Winter Skincare Tips: Caring for Dry Sensitive Skin

Colder temperatures in winter signal our sebaceous glands to produce less oil. With humidity levels already dropping, our skin is much more alarmingly exposed to dryness in the nippy months. Coupled with the large temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, and the dryness caused by indoor heating, winter poses a set of challenges wholly different from our summer skin struggles.

Skin that is left compromised and dehydrated can develop dry cracks and fine lines, especially around the eyes and at the corners of the mouth. And when fine lines accumulate into clearly visible wrinkles and troughs, they can easily add years to your appearance.

Fear not, though, because this article will navigate you through skincare tips, techniques, and recommendations for your skin to stay moisturised and healthy this winter. Some focuses include diligent moisturising, gentle cleansing, and how to choose your winter sun protection.

The key principle here is to keep your skin's natural barrier hydrated. Moisturising products do this by forming a water-retaining protective film on skin to keep moisture locked in and prevent evaporation. This strengthens the skin barrier and boosts skin's defences against external irritation, leaving skin more stable and healthier.

Winter Skincare Tip ① Gentle Cleansers

With sebum production decreased by colder temperatures, we won't need as thorough a scrub as we do in summer. This is especially when over-cleansing can strip the skin of already-scarce natural oils and remove its natural protective barrier layer. To protect vulnerable skin in winter, go for mild formulas designed to nourish while cleansing. Lather the solution into a rich foam in your hands to reduce friction before using on your face, and try not to rub with force.

Gentle Facial Cleanser for Winter | HEVEBLUE Salmon Caring Centella Bubble Cleanser

Heveblue's exclusive PDRN and Centella Asiatica formula gently cleanses while soothing and restoring the skin. The rich and delicate foam gently hugs every inch of skin to effortlessly wash away dirt, purify pores, and combat bacteria that can cause acne. Loaded with salmon-derived PDRN, it revitalises and hydrates fatigued skin to leave it soothed, plump, and glowing with moisture.

Gentle Facial Cleanser for Winter | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

Cleansing gently with coconut-based surfactants, the rich, fine foam seeps through each crack and crevice in your skin to get rid of old dead skin cells and facilitate skin metabolism. The addition of centella asiatica also soothes sensitivity and stabilises skin conditions. Nourishing with a skin-friendly subacidic pH 5.5 formula, a pH value close to that of the skin's natural barrier, this cleanser doesn't strip, damage skin surface lipids, or sting the eye area. Skin is left soft and smooth with no tightness.
Gentle Facial Cleanser for Winter | Arencia Fresh Green Cleanser

None other than the rice mochi cleanser all the rage on Threads and TikTok! Formulated with over 30 plant-based components through a 72-hour fermentation process and kneaded over 7,200 times, Arencia's rice mochi cleanser is known for its – well – mochi-like stretchy texture. Rolling away dead skin cells and impurities with fine, smooth cleansing beads, It keeps pores fresh and tight and leaves your skin smooth, clear and dewy.

Gentle Facial Cleanser for Winter | APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cleanser

Purify with a compounded brightening boost from glutathione and niacinamide! Taking functional cleansing to the next level, this cleanser leaves your complexion clarified not just by removing pore-clogging impurities and buildup, but also with melanin-targeting actives. All ingredients are awarded an EWG green rating and are blended into a hypoallergenic and non-fragranced formula free from 9 irritants. Transform dull, waxen tones into a dewy, refreshed glow with this sensitive skin-friendly formula now!

Gentle Facial Cleanser for Winter | Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder

Meet Anua's take on the viral mochi cleanser! You can lather this multi-purpose cleanser into a foam like a normal face wash – or add some water to switch things up. Water transforms the mixture into a smooth, stretchy texture that gently blankets your skin and rolls away dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities like a wash-off mask. Skin is left soft and your skin tone clear and even without being stripped of essential moisture.

Winter Skincare Tip ② Cleanse with Balm/Oil

Cleansing balms come in a thick, rich consistency that melts into oil when water is added. Leaving skin purified without feeling rough or tight, they are the key to achieving a thorough cleanse and skin-friendly moisturisation in one go, making them an ideal makeup remover option in winter.

You can start by melting the balm in your hands with body temperature, before massaging the melted balm on your face. Roll in a circular motion to gradually dissolve makeup. A gentle face massage also helps promote blood circulation and improve metabolism, as some extra skin health perks.

Gentle Makeup Remover for Winter | Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm comes in an innovative grinding design for easy and precise portion control while ensuring the product’s quality and hygiene. Loaded with nourishing plant extracts, it delivers a gentle deep cleanse with grape seed oil and moisturises with tea seed oil, while madecassoside and centella extract help to soothe sensitive skin and reduce redness. It goes without saying that the cleansing formula is powerful enough to remove even waterproof makeup.

