Winter skin: how to keep your glow when it’s cold and dry

Brisbane winters are mild compared with much of the country, but your skin still notices the change. Cooler mornings, drier air, longer hot showers and a little heating at night can all leave skin feeling tight, flaky or dull, even if it behaved perfectly well all summer.

The good news is that a few simple changes to your routine, plus the right professional treatments, can keep your glow going right through the cooler months. Here’s what our therapists recommend.

Why skin changes when the weather cools

Your skin has a natural barrier that holds moisture in and keeps irritants out. When the air is dry and the temperature drops, skin can lose water more easily, and that barrier can start to feel the strain.

You might notice:

• Tightness after cleansing
• Flaky or rough patches, especially around the nose, cheeks and chin
• Makeup that sits on the surface instead of blending in
• More sensitivity or redness than usual
• A dull, tired look

Some of these are signs of dry skin, which lacks oil, and some point to dehydrated skin, which lacks water. They need slightly different care, so it’s worth reading our guide to dry vs dehydrated skin to work out which one you’re dealing with. You’ll also find more advice on our dry and dehydrated skin page.

Everyday habits that protect your winter skin

• Keep showers lukewarm. A long, hot shower feels wonderful on a cold morning, but hot water strips natural oils from your face and body. Turn the temperature down a notch and keep it short.
• Switch to a richer moisturiser. The light gel you love in summer may not be enough now. Choose a more nourishing cream and apply it to slightly damp skin to help lock in hydration. Our All Day Hydration day cream (from $59) is a lovely option.
• Add a hydrating serum. Layer a serum under your moisturiser for extra support. The Barrier Hydration Complex ($99), our “skin reset serum”, and the Pure Hydration Concentrate Serum ($99) are both favourites in the cooler months.
• Run a humidifier. If you use heating or air conditioning at night, a humidifier in the bedroom helps put some moisture back into the air.
• Cleanse gently. Choose a cleanser that leaves skin feeling soft rather than squeaky clean, and pat dry instead of rubbing.
• Keep wearing SPF every day. UV can still reach your skin on cool or cloudy days, and the Queensland sun is rarely gentle. A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ every morning protects your skin and the results of any treatments you’re having.

Five winter skin myths, debunked

Myth 1: You don’t need sunscreen in winter. UV doesn’t take the season off, and it can contribute to pigmentation and visible signs of ageing. Daily SPF is a year-round habit.

Myth 2: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser. Even oily and breakout-prone skin can become dehydrated in winter. Skin that lacks water can feel tight yet still look shiny. A lighter, non-greasy moisturiser helps keep it balanced.

Myth 3: Drinking more water will fix dry skin. Staying hydrated is great for your general health, but water alone won’t restore a stressed skin barrier. Your skin also needs the right topical care.

Myth 4: Exfoliating dry skin makes it worse. Over-exfoliating can, but gentle exfoliation helps lift away flaky dead skin so your serums and moisturisers can do their job. Once or twice a week is plenty for most people, and your therapist can guide you.

Myth 5: Winter is a time to skip skin treatments. It’s actually the opposite. The cooler months are one of the best times of year for professional treatments, especially corrective ones.

Why the cooler months suit corrective treatments

With less time spent in the sun, winter is ideal for treatments that work on texture, pigmentation and signs of ageing. Some of these can leave skin more sensitive for a little while, and it’s much easier to protect it when you’re not at the beach every weekend. Daily SPF 50+ is still essential.

• Hydro Jelly ($180, 40 min): Esthemax Hydrojelly® algae-based masks that help with hydration, redness and dullness. A beautiful pick-me-up when skin is feeling thirsty.
• Nano Infusion ($275, 50 min): a gentler alternative to skin needling with little to no downtime, paired with a professional treatment serum chosen for your skin.
• Corrective peels ($180, 40 min): higher-strength options include Jessner peels (with a high-strength version for depigmentation) and Mandelic 30% and 40%, which suit sensitive, breakout-prone and darker skin tones. Expect some flaking for a few days. Learn more in professional peels explained.
• Skin Needling ($300, 60 min): creates controlled micro-channels to stimulate repair and collagen. It’s best for fine lines, acne scarring, texture and pigmentation, with redness for a day or two. A course gives the best results, which makes winter a great time to start. Read skin needling vs dermal rollers to find out more.

Your therapist will recommend what suits your skin. Let us know if you’re pregnant, using retinoids or taking medication such as isotretinoin, as this can affect which treatments are right for you. New to us? Start with a Skin Discovery Treatment ($180, or $99 for new clients) for an in-depth skin assessment and a homecare plan.

Don’t forget your body

Legs, arms and elbows get just as dry in winter, and they’re often hidden under jeans and jumpers until spring.

• Exfoliate once or twice a week with the Body Exfoliation Buff and Polish Mitt ($21.95) to lift dry, flaky skin.
• Moisturise straight after your shower while skin is still slightly damp. Our Mango & Witch Hazel Body Moisturiser and Tea Tree Body Moisturiser ($39 each) are both part of our Australian Skin Institute range.
• Choose soft fabrics next to your skin and avoid very hot baths, which can leave skin itchy and tight.

Make winter skin care easy with a program or club

Consistency is what really changes skin. One treatment feels lovely, but a planned series is what helps you see lasting results. That’s where our memberships come in.

• Barrier & Hydration Program ($800, value $1,000, save 20%): 2 x LED, 2 x Micro and 1 x Hydro Jelly over 6 months, plus the Barrier Hydration Complex to use at home. It’s designed for stronger hydration results, so it’s ideal for skin that struggles through the dry months.
• Renewal Club ($220 a month, regular value $275, save 20%): one Renewal Skin Treatment every month, pairing a personalised modality with an advanced one such as nano infusion or skin needling. Members also get 25% off Australian Skin Institute and Tugun Compounding Pharmacy retail, plus a Welcome Pack and a one-time Bring-a-Friend voucher. There’s a 6-month minimum term, then it’s month to month.

Compare every option on our memberships page. If your skin is especially dry or sensitive, our partner Tugun Compounding Pharmacy compounds personalised skincare, scripted by their pharmacists. Request an order form and a pharmacist will be in touch.

Ready to book? Give your skin the support it needs this winter. Book online or find your nearest clinic on our clinics page.