London winters always seem to arrive suddenly. The days get shorter, the wind harsher, and although central heating keeps the rooms warm, it mercilessly dries out every trace of moisture in the air. By the time January sets in, my skin sounds the alarm—tightness, redness, itching, even the usual reliable skincare products start losing their effectiveness.
That’s when I realized: in this season, basic skincare simply isn’t enough. Nighttime is the golden window for skin recovery and nourishment. So, I launched my “nighttime skincare upgrade”—a more thoughtful and nourishing routine to keep my skin calm and radiant even when facing the biting cold winds.
Step 1: Gentle Yet Thorough Cleansing—Don’t Let Residue Turn into Irritation
I pay extra attention to my cleansing products in winter. Cold weather weakens the skin barrier, and overly powerful cleansers can lead to dryness, stinging, or even flaking. But if cleansing isn’t thorough, makeup residue and airborne particles can clog pores and trigger inflammation or breakouts. The key is to find products that cleanse effectively yet feel gentle.
One product I’ve been loving is the ELEMIS cleansing balm. It melts into a silky texture on my fingertips, effortlessly removing even waterproof mascara. With its subtle herbal scent, it turns makeup removal into a soothing ritual. After rinsing, my skin feels soft and comfortable—not tight—making it the perfect transition into the rest of my nighttime routine. I bought mine on Amazon, and it often comes in great-value sets.
For facial cleanser, I opt for amino acid-based or creamy formulas. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, available at pharmacies or Boots, is my go-to. It doesn’t strip the skin’s natural oils, and after use, my face feels clean yet still moisturized—the first “hydration line” in my nighttime defense.
Step 2: Moisturizing Toner—Paving the Way for Absorption
Toner is the first drink of water for thirsty skin and the essential first step in preparing it for deeper care. In winter evenings, I prefer high-moisture toners with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or centella asiatica. These help hydrate while also soothing redness and itching.
I usually pour toner onto a cotton pad to gently sweep across my face and neck, then pour a few drops into my palm and press it in using the warmth of my hands. This process helps tired skin “wake up” and calms it after a long day.
On especially dry nights, I’ll do a “layering toner” technique: applying 2–3 layers and allowing the skin to drink it all in. My favorite is Hada Labo Gokujyun—incredibly hydrating, budget-friendly, and available on Lookfantastic or Amazon.
Step 3: Potent Serum—Repair Is the Core of Winter Skincare
Night is when the skin is most actively repairing itself. In the high-pressure environment of winter, a potent, reparative serum becomes essential. My winter night essentials are hydrating serums with vitamin B5 and peptides—they deeply nourish and accelerate skin recovery.
One I repurchase every winter is the La Roche-Posay B5 Serum. It’s my go-to for emergencies: redness, cracking, irritation—this serum calms it all. Peptide serums have also become a recent favorite. The next morning after using them, my skin looks plump and elastic, even the fine lines near my nose seem diminished.
To combat dullness, I sometimes use serums with niacinamide or vitamin C, but not too frequently—only 2–3 times a week to avoid overwhelming the skin barrier.
Step 4: Rich Cream—The Final Gatekeeper of Hydration
Cream is the final line of defense in my nighttime routine. A good night cream not only locks in all the actives from your serum but also forms a protective barrier against overnight moisture loss.
My criteria: thick but non-comedogenic, and ideally containing ceramides, squalane, or shea butter for deep nourishment. Lately, I’ve been using Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream. It excels at both repairing and moisturizing, perfect for red, sensitive winter skin. You can find it on Selfridges or Cult Beauty.
On particularly dry nights, I add a drop of facial oil, like The Ordinary’s Rosehip Seed Oil, emulsify it in my hands, and blend it into my cream. By morning, my skin feels as soft as a cat freshly woken from a nap.
Step 5: Intensive Treatment—Twice a Week “Special Forces” Care
Beyond the daily routine, I commit to twice-weekly intensive care sessions at night. These might be:
- Sleeping masks, like the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, which delivers baby-soft skin by morning;
- Ampoule programs, perfect for boosting skin through seasonal transitions;
- Hydration capsules, such as Elizabeth Arden’s pink capsules—high in active essence, they offer powerful restoration.
These treatments are like a “nighttime spa” for my skin and the most relaxing, indulgent part of my day.
Bonus: Lips, Eyes, Hands & Feet—Don’t Forget the Little Corners
Winter skincare isn’t just for the face.
- Lips: I slather on thick layers of Vaseline or Nuxe Honey Lip Mask before bed and exfoliate once a week. It keeps lip lines and chapping at bay.
- Eye area: I use Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream, gently patting it in with my ring finger. It reduces puffiness and smooths the area for better makeup application the next day.
- Hands and feet: Before bed, I coat them in a rich cream and wear cotton gloves or socks. I love the L’Occitane Shea Butter series, which smells wonderfully comforting and helps me drift off to sleep.
My Skincare Philosophy: Less Is More, but Only If It’s Nutrient-Dense
This entire routine may sound elaborate, but it only takes around 20 minutes to complete. The key isn’t in using more products, but in using the right ones—at the right time, with the right techniques. Nighttime is the skin’s best recovery window, so using nutrient-rich ingredients, facilitating absorption, and creating a warm, relaxing ritual helps me stay radiant even through the chilliest months.
Each winter that passes, I’m grateful I stayed consistent with this routine—not just because my skin looks good, but because this simple nightly ritual helps me hold onto a little warmth, even in the frostiest of nights.
