9 expert tips for getting the most out of your skin care in winter

If you're unsure of how to take care of your skin in winter, you're not alone.

With all of the seasonal skin care routine changes we're expected to make in winter it's difficult to streamline — especially when all we want to do is hibernate (read: rot) until the weather warms up to an appropriate temperature. 

So to make the shift a simple one, and in an effort to save us all from a collective headache, BEAUTYcrew's employed the help of a cohort of skin experts to help inspire your own winter skin care routine, and conversely ensure your skin survives the coldest season of the year. 

Introducing: Integrated Facialist April Brodie, Dermal Clinician James Vivian, Advanced Dermal Therapist Elisa Osmo, and Cosmetic Nurse Kate Sowden — your sage skin care guides this season. 

As for the other steps in your routine? Well, we've created the perfect winter haircare and bodycare rituals for you to try. And ahead, BEAUTYcrew rounds up the winter skin care essentials and tips you can rely on in the cooler months, according to experts. 

Tip #1: Cleansing is the cornerstone of great skin

April Brodie is the reason we know how to give ourselves a Korean-inspired glass skin facial at home, so obviously, we trust her product recommendations implicitly. 

The celebrity facialist swears by facial massage, which she likes to integrate into her daily evening cleansing ritual to minimise the addition of unnecessary steps in her skin care routine. 

"Cleansing is the cornerstone of great skin," Brodie tells us. "I love the cult-favourite J-Beauty Attenir Oil Cleanser ($35 from W Cosmetics)."

"It feels like a treat for my skin, and it's excellent for adding extra hydration to thirsty winter skin," she explains. "It's perfect for getting rid of makeup and grime while keeping my face soft and hydrated."

After adding a few pumps of the cleansing oil to her hands, Brodie warms the product up in her palms, and uses her signature cleansing method to ensure she's getting the most out of the first step in her routine.

To start, use small circular motions to massage dry skin with the cleansing oil, starting from the centre of the face, moving outwards towards the ears. Focus on the nose, in between the brows, and the forehead using the same circular massaging movement. Then, layer a cream or gel cleanser on top, repeating the facial massage method. Finally, remove both cleansers with warm water and a soft face cloth.

"This Japanese cleansing method leaves my skin glowing, perfect for winter skin," Brodie tells BEAUTYcrew.

Tip #2: Layer cream formulas to enhance moisture retention

"I apply Sulwhasoo's Concentrated Ginseng Mask (usually $15.22, now on sale for $12.05 from Beauty Amora) for 20 minutes post-cleansing," she continues.

"The mask feels luxurious on my skin — this is not your regular sheet mask — it's something truly special," Brodie explains. "The unique cream formula takes masking to a whole new level. It's designed to fit your face perfectly, to deliver the powerful hydration and anti-ageing benefits of Korean red ginseng."

"After [masking], I massage Rationale's #4 The Crème ($216 from Rationale) on to my face and neck. It locks in moisture day and night, leaving my skin feeling healthy and calm," says Brodie. "Winter can take a toll on my skin, and this cream is my saviour."

"With ingredients like intercellular lipids and ceramides, it fights dryness and redness big time. It is truly amazing," she explains. "[And it] can be layered on top of other day or night creams to enhance moisture retention."

Tip #3: Make the switch to hydrating formulas

"As winter hits, so can dry, flakey, sore skin," warns James Vivian.

"Cleansing is still super important to keep the skin clean and clear, but Viviology Lipid Cleanser (usually $48, now on sale for $33.60 from Adore Beauty) kick starts the hydrating process the moment it touches the skin," the Dermal Clinician tells us. "Use it with dry hands and a dry face to really allow the lipids time to work into the skin, leaving behind soft, comfy skin."

Rather than going in search of a different winter moisturiser, Vivian loves adding in a drop or two of Cosmedix Remedy Omega Complex Treatment Oil (usually $75, now on sale for $54 from Oz Hair & Beauty) — a light-weight, omega-rich oil — to a client's favourite moisturiser to make it richer and more nourishing.

"This boost helps keep the skin barrier protected, as well as decreasing dehydration due to cold weather and indoor heating," he explains. "Plus, it pairs beautifully with the Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser (usually $50, now on sale for $37 from Adore Beauty)."

Tip #4: Don't be scared of actives

If your favourite vitamin A product is aggravating your skin, minimise the dose your using, or the frequency of usage, to allow the skin time to reset.  

