Protect your glow in cold air, high winds and winter sun
Winter has a way of waking us up. Crisp air, flushed cheeks, brighter skies - whether you’re heading for the mountains or simply braving frosty morning walks at home, there’s something invigorating about this season.
But winter is also demanding on the skin.
Cold temperatures, sharp winds, indoor heating and (often forgotten) UV exposure work together to dehydrate, sensitise and stress the skin barrier. Add altitude, snow reflection and longer days outdoors and suddenly your skin needs more than just “a good moisturiser”.
After years of skiing, travelling and living through cold UK winters, I’ve learned this simple truth:
Winter skin thrives when it’s hydrated, protected and shielded.
Why winter is harder on your skin than you think
Winter conditions challenge the skin in very specific ways:
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Cold air + wind increase transepidermal water loss, leaving skin dry and tight
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Indoor heating reduces humidity, dehydrating skin from the inside out
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UV exposure doesn’t disappear - it often increases at altitude and reflects off snow
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Blood vessels constrict in the cold, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin
That’s why skin can look dull, feel tight, flush easily or become more reactive during winter - even if you’ve “never had sensitive skin before”.
The answer isn’t layering more products. It’s choosing the right ones - and using them well.
The Winter Mantra
This is the approach I come back to every winter, whether I’m skiing or staying closer to home.
1. Hydrate deeply
Cold air strips moisture fast. Skin needs water-binding ingredients and lipids to stay comfortable and resilient.
That’s why I always layer hydration with:
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Humectants designed to draw water in (such as Snow Mushroom in our Renewing Retinoil & Rejuvenating Face Cream)
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Oils to seal in the moisture (Our Hydrating Face Oil features an incredible 23 organic oils!)
This combination supports the skin barrier, your first line of defence against the elements.
2. Protect against environmental stress
Winter skin isn’t just dry, it’s under oxidative stress.
Cold exposure, pollution, UV rays and inflammation all increase free radical activity. Antioxidants help neutralise this damage and support healthy skin function.
This is where Vitamin C, botanical extracts and antioxidant-rich oils come into their own.
3. Shield - especially from the sun
This one surprises people.
But UV rays are stronger at altitude and reflect off snow, intensifying exposure even on cloudy days. And even at sea level, winter sun still contributes to collagen breakdown and pigmentation.
A gentle, mineral SPF is non-negotiable. I never ski or start a winter day outdoors without it.
My winter skincare ritual
If you’re travelling, skiing, hiking or simply spending more time outside, this is the routine I swear by.
Morning: Prepare & protect
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Cleanse gently to keep the barrier intact
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Vitamin C for antioxidant protection and luminosity
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Mineral SPF to shield against UV and environmental stress
This combination creates a hydrated, resilient base that holds up throughout the day.
Our Morning Ritual Set was designed with exactly this in mind - simple, effective protection without heaviness.
Evening: Repair & restore
Cold exposure constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen to the skin. Evening care is about encouraging recovery.
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Nourishing Oil Cleanser to dissolve impurities without stripping
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Hydrating Hyaluronic Boosting Drops to replenish water levels
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Rejuvenating Face Cream, massaged in generously
Facial massage isn’t just relaxing - research shows it helps reoxygenate tissues and support circulation after cold exposure.
Think of this step as returning warmth, comfort and balance to the skin.
A winter essential: oils, always
The number one thing I never travel without in winter?
My Hydrating Facial Oil, of course!
A few drops pressed into the skin:
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Locks in hydration
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Supports the lipid barrier
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Soothes tightness and sensitivity
Top tip: carry the mini with you. You can press it over moisturiser during the day, or even over makeup if skin starts to feel dry or tight. Plus it’s the perfect handbag or pocket size!
Winter glow, not winter damage
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, stressed skin.
With the right ritual, this season can actually be one of the most beautiful for your complexion, calm, nourished and quietly glowing.
Whether you’re heading for the slopes or simply stepping into the cold morning air, protect your skin the way you protect the rest of yourself.
And remember: the only burn you want on your winter ski trip is in your legs - not on your skin.
With warmth,
Saira x
