As the air turns crisp and heaters come on, your skin can easily become dry, tight, or red. Below, Sarah (our functional medicine academic and co‑founder) shares science‑grounded seasonal skincare tips, inside and out, to help you maintain healthy, radiant skin during the colder months.

Table of Contents

• How can you keep your skin hydrated in autumn and winter?
• Why should you add a moisturiser when it gets colder?
• Is exfoliating safe for sensitive skin in cold weather?
• Do you still need SPF in autumn and winter?
• How can you repair and strengthen your skin barrier in winter?
• How does autumn nutrition affect your skin?
• How Flora Daily Biotic supports skin health from within
• Quick Summary & Next Steps
• FAQs

How can you keep your skin hydrated in autumn and winter?

Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating draw moisture from the skin, making hydration a top priority in autumn and winter.

• Drink at least 2 litres of water daily to support skin function from within

• Use barrier-sealing oils or balms after cleansing to lock in hydration, plant oils form an occlusive layer

• Consider a humidifier at home to maintain ambient moisture

Sarah’s tip: Use our Hero Facial Oil after cleansing and moisturising so the beautiful plant oils can seal in all the moisture and hydration.

Why should you add a moisturiser when it gets colder?

A rich, nourishing moisturiser helps guard against transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which accelerates in cold, dry air. During winter, your skin’s barrier can weaken, making it harder to retain water.

• Choose moisturisers with lipid-replenishing ingredients (plant butters, ceramides, squalane)

• Use it on damp skin for better absorption

Sarah’s tip: Try Tender Skin Balm, clinically shown to provide up to 8 hours of hydration, with tiger grass and plant butters to support dry or sensitive areas.

Is exfoliating safe for sensitive skin in cold weather?

Exfoliation can help remove dull, dead skin, but fragile skin in winter needs gentle, non-abrasive formulas. Harsh physical scrubs or strong acids may damage your barrier further in cold climates.

• Use enzyme-based or very mild exfoliants (e.g. fruit enzymes) at most 1–2 times per week

• Always follow with moisturiser and skin barrier support

Sarah’s tip: Try Ally Recovery Blemish Facial Oil blended with gentle enzymes (papaya etc.). Though called an “oil,” it’s lightweight and won’t clog pores, perfect for winter renewal.

Do you still need SPF in autumn and winter?

Yes, UV rays penetrate clouds and windows, so daily sun protection remains essential year-round. Even on overcast days, about 80% of UV radiation still reaches skin, risking collagen damage and ageing.

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF (UVA + UVB) daily

• Reapply after sweating or exposure

Sarah’s tip: Our Serene Daily SPF 50+ offers high protection with lightweight texture, free from white cast and fortified with nourishing extracts.

How can you repair and strengthen your skin barrier in winter?

Your skin barrier is your frontline defence, when it's weakened, cold and environmental stressors worsen sensitivity, dryness, and irritation.

• Use occlusive ingredients (butters, ceramides) to reinforce lipids

• Add barrier-repair actives like niacinamide or panthenol

• Avoid harsh cleansers or over-stripping routines

Sarah’s tip: The Tender Skin Balm is ideal for reinforcing the skin’s lipid layer and helping to lock in moisture during seasonal stress.

How does autumn nutrition affect your skin?

Your skin reflects your internal health, and autumn produce gives you a chance to nourish it from within.

• Foods rich in beta-carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes) support skin repair

• Add anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric, berries, leafy greens

• Include prebiotic fibre (oats, leeks, onions) to support your gut-skin axis (which in turn helps your skin resilience)

How Flora Daily Biotic supports skin health from within

Beauty that starts from the inside, Flora Daily Biotic complements your skincare routine by supporting your gut-skin axis during seasonal stress.

• 9 clinically studied strains (including L. acidophilus LA85 & B. longum BL21), selected for skin, gut and immunity support

• 10 mg zinc (100% RDI) to support collagen stability, immune function and hormonal balance

• 20 billion CFUs per capsule with delayed-release delivery to survive digestion

• Clean, vegan formula — no preservatives, colours, sweeteners

Because the gut and skin communicate closely (see gut-skin axis research), supporting your internal microbiome helps manage inflammation, hydration, and barrier integrity. 

👉 Support your skin from within, explore Flora Daily Biotic today.

Quick Summary & Next Steps

• Colder air and heating dehydrate skin; barrier protection becomes critical

• Use hydrating, nourishing skincare layers (oil, moisturiser, SPF)

• Support internal skin balance via Flora Daily Biotic, with gut-skin axis benefits

• Combine external care + internal resilience for best seasonal skin results

FAQs

Q1: Should I take Flora Daily Biotic only in autumn/winter?
No, consistent year-round use helps maintain microbiome balance and provides ongoing support even during seasonal stress.

Q2: Can I mix Flora Daily Biotic into food or drinks?
Yes, while the delayed-release capsule offers optimal delivery, you may open it and sprinkle into cool (not hot) beverages or yoghurts if swallowing is difficult.

Q3: Will Flora Daily Biotic help with winter flare-ups like eczema or sensitivity?
Potentially, by modulating gut inflammation, Flora may support skin resilience. Oral probiotics have been linked to improvement in skin conditions like eczema and acne via immunologic mechanisms. 

Q4: How long until I see benefits from Flora?
Some notice improved skin hydration or comfort within 4–8 weeks. Barrier repair and reduced sensitivity may take longer depending on individual baseline and habits.

Q5: Do I still need layers of skincare if I take Flora?
Yes, Flora supports from within, but topical care (moisturisers, barrier repair, SPF) remains essential to protect and reinforce surface skin health.

Need help building your skincare routine? Try our 5 minute Skin Health Consultation and receive a personalised plan straight to your inbox.

Or contact us at care@bysarahlondon.com or message us on Instagram @bysarahlondon.

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