Gentle Makeup Remover for Winter | Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Beauty of Joseon's cleanser and makeup remover two-in-one is here to save you the time and effort of double cleansing. Purging everything from waterproof makeup to excess sebum and impurities in skin, it melts into a delicate oil on skin, smooth and spreadable. The effortless, frictionless cleanse leaves skin soft and refreshed. Rich in amino acids and minerals, the rice-powered formula replenishes a slew of nutrients for your skin. Removing makeup isn't just about cleansing; it can also be a core part of skincare and nourishment.

Gentle Makeup Remover for Winter | Heimish All Clean Balm

This K-beauty hidden gem fuses makeup removing, cleansing, and massaging in a natural vegan formula. Soothing skin with the botanical energy of plant-based oils, including citrus herb oil and shea butter, this cleansing balm transforms every cleanse into a lavish and relaxing spa experience. Recognised by the Eve Vegan French Certification, the mild vegan ingredients are suitable for all skin types and users, including sensitive skin and during pregnancy.

Gentle Makeup Remover for Winter | ATTENIR Skin Clear Cleansing Oil (Citrus fragrance)

Meet the chart-topping winner of Japan's Best Cosme Award – for two years in a row! This Japanese cleansing oil quickly dissolves stubborn pore cloggers and makeup with a luxurious formula of 8 valuable skincare oils. It removes skin cell buildup as well as residual makeup to reveal a clarified, clear complexion free of dullness and sallow tones. Emulsifying instantly for effortless cleansing, the essence-rich formula leaves skin thoroughly revitalised and glowing.

Gentle Makeup Remover for Winter | ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

ROUND LAB's cleansing oil is proof that you don't have to choose between gentle care and deep cleansing. It gets rid of makeup and excess sebum while retaining the essential moisture that your skin needs, featuring a formula of deep-sea water from Ulleungdo Island in South Korea. Extracted using patented technology, deep-sea water provides up to 72 kinds of pure, concentrated natural minerals for skin. Enjoy cleansing and skincare that is breathable and comfortable.

Winter Skincare Tip ③ Nourish with Oil

The outermost sebaceous membrane of human skin is mainly composed of oils secreted by the sebaceous glands. This means beauty oils of the same nature or a similar structure are the most natural and compatible moisturisers your skin can find. Water-based moisturisers like toners and serums tend to evaporate and become lost in the air; combat this with a face oil, which can form a protective, moisture-retaining layer on your skin surface. This protective barrier defends skin from cold temperatures and external irritation while preventing water loss.

One way to use face oils is to apply it in place of a cream or lotion. If you're worried about grease, another method is to mix 1-2 drops of the oil into an everyday skincare item in your routine to amp up nourishment without being too much.

Nourishing Face Oil for Winter | Jurlique Calendula Face Oil

Jurlique's soothing calendula oil features a 100% pure and natural formula concocted with calendula extract from the brand's own South Australia farm. The lightweight texture penetrates quickly to soothe redness, control inflammation, and provide antioxidant benefits. It nurtures sensitive skin and rebuilds damaged skin barriers to restore stability.

Nourishing Face Oil for Winter | Jurlique Rare Rose Face Oil

Introducing Jurlique's bestselling face oil from the brand's iconic Rare Rose collection! Based on highly skin-friendly olive squalane oil, this extravagant face oil is infused with rose essence and 6 kinds of botanical oils. Hydrating and antioxidant, it imparts skin with a naturally rosy glow with a gently nourishing texture that sinks into skin lightly. Suitable for all skin types and for both AM and PM use, it's a beginner-friendly facial oil.

Nourishing Face Oil for Winter | Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Packed with natural plant-based oils rich in fatty acids and vitamins, this rosehip oil absorbs lightly but penetrates deeply. The New Zealand-produced formula repairs skin with botanical energy to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, rebalance skin, and improve skin's natural defences. Promising a luxurious skincare experience, it's perfect for dry and mature skin in need of anti-aging pampering.

Nourishing Face Oil for Winter | COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

Formulated with 0.5% high purity retinol and 'super vitamin E' Tocotrienol, COSRX's retinol oil offers powerful repairing effects through the synergy between the two anti-aging agents. Squalane in the formula also moisturises and adds hydrated plumpness to skin. Reach for a bottle, turn back time, and marvel at smoothed fine lines and visibly rejuvenated skin!

Nourishing Face Oil for Winter | Farmstay Real Avocado Nutrition Oil Serum

A skin- and budget-friendly face oil with a lightweight, non-sticky texture and a nutrient-rich formula of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Avocados, green tea and other natural extracts deeply penetrate skin to nourish, adjust oil-water balance, and brighten dull complexions. The high-concentration formula forms a moisturising film to keep skin hydrated and boost defences.

Winter Skincare Tip ④ Moisturising Masks for Dry Weather

Moisturising becomes more crucial than ever during the colder months. It's a good idea to regularly hydrate with facial masks containing effective humectants and moisturising ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These components can intensely hydrate and enhance the skincare effect of other functional products.

However, while masks are a quick and trusty source of hydration, more doesn't always mean better. Sheet masking once to twice a week is enough to quench the thirst of your winter skin. Too much sheet masking, on the contrary, can overwhelm skin and compromise its natural barrier, leading to flare-ups and breakouts.

