Winter Skincare: Looking After Your Skin Through the Cold Winter Months

Nov 22, 2022 Skin Care

Winter can be incredibly harsh on your skin. While a consistent skincare routine is important throughout the year, the colder months bring unique challenges that can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, irritated or sensitive. Between freezing temperatures outdoors and centrally heated indoor environments, your skin often has a lot to deal with during this season.

Below, we explore why winter affects your skin so much, the products that can help, and the steps you can take to keep your skin comfortable and healthy from head to toe.

Why is Winter Tough on Your Skin?

Your skin needs looking after all year round, but the colder months can offer extra challenges.

More Frequent Handwashing

Autumn and winter coincide with cold and flu season, and people often wash or sanitise their hands more regularly because of increased awareness of illness, such as flu and COVID-19. While this helps prevent infection, it also removes natural oils and can lead to dry or cracked hands.

Dry, Cold Air Outdoors

Cold air holds less moisture, which means it can strip your skin of hydration more quickly. Wind exposure can also irritate the face, lips and hands. If you’ve ever suffered from chapped lips or skin, you know that protecting against sore skin is a wise decision. 

Indoor Heating

Central heating, electric heaters and open fires all create warm but very dry air. The contrast between cold outdoor air and warm indoor air can cause the skin barrier to become stressed and more prone to dryness and sensitivity.

Because of this combination of factors, even people who do not usually have skin issues can find winter particularly uncomfortable. Obviously, turning all of the heating off is not a good option, which is why the Simply Meds Online team have put together a collection of popular winter skin care products for you to consider:

Popular Winter Skincare Products

At SimplyMeds Online, we stock a wide range of skincare favourites that can help replenish moisture, protect the skin barrier and ease winter-related dryness or irritation.

O’Keeffe’s For Working Hands

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is one of our most popular winter essentials. It helps to restore moisture, soothe cracks and strengthen the skin barrier. It is ideal for people who work outdoors or whose hands are exposed to harsh conditions.
There is also a trusted O’Keeffe’s foot care range for those who suffer from dry or cracked heels.

Eucerin - A Popular Product

Highly rated by people with eczema and sensitive skin, Eucerin offers everything from AtoControl face creams to body balms and scalp treatments. Their science-backed formulas are designed to reduce irritation and calm dryness. 

Cetaphil - Skincare For The Whole Family

Gentle and effective, Cetaphil products are suitable for the whole family. From the Cetaphil gentle cleanser to their lightweight moisturising lotion, the range is perfect for maintaining a balanced and calm complexion in winter.

CeraVe - All Year Round Skin Support

Known for containing ceramides that support the skin barrier, CeraVe is ideal for those who prefer lightweight yet deeply nourishing formulations. These products are suitable all year round but are especially useful in the colder months. CeraVe is often a brand that people prone to skin issues find effective.

New Winter Favourites to Consider

As trends in skincare move forward, several newer products have become winter must-haves, especially for hydration, protection and barrier repair. Here at Simply Meds Online, we only stock tried and tested products from trusted brands and suppliers. 

MooGoo Skincare

MooGoo products are known for their naturally-derived ingredients and gentle formulations, making them especially suitable for dry, irritated or sensitive winter skin. Their range focuses on restoring moisture, calming discomfort and supporting the skin barrier through colder months when harsh weather and indoor heating can leave skin feeling tight, flaky or reactive.

MooGoo Natural Tinted SPF 40 Face Cream

The MooGoo Natural Tinted SPF 40 Face Cream provides everyday hydration together with reliable broad-spectrum SPF protection, which is just as important in winter as it is in summer. The lightweight formula includes a soft, sheer tint that helps even out the complexion without heavy coverage, creating a natural, healthy look suitable for daily use. It absorbs easily, feels comfortable on sensitive skin and helps defend against the dryness and irritation that can be caused by wind, cold temperatures or UV exposure throughout the year.

MooGoo Natural Soothing MSM Moisturiser

This MooGoo Natural Soothing MSM moisturiser is designed to calm skin that becomes irritated or reactive, especially during the winter months when sensitivity is more common. Formulated with MSM, an ingredient known for helping soothe the appearance of redness and discomfort, it provides gentle hydration while supporting the skin’s natural balance. Its lightweight texture makes it ideal for everyday use, giving the skin a more comfortable, settled feel when cold weather tends to trigger flare-ups or unevenness.

MooGoo Full Cream Moisturiser

The MooGoo Full Cream Moisturiser is a rich, deeply nourishing cream ideal for restoring moisture to very dry or weather-worn skin. Its creamy texture makes it suitable for both the face and body, helping replenish the skin’s protective barrier and preventing moisture loss caused by low humidity, heating and cold winds. Regular use leaves the skin feeling softer, smoother and more resilient, making it an excellent option for anyone experiencing persistent winter dryness.

