My Autumn Winter Skincare Routine: How I Keep My Skin Hydrated, Glowy and Calm

Cold weather can be so beautiful: crisp mornings, cozy knits, frosty walks… but it can also be incredibly harsh  on our skin. The moment temperatures drop, my complexion immediately starts asking for more: more moisture, more nourishment, and less harsh, laborious routines. Over the years, I’ve learned that the shift into autumn-winter isn’t just about switching clothes; it’s about switching skincare too.

This season, I’ve been refining an autumn-winter skincare routine that keeps my skin calm, hydrated and radiant even on the iciest of days. It’s fast, effective, and full of products that make me feel pampered without overwhelming my skin or my day.

These are the steps (and the products) that make all the difference to my glow in the cold weather…

Step 1: The Gentle, Hydrating Cleanse

Whilst I try and minimise my skincare routine, the double cleanse is a non-negotiable for me all year round.

I always start with Dermalogica’s PreCleanse. It’s a cult product for a reason and I make sure I’m never without it, even when travelling. Just one pump loosens off all makeup, dirt and sebum in the most hydrating way, and it turns milky when you rinse.

For my second cleanse, I switch from my normal summer cleanser to La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser because it’s designed for even the most dry and sensitive skin, and can be used either with water, or on it’s own wiped off with cotton pads. Whatever your preference, cold weather calls for creamy, non-stripping formulas that leave your skin feeling cushioned and soft. A good cleanser should never leave your face feeling tight – so if it does, switch.

Step 2: A Glow-Boosting Serum for Dewiness and Protection

Don’t skip this step – it makes the biggest difference for radiance. Serums act like a drink of water for your skin before your moisturiser.

Winter creates the perfect storm of dehydration, irritation and dullness, so your serum needs to multitask. I love Medik8’s C-Tetra Luxe Serum which is a high-potency vitamin C serum that also contains vitamin E and squalene for moisture.

Step 3: The Rich-but-Not-Greasy Moisturiser

I look for a moisturiser that feels nourishing but never suffocating — something that seals in all the glow without leaving my face shiny or like there’s a ‘film’ on my skin. A good winter moisturiser should support the skin barrier and calm irritation from cold winds or indoor heating.

For me, the Embryollise Lait-Creme Concentre is a clear winner. It’s low cost, highly effective and multi – use: I also use it as a primer under makeup and I often see it in the kits of MUAs on shoot days!

I warm mine between my palms and press it into the skin for a soft, pillowy finish.

Step 4: SPF, Always

Even when it’s grey, you still need SPF in your autumn winter skincare routine. Winter UV can cause just as much damage, and keeping your complexion bright and even relies on daily protection.

I go for Medik8’s Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50 because it layers beautifully under makeup and provides the high-factor protection that we all need.

Step 5: Facial Oil for an Overnight Glow-Up

During the colder months, I always bring facial oils into my routine. Just a couple of drops can make your skin look instantly healthier. I love using oils as the final step in my evening routine — they lock everything in and give me that dewy, bouncy morning skin we all crave. Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum works beautifully as a final autumn winter skincare step, leaving skin nourished without being sticky. It’s such a luxe formula that I always feel amazing after using it!

Step 6: Body Beautiful

Don’t forget, your body also needs a hydration upgrade in the colder months! I keep it simple with dry brushing for exfoliation twice a week, and a daily butter or oil-based body moisturiser. Pay particular attention to body parts that are exposed to the elements – shins and ankles, arms and wrists, and the decollette. You don’t need to break the bank for this either – my favourite autumn winter skincare body moisturiser is Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Oil at just £7.99. If I do want to indulge, I reach for Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil. The is a long-time favourite for me: a solid-to-liquid body oil that you heat up on the radiator (or by a cozy fireplace) before using, which liquifies it and releases the luxurious frangipani scent. It makes for such an indulgent, cozy pamper session in the evening!

Extras That Make a Big Difference

These are the little luxuries I add in once or twice a week to give my skin some extra love:

• A Weekly Hydrating Mask

Instant moisture, instant calm. Pai Skincare Resurrection Girl Mask is a gorgeous hydrating gel formula designed to replenish moisture in just 10 minutes. Use twice a week in the evenings for best results.

• A Gentle Exfoliator, Used Sparingly

Whilst we still need something to help remove those dead skin cells and brighten the complexion, autumn-winter is not the time for harsh acids or mechanical scrubs. I limit myself to a swipe of The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toner once per week as part of my nighttime routine before serum, making sure I add plenty of moisturiser afterwards.

• A Gua Sha or Facial Massage Moment

Encourages circulation, reduces puffiness, and gives that sculpted glow. Watch this super quick 5-minute follow-along morning Gua-Sha routine for how to do it.

• A Lip Conditioning Ritual

My lips chap so easily in winter, so a nightly conditioning treatment is non-negotiable. My absolute favourite is Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask, which comes in so many scents that I can’t stop buying them!

Shop My Routine

Final Thoughts

Autumn winter skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, or mean a total overhaul of your current skincare routine. Focus on nourishing and protecting the skin, and then go out, forget about it and enjoy the coziest time of year!

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