Winter Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin With SkinLabs and Simply Meds Online

Jan 21, 2026 Skin Care

Winter can be particularly challenging for sensitive skin. Cold outdoor temperatures, low humidity and indoor heating all place additional strain on the skin barrier, often leading to dryness, redness and irritation. Adjusting your skincare routine during the colder months is essential to maintain hydration, comfort and resilience.

This guide explains how winter affects sensitive skin and outlines a simple, effective routine using gentle, barrier-supporting products designed to soothe, hydrate and protect throughout the season.

 

Winter Skincare Products From Simply Meds Online

You can now find all of our medical-grade skincare products in our dedicated SkinLabs. We are delighted to have curated collections with trusted brands such as SkinCeuticals, skinbetter science, ALTRUIST and MooGoo. As authorised stockists, you can be sure that you have access to the best products for your winter skincare needs.

 

How Winter Affects Sensitive Skin

Cold air contains less moisture than warm air, causing water to evaporate from the skin more easily. Central heating further dries the environment, weakening the skin barrier and increasing sensitivity. When the barrier is compromised, skin becomes more reactive, prone to redness, tightness and breakouts. Think about how your lips feel when you’ve been out on a cold and/or windy day. Your skin suffers the same way.

During winter, sensitive skin needs increased hydration and lipid support to maintain its natural protective function and reduce irritation.

 

Cleansing and Hydration Essentials for Cold Weather

Cleansing is the foundation of any winter skincare routine and should be gentle and non-stripping. Harsh cleansers can remove essential lipids, leaving sensitive skin tight and uncomfortable.

A calming, barrier-friendly cleanser such as SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser helps remove impurities while preserving hydration and soothing irritation. This creates the ideal base for treatment products.

Hydration-focused serums are particularly important in winter. SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Serum delivers lightweight hydration while helping to calm visible redness and sensitivity. For additional soothing and refreshment throughout the day, SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist provides instant hydration and comfort without disturbing makeup or skincare layers.

 

Moisturising and Protecting the Skin Barrier

In colder months, sensitive skin benefits from a richer moisturiser that restores lost lipids and strengthens the skin barrier. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is designed to replenish essential lipids, helping skin retain moisture, improve resilience and reduce signs of dryness and irritation.

For sensitive skin that also experiences dullness or uneven tone, SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment offers gentle brightening benefits while remaining suitable for reactive skin types when used as directed.

Daily sun protection remains essential year-round. The Altruist Dermatologist Moisturising Fluid SPF 50 provides high-level UV protection while maintaining hydration, making it suitable for sensitive skin even during the winter months.

 

Managing Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin in Winter

Oily or blemish-prone skin still requires hydration in winter. Skipping moisturiser or over-cleansing can trigger increased oil production and worsen breakouts. The focus should remain on maintaining a healthy skin barrier while using lightweight, non-comedogenic products (that are specially designed not to clog pores).

Using calming, oil-free treatments such as Phyto Corrective Serum, paired with barrier-repair moisturisers and daily SPF, helps balance oil production while keeping skin comfortable and protected during colder weather.

 

Daily and Weekly Skincare Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

A simple, consistent routine works best during winter:

• Cleanse gently with a soothing cleanser
• Apply hydrating and calming serums
• Lock in moisture with a barrier-repair moisturiser
• Use SPF every morning, even in winter

Weekly exfoliation should be kept minimal to avoid irritation, focusing on maintaining smooth skin without compromising the barrier.

 

Winter Skincare Routines For Sensitive Skin

Caring for sensitive skin in winter is all about hydration, barrier support and gentle formulations. By adapting your routine to include soothing cleansers, hydrating treatments, nourishing moisturisers and daily SPF, you can keep skin calm, balanced and resilient throughout the colder months. Please don’t forget the SPF, even in winter. It can make a big difference and even help reduce the signs of ageing.

Making small seasonal adjustments with well-formulated, sensitive-skin-friendly products can significantly improve comfort and skin health until warmer weather returns, and can help you maintain skin health all year round.