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:
- Tightness after cleansing
- Dullness or lack of glow
- 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. Read our full guide on Dry vs Dehydrated Skin to go deeper.
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:
- Flaky, rough texture
- Visible dry patches
- Tightness that doesn't go away
- Skin feels dry all day (not just after cleansing)
- 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:
- Skin feels tight but still gets oily
- Dull, tired-looking complexion
- Fine "dehydration lines" (especially on forehead/under eyes)
- Skin feels better after applying products, but dries out again quickly
- 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:
- Cold air → reduces oil production
- Low humidity → pulls water from the skin
- Indoor heating → accelerates dehydration
This leads to a weakened skin barrier, increased sensitivity, more visible fine lines and breakouts (yes, even in winter). That's why prepping early is so important.
Quick Test: Is Your Skin Dry or Dehydrated?
After cleansing, leave your skin bare for 30 minutes.
- If your skin feels tight + flaky → Dry skin
- If your skin feels tight but looks shiny/oily → Dehydrated skin
How to Prep Your Skin for Winter (The Right Way)
Step 1: Cleanse Without Stripping
Glow Cleanser
Enriched with botanical extracts, Hyaluronic Acid and AHAs, it helps refresh and revitalise the skin, maintain hydration and support a smoother, brighter-looking complexion.
Step 2: Hydrate + Treat
Age Defy Serum
Powered by peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and prebiotics, it helps support skin structure, improve suppleness and keep skin plump and hydrated.
Step 3: Lock It In + Strengthen Your Barrier
1% Bakuchiol
A gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol that improves skin tone, supports hydration, strengthens the skin barrier and keeps skin calm and balanced.
Step 3 (Optional Boost): Extra Barrier Support for Very Dry Skin
Reset Barrier Moisturiser helps to deeply nourish and restore dry, compromised skin, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce irritation and sensitivity and 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)
SPF30+ Daily Defence Sunscreen
This lightweight formula provides UVA + UVB protection, hydrates without leaving a white cast and 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 hydrates, nourishes and 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 balanced, comfortable and healthy-looking.