Hydrating Mask for Winter | Torriden Dive In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Mask

There isn't a day when the viral Torriden mask isn't on Olive Young's bestsellers section. Bursting with hydration, this holy grail for dry skin nourishes with a 5-layer hyaluronic acid formula. It delivers moisture into every layer of your skin from top to bottom with a 100% vegan sheet mask material that is soft on your skin and good for the environment. Quickly restoring glow and plumpness, it's an instant drink for dry, dehydrated skin.

Hydrating Mask for Winter | Anua Birch Moisture Sheet Mask

Experience instant skin-quenching hydration, lasting moisture, and a slew of skin-loving nutrients with Anua's birch sap-infused hydrogel masks. It keeps moisture locked within your skin to prevent dryness all day long, even when sitting under air conditioning, in a light snug-fitting mask texture that allows the essence to penetrate quickly. Take it off to reveal soft, sheer skin radiant with renewed health.

Hydrating Mask for Winter | ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask

A household name when it comes to moisturising sheet masks, Round Lab's 1025 Dokdo Mask features a patented formula of deep sea water drawn from 1500m deep in Ulleungdo, Korea. Its nourishing blend of 8 layers of hyaluronic acids and 8 types of amino acids moisturises and strengthens the skin barrier. If you're bothered by dry, sensitive and compromised skin in cold weather, here is your skin health first aid kit.

Hydrating Mask for Winter | Abib Collagen Gel Mask - Jericho Rose Jelly

Engineered with V-Label-approved vegan collagen from Italy, each Abib collagen gel mask of 100,005ppm collagen extract promotes collagen growth and hydrates with sedum-derived hyaluronic acid. Repairing each and every layer of your skin, it improves moisture-retaining abilities for hydration that lasts.

Hydrating Mask for Winter | VT HYDROP Reedle Shot 100 2-Step Mask

This 2-step mask set from the viral micro-needle essence brand VT combines the Reedle Shot 100 and Hydrogel Mask for you to complete your microneedling skincare regime in one go, greatly boosting the effect of other skincare products! The certified vegan and biodegradable mask sheet holds a powerful amount of essence to continuously pump moisturising and soothing ingredients into your skin, including hyaluronic acid, amino acids, ceramides, and Centella.

Winter Skincare Tips ⑤ Stay Sunscreened

The mellowed winter sun might tempt you to slack off when it comes to sun care – but UV rays don't just magically disappear in winter. Although daytime is shorter and daylight scarce, the ozone layer also becomes thinner in winter. This means UV rays can be more penetrating in winter, so sun care is just as essential. When choosing your winter sunscreen, look for formulas that can protect and moisturise at once to defend your skin against dry weather.

Moisturising Sunscreen for Winter | &be UV Milk Sunscreen

Developed by Japanese makeup artist Yusuke Kawakita, this sunscreen offers UV protection with bonus near-makeup tone-up effects. Excellent SPF50 PA++++ UV protection is fused into a moisturising yet non-sticky emulsion that glides wonderfully on skin, preventing oxidative aging caused by sunlight. Imbued with a subtle smattering of pearl powder, it adds a sheer, dewy sheen to skin under sunlight. Works both on its own and as a makeup base to leave your skin radiant!

Moisturising Sunscreen for Winter | ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen

Lauded by Korean users as a must-have sunscreen, it's no wonder why the viral ROUND LAB sunscreen is a three-year consecutive winner in the Olive Young Awards. Powered by birch sap, the moisturising formula dissolves into fresh, comfy hydration on skin. It keeps skin moist and dewy with no white cast, stickiness, or clogged pores, leaving a barely-there protective film that firmly defends skin from sun damage.

Moisturising Sunscreen for Winter | ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Sun Serum

Quench your skin with this deeply hydrating formula of 81% moisturising essence content and an ultra-lightweight, airy texture! It comes with decent sebum control properties to keep skin fresh and non-sticky, perfect whether for daily use or in the great outdoors. If you have oily or combination skin and are wary of extremely nourishing formulas, this sun serum is the perfect consistency for you.

Moisturising Sunscreen for Winter | numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence

Designed for sensitive skin, this lightweight sunscreen is UV protection and calming concoction in one, offering up to 10 hours of protection. It's infused with calming botanicals and extracts to effectively soothe and reduce sunlight-induced irritations. The refreshing, grease-free texture makes it a favourite among sensitive skin and acne-prone skin types.

Moisturising Sunscreen for Winter | SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

This naturally formulated sunscreen of Cica (Centella Asiatica) and a blend of botanical extracts and antioxidants protects your skin from UV damage and deeply nourishes. It evokes a natural, healthy glow with an alcohol-free, fragrance-free minimalist formula featuring Cica, a well known skin calming agent. Soothing and repairing, this sunscreen promises protection so mild it's safe even for skin that has just undergone medical aesthetics treatments.