The Winter Skincare Routine Dermatologists Actually Swear By

Every dermatologist will tell you the same thing: in winter, your number one job is protecting your skin barrier. That's the outer layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Cold air outside and dry central heating inside both strip it, which is why skin suddenly feels tight, looks dull and stings when you apply products that were fine in August.

So this season, think less is more: gentler cleansing, richer moisture and fewer actives. Here's exactly how to do it.

That squeaky-clean feeling? It's your skin crying for help. Foaming cleansers often strip the natural oils your barrier needs, so switch to a cream, milk or balm formula for winter, and wash with lukewarm (never hot) water.

The derm favourite: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. It's affordable, fragrance-free and packed with ceramides, so it cleans without leaving skin tight. If you wear make-up, melt it off first with a cleansing balm, then follow with your gentle cleanser.

Here's the trick most people miss: apply your serum and moisturiser to slightly damp skin. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin pull water into the skin, and damp skin gives them more to work with.

Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol or peptides. A milky, glazing fluid that sinks in fast and leaves a just-had-a-facial glow is perfect under make-up on dark mornings.

Your lightweight summer gel cream won't cut it now. Winter skin needs a moisturiser with three things: humectants to draw in water, emollients to smooth, and occlusives to seal it all in. Ceramides, squalane and shea butter are the ingredients to look out for.

CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a cult classic for good reason. For angry, red or flaky patches, dermatologists reach for La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, the closest thing to a plaster in a tube.

Grey skies don't stop UVA rays. They pass through cloud and windows and are the biggest cause of premature ageing and pigmentation. Make broad-spectrum SPF 30 to 50 the last step of your morning routine, every day. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 is a lightweight fluid that layers beautifully under foundation.

Retinoids, exfoliating acids and vitamin C still have a place in winter, but your barrier is already under pressure. Follow these simple rules:

Retinol: use it two or three nights a week, not every night, and try the "sandwich" method: moisturiser, retinol, then moisturiser again.

Acids: swap gritty scrubs and strong peels for a gentle lactic acid or PHA once or twice a week.

Never on the same night: don't use retinol and acids together. Your skin will thank you.

Mask once a week. A rich overnight mask on a Sunday is the fastest way to bring back bounce after a long week of heating and early starts.

Don't forget your lips. They have no oil glands, so they're first to crack. Keep a balm in every bag and slather on a thick layer before bed.

Get a humidifier. Even a small one by the bed adds moisture back into the air while you sleep. It's the most underrated skincare buy there is.

Turn the shower down. Long, hot showers feel amazing in January but strip skin all over. Keep them warm and short, then moisturise within three minutes of getting out.

Morning: gentle cleanse, hydrating serum, rich moisturiser, SPF.

Evening: balm cleanse, gentle cleanse, serum or retinol (two to three times a week), barrier cream.

Weekly: a gentle exfoliant once, a hydrating mask once.

Stick with it for two weeks and you'll notice the difference: less tightness, fewer flaky patches and that healthy glow back where it belongs. If your skin is still red, itchy or sore after that, book in with a GP or dermatologist, as it could be eczema or rosacea flaring up.

Switching products every week. Skin takes around a month to renew itself, so nothing gets a fair trial in seven days. Pick a routine and give it a proper run before you judge it.

Sitting with your face by the radiator. It feels lovely and it dries you out like a raisin. Move the desk if you can, or at least keep a mist and a balm within reach.

Assuming oily skin doesn't need moisture. It does, especially in winter. Dehydrated oily skin often produces more oil to compensate, so a light, ceramide-rich cream can actually calm things down.