June 09, 2025
7 min read
Skincare in Winter: Challenges and Easy Solutions
Winter brings a long list of environmental challenges that can’t be avoided (unless you plan on escaping to a tropical destination!). As the temperature drops, so does the moisture in the air, which can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and irritated. And to make matters worse - the cold weather often brings laziness and hesitation when it comes to getting off the couch and taking care of our skin and body.
To counteract the effects of harsh winter weather we need to make a little extra effort when it comes to our health and skincare rituals. Let’s take a look at some common skincare mistakes that most of us make through winter and some simple ways you can make healthier choices for your skin throughout the cooler months.
Taking Long, Hot Showers
We get it, the idea of a long hot shower on a cold day is naturally going to feel like bliss! However, hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, which are already depleted in colder months. Prolonged exposure to hot water can amplify dryness, increase irritation, and even trigger conditions such as eczema.
How to Fix it:
Stick to lukewarm showers that won’t leave your skin looking like a tomato and feeling like sandpaper! On days where you’re not washing your hair or completing an “everything shower”, try to limit shower time to 5-10 minutes. It’s also important to rehydrate your skin immediately after showering to lock in hydration while your skin is still damp.
Using the Same Skincare Products All Year
While it’s tempting to keep your summer routine going year-round, winter requires a different approach. The lightweight serums and moisturisers that helped to balance sweaty summer skin may not be enough hydration to support dry skin throughout winter.
How to Fix it:
Switch to a nourishing daily moisturiser that contains hydration boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, soothing oils and aloe vera. These ingredients combined will help to boost and retain moisture while protecting your skin’s barrier health.
Try swapping your daily moisturiser for LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream. Even if you are prone to oily skin, this everyday moisturiser will boost and lock in hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
In the evening, reach for LAMAV’s Omega 3 Advanced Night cream to replenish and repair the skin as you sleep. You’ll wake up with calmer, plumper and smoother skin!
Skin still struggling? If you have dry, mature or sensitive skin it might be time to provide your complexion with an extra layer of protection with a serum or nourishing oil. We recommend LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Hydra-Max Serum for all skin types as this winter-skin must have packs a punch when it comes to hydration while delivering a lightweight finish. If you’re looking for something a little more nourishing at night, reach for our Omega Antioxidant Oil to soothe and replenish dry skin.
Over-Exfoliating
While exfoliation is an essential skincare step to assist with removing dry, dull skin - overdoing it in winter can damage your skin’s barrier and potentially worsen sensitivity. Exfoliating with the wrong type of product can also strip and irritate the skin, leading to a red complexion that feels tight and irritated.
How to Fix it:
Throughout winter it’s best to reduce your exfoliation routine to once or twice per week. It’s also important to choose an exfoliant that won’t strip, irritate or scratch the skin. Avoid products that contain harsh, abrasive particles and artificial fragrance and or opt for a gentle exfoliant that will renew your skin without the need to “scrub”. LAMAV’s Organic Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub is formulated with fruit derived AHA’s to break down dead skin cells while soft jojoba beads encourage dry skin removal without scratching the skin. This winter essential is also packed with nourishing oils and butters to soothe and hydrate as you exfoliate.
Not Cleansing Properly at night
Getting off the warm, cosy couch to head to the bathroom and wash your face at night can be really difficult on a cold winter’s night. Trust us - it’s well worth the 2 minute discomfort. If you’re avoiding the cold bathroom before bed, your skin will quickly build up with excess oil, dirt, makeup and SPF from the day, which can quickly lead to breakouts and dull skin.
How to Fix it:
If you know you’re that person who simply can’t be bothered washing their face when bedtime comes around, complete your double cleanse as soon as you get home to ensure your face is clean and hydrated before you settle onto the couch for the night.
Using Harsh Cleansers
If you’re still using your summer cleanser, it could be causing dryness and irritation. Gel or foaming cleansers are great if you have oily skin and for most skin types throughout Summer, however these can be too harsh for those with sensitive skin by the time winter rolls around.
How to Fix it:
Swap to a soap-free and artificial fragrance free cream or oil based cleanser if your dry, mature or sensitive skin is no longer benefiting from your summer skin cleanser. LAMAV’s Hydra-Cream Cleanser is a gentle cleansing cream formulated with Aloe Juice, Avocado and Camellia Oil to remove impurities and makeup while also soothing your complexion. Pair it with LAMAV’s super soft bamboo cleansing cloth to remove cleansing residue and reveal a glowing, clear complexion!
All skin types can also benefit from a cleansing oil as their first cleanse throughout winter. LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser paired with our reusable makeup remover wipes offer a gentle yet effective way to melt away makeup, spf and waterproof mascara without the need to aggressively wipe the skin.
Ignoring Indoor Air Quality
The use of heaters is a necessity throughout winter, particularly if you’re in the southern parts of Australia. While they provide a more comfortable environment, heated indoor air tends to be very dry, which pulls moisture from your skin while you sleep or work. Heated air in closed rooms and workspaces is also more likely to increase your chances of spreading illness and triggering allergies caused by a buildup of dust and lack of fresh air.
How to Fix it:
Try to limit use of indoor heaters by rugging up with warm clothing and blankets and only switch on during the coldest parts of the day or night. Using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air and ensuring you’re drinking enough water to stay hydrated from the inside out can also help to counteract the drying effects of indoor heaters.
Neglecting Your Body Care
Winter = a winter wardrobe that often covers most of our body. This lack of exposed skin can lead to laziness when it comes to caring for the skin on our body, however this can quickly lead to dry, dull and irritated skin. If you suffer from eczema, allergies or any type of skin sensitivity - lack of body care throughout winter can leave you with a damaged barrier and increased risk of skin flare ups.
How to Fix it:
Take 1 minute post showering to apply a rich, nourishing body oil to rehydrate and protect the skin from your face down. If you’re in a hurry to put your winter woolies on, at least give your hands, knees, elbows and feet some love as these areas are most prone to dryness.
If you really want to treat and nourish your skin this winter, reach for LAMAV’s Ayurvedic Body Oil and warm it in a bowl of warm water before enjoying an Abhyanga Massage to relieve tight muscles while warming the body through increased blood flow. And don’t forget to keep our Vitamin C Hand Cream on your bedside table and in your handbag for nourishing hand top ups throughout the day!
Skipping Sunscreen
Think sunscreen is just for Summer? Think again! Sun damage can strike at any time so it’s important to prevent sunburn by using SPF on your face, neck and hands everyday. And if you’re planning on hitting the slopes this winter, SPF is particularly important as snow can reflect UV rays and increase your chances of getting burnt!
Winter skincare is all about protection, hydration and preventing irritation. By avoiding these common mistakes and making small adjustments to your routine, you can keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and glowing even in the coldest months. And the best part? Your skin will be glowing and ready to come out of hibernation by the time Summer rolls around!
