How to Prep Your Skin for Winter (And Know If It’s Dry or Dehydrated)
As the seasons begin to shift in South Africa, your skin is already starting to change, even if winter hasn’t fully arrived yet.
You might notice:
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Tightness after cleansing
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Dullness or lack of glow
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Skin that feels uncomfortable throughout the day
But here’s the key:
Not all “dry-feeling” skin is actually dry.
Understanding whether your skin is dry or dehydrated is the first step to prepping it properly for winter.
Dry vs Dehydrated Skin: How to Tell the Difference
This is where most people go wrong, and why their routine doesn’t work.
Dry Skin (Skin Type)
Dry skin lacks oil (lipids).
This means your skin struggles to retain moisture, especially in colder weather.
Signs of dry skin:
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Flaky, rough texture
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Visible dry patches
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Tightness that doesn’t go away
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Skin feels dry all day (not just after cleansing)
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Makeup clings to dry areas
Dry skin needs nourishment + barrier support
Dehydrated Skin (Skin Condition)
Dehydrated skin lacks water, and can affect all skin types (even oily skin).
Signs of dehydrated skin:
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Skin feels tight but still gets oily
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Dull, tired-looking complexion
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Fine “dehydration lines” (especially on forehead/under eyes)
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Skin feels better after applying products, but dries out again quickly
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Makeup looks patchy or uneven
Dehydrated skin needs hydration + water-binding ingredients
Why Winter Makes Both Worse
Winter conditions affect both oil and water levels in your skin:
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Cold air → reduces oil production
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Low humidity → pulls water from the skin
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Indoor heating → accelerates dehydration
This leads to:
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A weakened skin barrier
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Increased sensitivity
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More visible fine lines
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Breakouts (yes, even in winter)
That’s why prepping early is so important
Quick Test: Is Your Skin Dry or Dehydrated?
Try this simple test:
After cleansing, leave your skin bare for 30 minutes.
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If your skin feels tight + flaky → Dry skin
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If your skin feels tight but looks shiny/oily → Dehydrated skin
How to Prep Your Skin for Winter (The Right Way)
Once you understand your skin, you can build a routine that actually works.
Step 1: Cleanse Without Stripping
Start with a cleanser that removes impurities while supporting hydration.
Glow Cleanser
Enriched with botanical extracts, Hyaluronic Acid and AHAs, it helps:
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Refresh and revitalise the skin
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Maintain hydration
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Support a smoother, brighter-looking complexion
Step 2: Hydrate + Treat
Hydration is essential for both dry and dehydrated skin.
Age Defy Serum
Powered by peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and prebiotics, it helps:
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Support skin structure
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Improve suppleness
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Keep skin plump and hydrated
Step 3: Lock It In + Strengthen Your Barrier
This step is especially important for dry skin.
1% Bakuchiol Moisturiser
A gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol that:
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Improves skin tone
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Supports hydration
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Strengthens the skin barrier
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Keeps skin calm and balanced
Ideal for maintaining hydration and supporting your skin as the seasons change
Step 3 (Optional Boost): Extra Barrier Support for Very Dry Skin
If your skin feels extra dry, tight, or compromised, it’s a sign your barrier needs additional support.
This is where you can incorporate Reset Barrier Moisturiser into your routine.
Reset Barrier Moisturiser helps to:
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Deeply nourish and restore dry, compromised skin
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Strengthen the skin barrier
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Reduce irritation and sensitivity
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Lock in hydration more effectively
Use it as an additional layer or alternate with your Bakuchiol moisturiser when your skin needs extra care
Step 4: Protect Daily (Even in Winter)
SPF is non-negotiable, even in colder months.
SPF30+ Daily Defence Sunscreen
This lightweight formula:
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Provides UVA + UVB protection
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Hydrates without leaving a white cast
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Helps prevent premature ageing and dehydration
Why This Routine Works
This routine addresses both oil + water balance, which is key in winter:
✔ Hydrates the skin
✔ Supports the skin barrier
✔ Prevents moisture loss
✔ Protects against environmental stress
Pro Tip: You Might Be Both
Most people aren’t just dry or dehydrated, they’re both during winter
That’s why a routine that:
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Hydrates
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Nourishes
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Protects
Works best
Final Thoughts
If your skin feels dry in winter, the problem didn’t start in winter, it started with a lack of preparation.
Understanding your skin and giving it the right support early is what keeps it:
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Balanced
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Comfortable
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Healthy-looking
