Cold air, indoor heating and harsh winds weaken your skin barrier – leaving your complexion dry, tight and reactive. This expert-led guide shows you exactly how to protect, nourish and strengthen your skin throughout winter, using science-backed skincare and supportive habits.

From our award-winning Hero Facial Oil and barrier‑repairing Tender Skin Balm, to the gut-balancing Flora Daily Biotic, here’s your complete inside‑out winter routine.

Table of Contents

• Why does winter affect your skin?
• How to choose a winter cleanser
• Why layering hydration is key in winter
• What to use for deep nourishment and repair
• Can gut health impact skin in winter?
• What foods help your skin stay hydrated in winter?
• How can your home and habits protect your skin?
• Quick Summary: Your winter skincare routine
• FAQs

Why does winter affect your skin?

Cold temperatures, low humidity and indoor heating disrupt the skin barrier and increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The result? Dryness, flaking, redness and heightened sensitivity.

Research shows that winter air causes the stratum corneum (your outermost skin layer) to lose moisture faster and become more permeable to irritants (Verdier-Sévrain & Bonté).

Hot showers and central heating worsen this by stripping natural lipids, making winter the season your barrier needs the most support.

How to choose a winter cleanser

A winter cleanser must clean without stripping. Avoid SLS, drying alcohols and harsh acids. Choose a soft, nourishing cream cleanser.

Recommended: Balancer Cream Cleanser

• Niacinamide to strengthen the barrier and even tone

• Mango Butter & Apricot Seed Oil to soothe and replenish

• Creamy texture that removes makeup gently

Use a warm cloth in circular motions – this gives a natural, non-abrasive exfoliation perfect for winter.

Why layering hydration is key in winter

Layering lightweight hydration protects against dry air, reduces TEWL and helps your microbiome stay balanced in cold weather.

Winter affects the skin microbiome too – research shows diversity drops in harsh climates, increasing reactivity.

Optimal Winter Layering Routine

1. Reviver Hydrating Mist

Formulated with:

• Prebiotic Inulin – deliver a 25x increase in the diversity of skin flora after 4 hours, replenishing the skin biome and reducing itchy, red atopic skin concerns.

• L-Arginine – hydrates and strengthens your skin’s natural defences.

• Aloe vera & cranberry – calm, soothe, revitalise and deeply hydrate your skin.

Reviver acts as your first veil of hydration, prepping your skin to absorb richer layers.

2. Tender Skin Balm

Your winter barrier hero:

• Clinically proven to hydrate for 8+ hours

• Tiger grass (centella asiatica) calms redness

• Rich plant butters restore lipid loss from cold air

Use morning and night on dry areas or all over for deep comfort.

3. Hero Facial Oil

A multi‑award-winning blend of:

• Sweet Almond, Apricot & Pumpkin Seed Oils

• Strengthens the barrier

• Locks in moisture

• Softens and smoothes texture

“I’m enjoying the freedom of using just one moisturising product. The Hero Facial Oil disappears into the skin beautifully whilst leaving it feeling supple and cared for.” — Lisa, Reviews.io 

Bonus Add‑Ons

• AM: Add a Vitamin C+E Facial Oil before Reviver Hydrating Mist or as the final step in your morning skincare routine, before applying SPF and any makeup to brighten and protect

• PM: Apply Bakuchiol Natural Retinol Facial Oil after Tender Skin Balm or as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine to support gentle overnight renewal

Build your barrier from the base — Explore layering must-haves

What to use for deep nourishment and repair

Winter skincare requires occlusive, lipid-rich formulas that replace what cold weather takes away.

Our Winter Skin Duo: Tender Skin Balm + Hero Facial Oil

• Tender Skin Balm: Repairs damaged lipid layers, reduces tightness and calms red, flaky skin

• Hero Facial Oil: Seals hydration and rebuilds skin comfort

Use daily, or layer together for maximum repair on cold days.

For an emergency treatment, add:

• Saviour Moisture Mask – hyaluronic acid + aloe vera soothe prickly, tight winter skin

Try the duo trusted by thousands — Shop the Winter Skin Duo

Can gut health impact skin in winter?

Yes. Your gut influences inflammation, hydration and skin sensitivity – all of which worsen in winter.

Cold weather, heavy comfort foods, stress and less sunlight disrupt your microbiome. When the gut is imbalanced, the skin often becomes dry, reactive or breakout‑prone.

Recommended: Flora Daily Biotic

Formulated for skin-first support:

• 9 clinically studied strains, including L. acidophilus LA85 & B. longum BL21

• 10mg zinc (100% RDI) for collagen, healing and hormone support

• 20 billion CFUs with delayed‑release delivery

• Clean, vegan and free from fillers & sugars

👉 Support your skin from within – Shop Flora Daily Biotic.

What foods help your skin stay hydrated in winter?

Your skin needs internal nourishment too. Eat foods rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and water to support hydration and barrier strength.

• Omega‑3s (walnuts, flax, salmon) – reduce inflammation

• Vitamin C (kiwi, citrus, peppers) – supports collagen

• Water-rich veg (cucumber, greens) – improves hydration

• Bone broth or veggie broths – replenish electrolytes

• Herbal teas – gentle hydration without caffeine loss

How can your home and habits protect your skin?

Small daily changes make a big difference in keeping skin comfortable and healthy.

✔ Use a humidifier to counteract indoor heating
✔ Keep showers warm, not hot
✔ Wear scarves and gloves to prevent windburn
✔ Choose cotton or bamboo over wool for sensitive skin
✔ Avoid over-washing, twice daily is enough
✔ Swap long baths for shorter, lukewarm ones
✔ Sleep 7–9 hours to support barrier repair

Quick Summary: Your winter skincare routine

• Use a gentle cleanser (avoid harsh foaming products)
• Layer mist and oil for hydration + barrier support
• Repair dry or red patches with balms and masks
• Add a daily probiotic to support skin from the inside out
• Eat hydrating, anti-inflammatory foods
• Use a humidifier and wear skin-shielding clothes

Take the guesswork out of winter skincare – Start your 3-minute skin consultation

FAQs

Q1: How often should I exfoliate in winter?
1-2 times per week using a soft cloth or gentle enzyme-based product. Avoid scrubs and acids.

Q2: Can I use facial oil every day?
Yes! Hero Facial Oil is perfect daily under makeup or over moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Q3: How soon can I expect results from Flora Daily Biotic?
Digestive and skin benefits may be noticeable in 2-4 weeks with consistent daily use.

Q4: Which product is best for sensitive patches on hands or face?
Tender Skin Balm is a multi-tasking hero for any dry, red or itchy areas.

Q5: Is it normal for skin to feel tighter in winter?
Yes, reduced humidity and cold temps cause TEWL. Layer hydrating and occlusive products to prevent this.

Related Guides

• The Benefits of Taking a Daily Probiotic

• How to Support Skin Health Through the Gut

• Top 5 Signs You Need a Probiotic Supplement

Ready to glow through winter?

Take control of your skin health this season. Layer up with our bestselling Hero Facial Oil, Tender Skin Balm and Flora Daily Biotic for a complete inside-out solution.

👉 Shop your winter essentials and keep skin soft, radiant and resilient.

Need help choosing your routine? Email care@bysarahlondon.com or connect with us on Instagram @bysarahlondon, we’re here to support your skin, naturally.

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