How to combat winter skin dryness

Your Guide to Glowing, Hydrated Skin All Season Long;

As the temperature drops and the heaters go on, our skin often pays the price. Here in the Wimmera region the winter air tends to be cold and dry, and the indoor heating only makes things worse—drawing moisture out of the skin, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and irritated.

But the good news? With a few simple tweaks to your skincare routine and the right products, you can maintain a radiant, hydrated complexion even in the harshest weather.

Here’s some tips on how to keep your skin soft, supple, and glowing all winter long:

1. Switch to a Creamier Cleanser

Foaming or gel cleansers can be overly stripping during the colder months, especially if they contain sulfates or exfoliating acids. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes impurities without disturbing your skin’s natural barrier.

Amazing cream cleansers you can try are iS Clinical Cream Cleanser or Payot NUE Cream Micellaire Cleanser.

2. Layering hydration serums

Serums rich in hyaluronic acid, peptides, or glycerin can give your skin a much-needed moisture boost. Apply them on slightly damp skin to lock in hydration and follow immediately with a nourishing moisturiser.

Serums that are rich in hyaluronic that can be introduced to your skincare regime are the iS Clinical Hydracool Serum or Payot Source Moisture Infusion.

3. Don’t Skip Moisturiser (EVER)

Light/watery moisturisers might not cut it in winter. Look for richer, barrier-repairing moisturiser with ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or shea butter. These help replenish lipids and reinforce the skin’s protective layer, which is especially important in dry conditions.

Moisturisers that lock in the moisture and keep the skin hydrated are the iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm for the evening to layer on top of your retinol or Dermaceutics Hyal Ceutic.

5. Exfoliate—But Gently

Dead skin cells can accumulate more quickly in winter, preventing your products from absorbing properly. Gentle exfoliation 1–2 times a week can help, but don’t overdo it—harsh scrubs or frequent exfoliation can compromise your barrier.

A gentle oil-based scrub we would recommend once a week is the Payot Gommage Framboise Scrub. If you prefer more of an enzyme based exfoliant the Payot Bubble Mask Sachets containing AHA + BHA is a great and affordable alternative.

6. Humidify your home

Central heating sucks the moisture out of indoor air. Using a humidifier in your bedroom or living area can make a significant difference in your skin’s hydration levels, especially overnight.

This is not something sold in clinic, rather a general recommendation. The Vicks VapoSteam Vaporizer (typically used for children when they have a cold) is a great choice. You do not need to add the eucalyptus scent to the vaporiser, rather just let the water create moisture in the air while you sleep.