How to Keep Your Winter Skin Happy: A Cold-Weather Outdoor Girl’s Guide
Winter has a special kind of magic: frosty fields sparkling on early-morning walks, crisp hikes that leave your cheeks pink, and cosy evenings thawing out by the fire. But while the season brings all the hygge vibes, it’s not always so kind to your skin. Cold winds, central heating, and dry air can turn even the hardiest adventure lover into a flaky, chapped mess. The good news? A few smart tweaks to your routine can keep your skin glowing long after the last snow melts. Here’s how to keep your winter skin happy – whether you’re scaling frosty peaks or strolling to the pub in your favourite woolly hat.
1. Switch to a Richer Moisturiser
Your skin barrier works overtime in winter, so give it a little backup. If you usually use a lightweight lotion, winter is the moment to upgrade to something richer and more nourishing. If your skin starts feeling fragile in the cold, you could reach for ceramides, squalane, or peptides from MEDIPEEL. These ingredients reinforce your skin’s natural barrier and protect your complexion when frost bites.
Outdoor days demand an extra layer-literally. Apply moisturiser morning and night, and don’t be afraid to reapply after a long, windy hike. Think of it like re-proofing your waterproof jacket: necessary maintenance to keep things functioning smoothly.
2. SPF Is Still a Thing
Yes, really. Sun protection isn’t just for sun-drenched summer surf days. Winter sun can be surprisingly strong, especially if you’re skiing or walking somewhere with reflective snow. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) is essential, even when the sky is the colour of porridge. Choose a formula that plays nicely with cold-weather moisturisers, and pop a travel-size sunscreen stick in your pocket for top-ups mid-adventure.
3. Exfoliate Gently (But Don’t Skip It)
It’s tempting to scrub your dry skin into submission, but over-exfoliating can make things worse. Instead, try a gentle chemical exfoliant once or twice a week – something with lactic acid or PHA – to whisk away dead skin without causing irritation. You’ll find that your serums and moisturisers sink in far more effectively when they’re not battling through layers of flakiness.
4. Invest in a Good Lip Balm
Winter winds show no mercy to your lips. Nobody wants that tight, stinging feeling halfway through a windswept ramble, so stash a sturdy balm in every rucksack, jacket and glove pocket. Go for something with beeswax or shea butter, and avoid formulas heavy on menthol or artificial flavourings – they might feel nice at first but often dry lips out more in the long run. When things get really rough, layer balm over a smear of plain petroleum jelly for instant relief.
5. Hydrate Like You Mean It
It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when it’s cold out. But keeping hydrated is one of the simplest ways to keep your skin plump and happy. Fill up a flask with hot herbal tea before heading outdoors, and make a habit of sipping throughout the day. If you’re spending hours hiking in cold, dry air, electrolytes can be surprisingly helpful too.
6. Create a Winter Shower Ritual
Nothing feels better after a chilly adventure than a long, steamy shower—but too much heat can strip moisture from your skin. Keep the temperature warm, not scorching, and switch to creamy body washes instead of foaming ones. Follow up immediately with a body butter or oil while your skin is still slightly damp. Your future self will thank you during those January mornings when tights start sticking to your legs.
7. Don’t Forget Hands and Feet
Your extremities work hard during winter adventures, and they deserve some love. Slather on a thick hand cream after every wash, and treat your feet to a nourishing layer before bed. Cotton socks over moisturiser = magic.