"Some consideration about the strength of the active ingredients that we apply to the skin is often needed as the weather cools and our skin barriers suffer," says Vivian.

Swapping out a resurfacing vitamin A product for an alternative that aims to strengthen and reinforce the skin's barrier can really help reduce hypersensitivity, while still enjoying the anti-ageing benefits that vitamin A brings.

"Osmosis Skincare Correct Preventative Retinal Serum ($176 from Adore Beauty) can be used AM and PM (if the skin can tolerate it)," he explains.

Tip #5: Apply your skin care to damp skin

"Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense ($115 from Adore Beauty) is my go-to hydrating serum for winter," says Elisa Osmo. "Apply it to slightly damp skin after cleansing followed by your moisturiser to lock in the extra hydration."

"It’s packed with multi-weight hyaluronic acid and NMF (natural moisturising factors) to deeply hydrate and plump the skin," the Glow Medispa founder explains. "Winter tends to dehydrate the skin, and this serum acts like a big glass of water for the face, and I love that it absorbs quickly without leaving any tackiness."

Tip #6: Warm up your moisturiser in your hands 

Warm your moisturiser up in your hands and massage it into the skin after your serum, focusing on areas that feel tight or flaky, Osmo advises.

"Dr. Spiller's Propolis Day Cream ($102 from Glow Medispa) is perfect for sensitive or breakout-prone skin during winter," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "It contains propolis, which is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helping to calm irritation while maintaining hydration and reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier. It’s nourishing and comforting without clogging the skin."

Tip #7: Don't skip SPF

As the final step in her morning routine — at least 20 minutes before sun exposure — Osmo applies O Cosmedics Mineral Pro Untinted SPF 30+ ($54 from O Cosmedics).

"Even in winter, SPF is non-negotiable," says Osmo. "This physical sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with added antioxidant benefits. It’s lightweight, blends easily with a minimal white cast, and is especially great for sensitive or post-treatment skin."

Tip #8: Invest in in-clinic treatments

I recommend non-invasive LED light therapy to my clients as a gentle yet effective option, explains Sowden.

"For those with mature and dry skin, using Red Light (633nm) helps to stimulate collagen and elastic production, reduces inflammation and improves overall skin tone," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "Near-Infrared Light (830nm) penetrates deeper into the skin to promote cellular regeneration, enhance healing and improve hydration at a deeper level."

If you don't have time to visit your local skin clinic for the treatment, we recommend investing in a high quality and effective at-home LED mask instead.

Qure Skincare's Q Rejuvalight Pro Facewear ($519 from Qure Skincare), Therabody's TheraFace LED Mask (usually $739, now on sale for $689 from JB Hi-Fi), and Boost Lab's Multitask LED Light Therapy Face + Neck Bundle (usually $499.95, now on sale for $400 from Boost Lab) are just a few of our favourites in the category.

According to Sowden, combining non-invasive LED therapy with Skin Booster treatments can really help to revive tired skin, diminish fine lines as well as enhancing the skin’s natural resilience.

Skin booster treatments work to deliver micro-infusions of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and salmon sperm (otherwise known as PDRN) directly into the dermis, known as the middle layer of skin, she tells us.

"I swear by skin boosters as they help to improve skin texture, firmness and elasticity to help improve the youthful and dewy glow," she says.

"PDRN has become highly sought after as it not only helps to address dryness, but also improves skin texture, which is a common concern for those with combination skin," Sowden explains. "It actually works to restore skin health at a cellular level, delivering both hydration and rejuvenation — essential for the harsher temperatures during winter."

Tip #9: Boost hydration while you sleep with an overnight mask

"O Cosmedics Hydra Plus Sleep-In Mask ($71.01 from O Cosmedics) is my go-to for combating dryness during winter," says Sowden. "I usually use it two to three times a week, but I'll increase to nightly when my skin needs a moisture surge. I just apply a thin layer over my serums before bed and wake up with soft, hydrated skin."

"During winter I swear by this product, it is packed with nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamins, meaning you wake up with plump, dewy skin," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "It's an overnight hydration booster that helps to replenish moisture and restore radiance whilst you sleep."

Main image credit: @shaninashaik

Now as for the things you shouldn't be doing in winter — from caveman skin to kitchen sink routines — here are eight skin care trends to avoid according to an expert.