Winter has a knack for playing tricks on us: within a few weeks, September's peachy skin turns into a relief map, with tight patches, pink areas and a grey complexion no highlighter can save. Wind, cold, indoor heating, temperature swings — the usual winter cocktail spares no one. Good news: skin doesn't need an arsenal, just a routine adjusted to the season. And that comes down to a few simple steps!

Cleanse, yes — but not just any which way

You know the basics: make-up removal every night without fail, cleansing morning and evening — those are the foundations. The trick is choosing the right product. In winter, forget stripping textures that leave skin feeling tight, even if you have an oily tendency or blemishes: that's the surest way to stir up redness.

Foam, gel, milk or lotion? Take your pick, as long as the formula stays gentle. The real watch-out when skin is flaking and red is water — especially hard water, which dries it out further. In that case, opt for a fragrance-free micellar lotion that needs no rinsing, applied with a cotton pad until it comes away perfectly clean. A spritz of thermal water, pat with a clean towel, and skin can breathe without being roughed up. Honestly, this step is the foundation for everything else.

Hydration, your best ally

Sebum protects and lubricates skin, but it doesn't replace hydration; in winter, cold, wind and indoor heating can impair the skin barrier and make dryness worse. Don't leave it that way!

Moisturise morning and evening, shifting the dial with the season. Your light July gel? Swap it for a richer, more protective cream — not necessarily pricier, just hardier. A treatment product (purifying, balancing, complexion-unifying)? Keep it for night: winter leaves little room for layering.

And while we're at it, don't overlook the power of your own hands. A massage can bring a feeling of relaxation and a temporary glow, but it won't firm tissue for the long term — we mention this because you'll read everything and its opposite on the subject. But the pleasure and the little immediate boost are worth two minutes.

Exfoliation and masks, the gentle way

Without exfoliation, it's hard to get your glow back — except that skin weakened by cold doesn't need a shock treatment. One exfoliation a week is enough, and you can space them out further if sensitivity appears. The golden rule of winter: be gentle with your skin!

So choose an enzymatic exfoliant (grain-free), which is kinder. And get into the habit of always following with a good cocooning mask, to offset the slightly abrasive effect of exfoliation. It's the winning duo for sensitive skin from November to February.

Woman with her eyes closed gently massaging her cheekbone and jaw with her fingertips

From the inside, too

Skin feeds on what's on your plate; it's far from trivial. A varied diet remains the best ally for a healthy glow: seasonal fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, pulses, protein… Vitamins and minerals contribute to a healthy complexion, but no single food promises a dramatic effect on its own — don't expect dramatic results from a mono-diet.

And if you needed another reason to drink more often: around one and a half litres of water a day supports the body and its organs, and therefore the skin. If plain water bores you, herbal teas, lemon water, teas and fruit juices with no added sugar also do the job. Just skip fizzy drinks, which skin really doesn't need.

One extra tip, for lovers of nature's little treasures: add a drop of carrot seed essential oil to your day cream. It's reputed to be beneficial for dry, combination or tired skin, and is a regular in 'healthy glow' formulas. Careful: one drop is enough — do not apply to eyes or mucous membranes. Essential oils are not recommended for pregnant women: always ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Same logic applies to the air indoors: heating on full blast, windows shut, and your skin is left gasping. An old wives' tale? A saucepan or jar of water on the radiator. It seems like nothing, yet it gently humidifies the air. Do be careful if your radiators are electric — take a few precautions to avoid any risk!

Hands applying micellar lotion to a cotton pad, in a bright, minimal bathroom
Fingers scooping a rich day cream from a clear glass jar, on light linen.

Budget

Budget-wise, there's no need to buy everything again: adjust rather than reinvent. A fragrance-free micellar lotion usually costs between £5 and £18, depending on brand and size; a slightly richer moisturiser, between £9 and £35. For an enzymatic exfoliant, expect between £9 and £26, and for a cocooning mask, around £5 to £22. A thermal water mist is around £5 to £13. Prices vary with promotions, sizes and retailers — pharmacies, health and beauty stores and supermarkets often remain the most accessible. On the eco side, it's worth looking at refillable formulas or glass containers; over time, it makes a difference.

The habit that changes everything: keep your day cream within reach and treat yourself to those two minutes of massage every morning. In winter, it's often more effective than layering products.

Final word

Winter isn't your skin's enemy: it's simply a season that calls for an adapted routine. A few adjustments, plenty of consistency, and you should find more everyday comfort. No promise of baby-soft skin in three days — the real victory is no longer feeling your skin tighten in the morning. The rest will come with time.

Sources