Winter skin care
Winter skin care: how to stop dry, flaky skin on your face
The heating goes on, the wind picks up, and suddenly your face feels tight after washing. Maybe you notice flaky patches around your nose or on your cheeks. It happens to many of us every year.
The good news is that a few small swaps usually make a big difference. Here is what we suggest.
Quick answer: In winter, cold air outside and central heating inside both dry your skin out. Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, follow with a toner, then apply a richer face cream while your skin is still slightly damp. Wrap up warmly when you go out. If your skin is very dry, use your cream morning and night.
Why skin gets drier in winter
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Indoors, central heating dries the air even more. Your skin loses water to the dry air around it, so it can feel tight, rough or flaky.
Hot showers, harsh cleansers and scrubbing can make it worse, because they strip away the natural oils that help your skin hold on to moisture.
7 simple swaps for winter
1. Turn the water down. Wash your face with lukewarm water, not hot.
2. Cleanse gently, then tone. Choose a creamy cleanser made for dry skin, such as our Enriching Cleanser. Then use a toner, such as our Refreshing Toning Lotion, to remove any last trace of cleanser. It leaves your skin feeling moist and ready for your cream.
3. Moisturise on damp skin. Pat your face dry, leaving it slightly damp, then apply your cream straight away.
4. Switch to a richer cream. A lighter summer moisturiser may not be enough now. For most dry skin, the best moisturiser for winter is a richer winter face cream. Our Nourishing Moisturiser is made with shea butter, cocoa butter and almond oil, with a light rose scent from rose oil. It's for dry and sensitive skin.
5. Moisturise twice a day. If your skin is very dry, use your cream morning and evening.
6. Go easy on exfoliating. Scrubbing flaky skin can make it sorer. Exfoliate gently, once a week at most, and moisturise afterwards.
7. Wrap up warmly. Cold wind dries your skin fast. Pull a scarf up over your cheeks on windy days.
Indoors: help your skin and your home
• Put a bowl of water near a radiator, or use a humidifier, to add a little moisture to the air.
• Keep showers and baths short and warm, not hot.
• Drink plenty through the day. Water is best, or try a warm cup of Bouquet, our herbal drink.
• Look after your hands too. They often dry out first in winter.
Which Moor Spa cream is right for you?
Want a full routine
Enriching Cleanser, Refreshing Toning Lotion, Nourishing Moisturiser and a Refining Face Mask
Not sure? Try a 15ml size first. If your skin reacts easily, patch-test on your inner arm for 24 hours before using a new product on your face.
A note from Dee
Dee, our founder, first found Moor products in 1982 when she was looking for something kind to her own sensitive skin. Her winter tip is simple: wrap up warmly, and give your skin a little extra care while the heating is on.
Questions we're often asked
Why is my face so dry in winter?
Cold air outside and heating inside both pull moisture from your skin. Hot water and harsh cleansers add to it.
Should I change my moisturiser in winter?
Many people find a richer cream works better in winter. You can switch back to a lighter one in spring.
Is it OK to exfoliate dry, flaky skin?
Yes, gently and not too often. Once a week is plenty for most people. Always moisturise afterwards.
When should I see someone about dry skin?
If your skin is cracked, bleeding, very itchy or red, or doesn't improve, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Want something deeper?
If your whole body needs some winter care, read our Ultimate Guide to Mud Baths.
Ready for your winter swap?
Shop the Nourishing Moisturiser