red and near-infrared light, it helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and promote a healthier, more radiant complexion. The mask is designed for home use and offers professional-grade  results.

Available at Omnilux

Kate Somerville | DeliKate® Recovery Cream

Kate Somerville's DeliKate® Recovery Cream is a soothing and restorative moisturiser designed for sensitive and stressed skin. Enriched with peptides and ceramides, it helps to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness, and provide deep hydration. Ideal for post-treatment care, it leaves the skin calm and revitalised.

Available at Kate Somerville

CosmetologyChiara Zucchelli