QV Skincare

QV products are dermatologically tested and created for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Their formulations are fragrance-free and focus on replenishing moisture while protecting the skin barrier, which is particularly important during winter when skin becomes more vulnerable to tightness, flaking and irritation.

QV Eczema Skincare Bundle

The QV Eczema Skincare Bundle provides a complete, gentle routine for managing very dry or eczema-prone skin through the colder months. Each product is designed to cleanse without stripping, to hydrate deeply and shield the skin from everyday irritants. Together, they help maintain comfort, support long-lasting moisture and reinforce the skin’s natural defences when winter conditions tend to worsen dryness and sensitivity.

Altruist Sun Protection

Even though winter days are colder and darker, daily SPF remains essential. UVA rays, which contribute to skin ageing and deeper skin damage, are present all year and can penetrate clouds and glass (yes, even in the UK). Altruist sunscreens are developed with dermatologists and offer lightweight, comfortable protection that works well for sensitive or dry winter skin.

Altruist Face Fluid SPF 30

Altruist Face Fluid SPF 30 is a fast-absorbing, everyday sunscreen with a soft, fluid texture that sits comfortably under moisturiser or makeup. It provides dependable broad-spectrum protection while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin. Its lightweight feel makes it easy to wear daily, helping to prevent UV-related dryness or irritation even in colder seasons.

Altruist Sunscreen SPF 30

The Altruist Sunscreen SPF 30 is a versatile option suitable for both face and body. Its non-sticky, easily absorbed formula offers effective protection that is ideal for outdoor winter activities or everyday exposure. Because it is designed to minimise irritation, it works well for sensitive skin while helping to guard against the drying and sensitising effects of winter sun.

Almus Skin, Hair and Nails

The Almus Skin, Hair and Nails supplement provides important nutrients such as biotin and zinc, which help support skin health from within during winter, when dryness and dullness are more noticeable.

Vitality Glow

Vitality Glow is a popular option for boosting radiance, energy and overall well-being. Glow-boosting supplements can help support your skin from the inside, especially when winter weather and indoor heating make the skin look tired or lacklustre.

Managing Existing Skin Conditions in Winter

Winter often aggravates conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Many people experience flare-ups when the temperature drops and the air becomes drier.

Products like AproDerm Emollient Cream are often recommended for soothing irritation and restoring the skin barrier. Using a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser regularly can help prevent flare-ups and ease symptoms.

Skincare Gift Ideas for Autumn and Winter

Skincare makes a thoughtful gift during the colder months. Ideas include:

• O’Keeffe’s Working Hands for outdoor workers, gardeners or anyone prone to dry hands
• A Cetaphil or MooGoo bundle for someone who loves gentle, effective skincare
• A self-care gift set with moisturisers, face masks or soothing creams
• A QV or Cerave collection for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin
   

Practical gifts like these are especially appreciated during winter when people may be struggling with dry or irritated skin. They are also considerate gifts that are useful when you have someone difficult to buy for.

Winter Skincare Tips

Great skincare is about more than products. Here are additional steps you can take to support your skin during the colder months.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Drinking enough water helps support your skin from the inside and keeps it looking plump and healthy.

Nourish Your Skin with the Right Nutrients

Winter skin benefits from vitamins such as:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc and Biotin
   

A good multivitamin or a targeted formula like Almus Skin Hair and Nails can help maintain your skin’s health.

Keep Using SPF

UV rays are present all year round. Even on cloudy winter days, your skin needs protection. Use a daily moisturiser with SPF or add a standalone SPF, such as Altruist Face Fluid SPF 30.

Moisturise More Often

Cold air and heating systems cause rapid moisture loss. Apply moisturiser morning and night, and use a thicker cream in the evening for added nourishment.

Do Not Forget Your Lips and Hands

These areas are especially prone to dryness. Keep a lip balm and hand cream in your bag or coat pocket to apply throughout the day. It’s easy to forget and regret it later.

Winter Skincare With Simply Meds Online

Winter skincare is about protecting your skin barrier, keeping moisture in and avoiding irritation. From gentle cleansers to deeply hydrating moisturisers, SPF and targeted treatments, the right routine can make a big difference.

Find products that work for you and make them a part of your daily routine. Here at Simply Meds Online, we are committed to providing the best products and have them conveniently and discreetly shipped to your address. If you are looking for skincare support, especially now that we are in the winter months, this guide will offer you plenty of options for the whole family.