Winter Skincare Routine: My Day & Night Cold Weather Skincare for Dry, Sensitive Skin

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Winter can be tough on skin. Cold temperatures, wind, indoor heating and lower humidity levels can all lead to dry, tight, dehydrated and reactive skin. Over the years, I’ve refined a simple but effective winter skincare routine that supports the skin barrier, boosts hydration and keeps my skin comfortable all day and night.
This post breaks down my daytime and nighttime winter skincare routines, using gentle, nourishing products that work especially well if your skin is dry, sensitive or prone to dehydration.
Daytime Winter Skincare Routine (Cold Weather AM Routine)
In winter, my daytime skincare routine focuses on hydration, barrier protection and comfort under makeup. I avoid anything stripping or overly active and prioritise layers that keep skin calm throughout the day.
1. Gentle Cleanser (AM)

I start with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser. In cold weather, over-cleansing can worsen dehydration and sensitivity.
Look for:
- Light cleansing waters
- Cream or lotion cleansers
- No strong surfactants
- Fragrance-free or very low fragrance
My recommendations
- Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleansing Water* – Effective super-light cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin
- SISLEY PARIS | Lyslait Cleansing Milk*- Rich yet light. A really effective cleanser that leaves so smooth and hydrated
2. Hydrating Toner or Essence

This step adds an immediate hit of hydration and helps prep the skin for serums.
Key ingredients to look for:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Panthenol
- Aloe vera
My Recommendation
- Shiseido Treatment Softener Enriched*
3. Hydrating Serum

A hydrating serum is essential in winter. I favour lightweight, water-based formulas that deeply hydrate without feeling heavy under moisturiser or makeup.
Best winter serum ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Polyglutamic acid
- Beta-glucan
- Niacinamide (low percentage)
My recommendation
- ESTÉE LAUDER | Advanced Night Repair Serum Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex* – Gentle and great for all skin types. Deeply hydrating and a skincare classic.
4. Barrier-Repair Moisturiser

In cold weather, moisturiser becomes the most important step. I choose a barrier-supporting moisturiser that locks in hydration and protects against environmental stress, but isn’t too heavy
Look for:
- Ceramides
- Squalane
- Shea butter
My Recommendations:
- MEDIK8 | Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream* – Perfect texture for both day and night. Promotes bouncy firm skin.
- TATCHA | The Dewy Skin Cream* – Super nourishing and the perfect base for glowing makeup.
5. SPF (Yes, Even in Winter)

A broad-spectrum SPF is still essential in winter, especially for everyday protection and preventing sensitivity flare-ups.
My Recommendations
- Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen* – High protection and gives the skin an amazing glow.
- THE ORDINARY | UV Filters SPF 45 Serum* – Easy to blend, super hydrating and moisturing, and gives the skin a gorgeous glow.
Hydrating Primer for Makeup

As an extra step, I like to use a glowy, hydrating primer under foundation, particularly if I am using a matte formula. My current favourite trick is to apply a light layer of the Balm from the REESON Highlighter Duo* before starting my makeup.
At night, my winter skincare routine is all about repair, nourishment and recovery. This is when I allow myself slightly richer textures and more comforting formulas.
1. Gentle Cleanse (PM)

In the evening, I cleanse properly to remove makeup, SPF and daily impurities.
- First cleanse: balm or oil cleanser
- Second cleanse: gentle cream cleanser
Avoid foaming cleansers if your skin feels dry or reactive.
My Recommendations
- TATCHA | The Camellia Cleansing Oil* – a beautiful oil that is super effective at removing makeup and breaking down excess oil in the skin, whilst maintaining the skin’s natural moisture and helping to increase hydration.
- MEDIK8 | Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil* – Melts everything off whilst maintaining and boosting the skin barrier.
2. Hydrating Toner or Essence

I repeat my hydrating toner step at night to replenish moisture lost throughout the day.
My Recommendations
- TATCHA | The Essence Skincare Boosting Treatment* – A super hydration booster and suitable for sensitive skin
- SISLEY PARIS | Supremÿa La Lotion* – Super hydrating and makes your entire skincare routine work better. You will notice a difference.
- THAYERS | Hydrating Milky Toner* – Good affordable hydrator
3. Soothing or Hydrating Serum

At night, I choose soothing, barrier-repair serums rather than strong actives.
Great winter night serum ingredients:
- Ceramides
- Peptides
- Centella asiatica
- Panthenol
My Recommendations
- KEATS The Hydrating Serum* – A triple weight HA serum with snow mushroom. Effective and affordable.
- INNBEAUTY PROJECT | Elastic Skin Firming & Plumping Refillable Serum* – Instantly plumping and firming with the most amazing texture
- SHISEIDO | Future Solution Lx Intensive Firming Brilliance Serum*
4. Rich Night Cream or Moisturiser

A richer night cream helps support skin repair while you sleep.
Ideal winter night moisturiser ingredients:
- Ceramides
- Shea butter
- Fatty acids
- Squalane
My Recommendations
- La Mer Crème de La Mer Moisturizing Cream* – I can always rely on this to soothe and calm
- THE ORDINARY | Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides Moisturizer* – Rich and luxurious. Wraps skin in cocooning hydration
5. Facial Oil or Overnight Mask

On very cold nights or when my skin feels tight and reactive, I add:
- A few drops of facial oil, or
- An overnight hydrating mask
This step helps prevent moisture loss overnight and leaves skin feeling calm and comfortable by morning.
My Recommendations
- SISLEY PARIS | Black Rose Precious Face Oil* – The finest, lightest, yet super hydrating oil.
- FARMACY | Honey Grail Facial Oil* – Soothing, calming and super hydrating
- ESTÉE LAUDER | Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment* – This effectively locks in all your skincare so you wake up with juicy skin.
Key Tips for Winter Skincare
- Protect the skin barrier above all else
- Avoid over-exfoliating in cold weather
- Use lukewarm water, not hot
- Layer hydration rather than relying on one heavy product
Final Thoughts
A good winter skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated. By focusing on hydration, barrier repair and gentle formulas, you can keep skin comfortable, glowing and resilient throughout the colder months.
If your skin feels dry, tight or reactive in winter, simplifying your routine and switching to more nourishing textures can make all the difference.
READ: Skincare Products I Use When My Skin Feels Tight, Dry or Reactive.
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