Dry skin in winter: 7 beauty swaps to keep your face glowing, moisturised and hydrated

With a few easy switches, here’s how to winter proof your hair, body and skin.

Jessica Wang

4 min read

June 8, 2020 - 9:02AM

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Flaky, sore skin, increased redness, brittle hair and chapped lips are some of the common beauty casualties that come with winter but with a few fixes, you’ll be back to your glowing and hydrated self in no time.

As the mercury starts to drop, it’s time to switch out lighter formulas in lieu of conditioning products that promise moisture and protection.

So, if your face, hair and body are crying out for some TLC, consider switching up your routine with these beauty finds.

1. DON’T BE AFRAID OF OIL

There’s a reason why beauty fans rave about facial oils. Almost all skins can benefit from them – yes, even oil skins – and they feel sumptuous and luxurious while nourishing your skin. Also, you can (and should) massage any leftover product into your cuticles too, they’ll love the extra hydration.

Although Biossance’s Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, $112 is a little exxy, it smells divine and leaves your skin looking wonderful. FYI, news.com.au’s lifestyle editor, Rebekah Scanlan loves it too. For a more budget, but no less effective option, The Ordinary's “B” Oil, $18.50, packs a medley of marula, argan, rosehip and squalene oils that seriously delivers.

Nip dry skin in the bud.

2. MASK IT UP

For an intense hit of moisture, go for a hydration mask. Bonus points if it’s an overnight mask. This will give your face the time to soak up all that skincare goodness, so you wake up looking glowy and fresh. Clinique’s Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, $56 and Innisfree’s Aloe Revital Sleeping Pack, $20 are both great options and because they apply to the face transparent, you could even mask it up during a Zoom meeting. Nobody would know.

Great skin is as easy as having a snooze.

3. SUPER CHARGE YOUR LIP BALM

Now is not the time for a wimpy lip balm. You know the kind – the ones that feel slippy on your lips at first but disappear within minutes. To truly protect your chapped lips go for something like Lanolips’ 101 Ointment Multi-Balm in Coconutter, $14.95, which has a thicker consistency that will replenish moisture and protect your lips from the cold, dry air.

A Korean beauty favourite, Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask , $28 also delivers. While it calls itself an overnight lip mask, you can absolutely use it as a normal lip balm too. The consistency isn't sticky and it'll leave your lips looking plump and moisturised.

These balms will protect your lips from the elements.

4. CHECK IN WITH YOUR STRANDS

Chances are, 2020 has not been a great year for your hair. Although hairdressers have technically been allowed to operate, many have chosen not to. If your ends are feeling frayed and dried, a bit of leave-in conditioner will go a long way.

A much loved favourite, ELEVEN’s Miracle Hair Treatment, $24.95 is one of the Aussie brand’s top-selling products and also detangles, adds shine, protect colour and controls frizz. Just apply to damp hair and off you go.

If you want to go the extra mile, however, try a hair mask. It takes a bit more effort but they also provide a more intense hit of hydration. For an overnight treatment that won’t stain your pillowcase, Sephora Collection’s Hair Sleeping Mask in Dragonfruit, $7, comes in an adorable bonnet-like hat. It’s also comes in a coconut, shea, rose, acai and aloe vera version too.

Give thirsty strands a bit of TLC.

5. UP THE ANTE ON YOUR MOISTURISER

So we’ve covered your face, now let’s move onto your body. Winter is prime time for scaly limbs but upgrading to a heavier moisturiser will fend off the cursed dry patches. The Body Shop’s Shea Nourishing Body Butter, $25 is a rich option that will satiate the driest of skins thanks to its shea butter rich formula.

For a more luxurious option, you could also try a body oil. A French skincare favourite, Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, $26.99 is quick to absorb and will leave your skin smelling delicately of white flowers and vanilla. You can use it on your hair and face too.

Dry limbs are no match for these souped up body moisturisers.

6. EXFOLIATION IS YOUR FRIEND

Hydration is important but exfoliating is often key to great skin. Think of it this way – it’s difficult to ensure your moisturising products and expensive, active-packed serums get absorbed if an excess of oils and dead skin cells are in the way.

Chemical exfoliants like Pixi’s Glow Tonic, $46 and The Inkey List’s AHA and Apple Cider Vinegar Peel, $30 use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to lift away dead skin cells and sebum to give you glowier and clearer skin. The Pixi version is a bit more gentle thanks to the added aloe vera and ginseng, while the AHA and Apple Cider Vinegar Peel will pack a tinglier punch. Just don’t go overboard. Use these products two to three times a week max, or less if your skin is sensitive.

If you know which ones to pick, chemical exfoliants are like the less harsh cousin of traditional physical exfoliants and scrubs.

7. FAKE A TAN

There’s something to be said about a nice glow and a bit of colour, even when the closest thing to a tropical vacation is your mate’s holiday throwback photo on Instagram. In this case, a fake tan is the next best option.

While a face tan can be difficult to master at the best of times, Eco Tan’s Organic Face Tan Water, $34.95 is a no-fuss and buildable option. If you’re looking for something fool proof and low-commitment to use all over your body, a tan-enriched moisturiser like, Three Warriors’ Gradual Tan, $34.95 is your safest bet. It won’t stain your clothes and you don’t have to wait for it to develop.