Winter Skincare Routine: Tips and Tricks for Healthy, Glowing Skin All Season Long
Stay Radiant This Winter with These Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Steps
Winter in SA might not come with snowy blizzards, but it certainly brings dry air, lower humidity, and harsh winds — a recipe for dull, flaky, and tight-feeling skin. As temperatures drop, so does your skin’s ability to retain moisture. But don’t worry — your glow doesn’t have to hibernate!
This complete winter skincare routine will help you combat the chill and emerge with soft, supple, radiant skin from July through September.
Winter Skincare Routine
1. Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
During winter, foaming and gel cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils. Switch to a gentle, hydrating cream or oil-based cleanser. Look for products with ingredients like:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
Try: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Eucerin DermatoCLEAN, or Bioderma Atoderm Oil Cleanser (widely available in Clicks and Dis-Chem).
2. Exfoliate – But Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation is still necessary in winter to remove dry, dead skin cells — just not too often. Stick to once or twice a week and opt for chemical exfoliants over abrasive scrubs.
Pro tip: Choose a mild AHA (like lactic acid) for hydration and gentle exfoliation.
3. Double Down on Moisturizing
Your regular moisturizer might not cut it when the chill sets in. Use heavier, more occlusive creams that lock in hydration. Key ingredients include:
- Shea Butter
- Squalane
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
Best picks: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, or Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion (for body care).
4. Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen
Yes, even in winter. UV rays don’t take a holiday. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, especially if you’re spending time outdoors in Gauteng’s high-altitude sun.
Favourites: Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF50+, Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50, or Nivea Shine Control SPF50.
5. Add a Face Oil or Hydrating Serum
Layering is key. Add a hydrating serum (think hyaluronic acid) under your moisturizer. For extra nourishment, seal everything in with a non-comedogenic facial oil like rosehip or jojoba.
Hot pick: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is budget-friendly and effective.
6. Protect Your Lips and Hands
These two areas suffer most in winter. Use thick, emollient balms with beeswax, lanolin, or petroleum jelly. For hands, moisturize after every wash and wear gloves when outdoors.
Keep close: Vaseline Lip Therapy, Lanolips 101 Ointment, and Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.
7. Use a Humidifier
Winter air is dry — especially in heated indoor spaces. A cool mist humidifier can keep your skin from drying out overnight. If that’s not an option, leave a bowl of water in your room near a heat source.
8. Adjust Your Diet and Water Intake
Hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water, and eat skin-loving foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts), vitamin C, and antioxidants to help your skin stay radiant.
Bonus Winter Skincare Hacks:
- Avoid long, hot showers — they strip natural oils.
- Pat skin dry gently and apply moisturiser while damp.
- Avoid harsh toners with alcohol or menthol.
- Use a richer night cream or overnight mask once a week.
Local Favourite Winter Skin Buys (Available in SA):
- Clicks & Dis-Chem: Affordable finds like Nivea, Neutrogena, and Garnier.
- Foschini Beauty & Woolworths: Mid-range to luxury picks like Clarins, Elizabeth Arden, and Clinique.
- Online: Try Superbalist Beauty or Takealot for beauty box bundles and winter skincare sets.
Final Thought: Glow Through the Cold
Your skin deserves a little extra TLC in winter. With the right routine and a few nourishing swaps, you’ll go from dry and flaky to dewy and glowing — even under your favourite knitwear. Don’t let the winter winds win. Your glow is non-negotiable.
📍 Where to Shop in South Africa:
Check out: The Ultimate Guide to Skincare at Any Age: Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin
