How to Look After Your Skin As The Weather Gets Colder (Without Overcomplicating Things)
Because your skin deserves a little extra TLC when the temperature drops.
There's something lovely about autumn, isn't there? Cosy evenings, chunky knits, hot drinks and an excuse to stay indoors.
But while we might love getting cosy, our skin doesn't always feel quite the same way about the colder months!
If you've noticed your skin feeling tighter, drier, more sensitive or just a little bit lacklustre lately, you're certainly not alone.
Autumn can be a tricky time for our skin, but the good news is that a few small changes to your skincare routine can make a big difference.
And no, that doesn't mean you need to rush out and buy an entirely new bathroom cabinet full of products!
Why does our skin struggle in autumn?
During the colder months, our skin has quite a lot to contend with.
Cold air, chilly winds, central heating and constantly moving between different temperatures can all affect how well our skin holds on to moisture.
The result? Our skin barrier can become compromised, leaving skin feeling dry, uncomfortable, flaky or more sensitive than usual.
And here's something I always remind my clients: dry skin and dehydrated skin aren't necessarily the same thing.
Dry skin naturally produces less oil, whereas dehydrated skin is lacking water. You can even have oily skin that's dehydrated!
Understanding what your skin actually needs is far more important than simply reaching for the richest moisturiser you can find.
1. Be kind to your skin barrier
If there's one thing I'd love everyone to focus on during winter, it's their skin barrier.
Think of your skin barrier as your skin's protective coat. Its job is to keep moisture in and unwanted irritants out.
When it's working well, your skin tends to feel comfortable, balanced and healthy.
When it's struggling? That's when you might notice tightness, sensitivity, redness and dryness.
This is one of the reasons I love working with Esse Skincare.
Esse takes a microbiome-friendly approach to skincare, focusing on supporting the skin's natural ecosystem rather than constantly stripping, exfoliating or trying to force it into behaving differently.
Our skin is home to a whole community of microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin.
A little extra help from Esse Barrier Rescue
One product I'm particularly excited about this autumn is Esse's new Barrier Rescue.
If your skin is feeling a little worse for wear thanks to the cold weather, central heating or an overenthusiastic skincare routine, this is definitely one to have on your radar.
Designed to help support and protect a compromised skin barrier, Barrier Rescue is a lovely addition when your skin needs a little extra care and comfort.
Because sometimes, rather than adding more active ingredients or exfoliating treatments, what your skin really needs is a chance to recover.
My winter skincare advice? Focus on protecting your skin barrier first. Healthy, comfortable skin is always the goal.
And sometimes, particularly during autumn and winter, doing a little less can actually be a lot more beneficial.
Pssst… 🤫 Fancy getting your hands on Esse Barrier Rescue for FREE? It's tucked inside a gorgeous little skincare gift worth £85, and I've got two ways you can get one! Keep reading… I'll spill the details further down!
2. Rethink your cleansing routine
I know how tempting it is to wash your face with lovely hot water when it's freezing outside.
But your skin probably won't thank you for it!
Very hot water can strip away some of the natural oils that help protect our skin, leaving it feeling even drier.
Try switching to lukewarm water and choosing a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that leaves your skin feeling soft and comfortable rather than squeaky clean. Esse's gentle cleansing options are a lovely place to start, particularly if your skin is feeling more sensitive than usual.And remember, cleansing shouldn't leave your face feeling like it needs rescuing!
My tip: Try skipping your cleanser in the morning and simply using lukewarm water with my Brick House Reusable Facial Sponges instead. It's such a simple change, but you might be surprised at how much more comfortable your skin feels, especially during the colder months!
3. Your summer moisturiser might not be enough
Just as we swap our summer wardrobe for warmer layers, our skincare sometimes needs a seasonal adjustment too.
That lightweight moisturiser you loved in July might not be giving your skin quite enough support in autumn and winter.
During these seasons, some skins benefit from a richer moisturiser to help reduce moisture loss and keep the skin feeling comfortable.
Esse has some beautiful moisturising options, including its richer formulations for skins that need a little extra nourishment.
I switch my moisturiser to Esse Rich Moisturiser in the colder months & my skin soaks it up in seconds, adding a facial oil is also a great option. Protect oil & Repair oil are salon favourites!
But this doesn't mean everyone needs a thick, heavy cream.
If you're prone to congestion or breakouts, it's important to choose something suited to your skin rather than simply going for the richest product on the shelf. If you are visiting the salon remind me to give you some samples to try.
The key is to work with your skin, not against it.
4. Don't go mad with exfoliation!
This is something I see quite often.
Skin starts looking a little dull or flaky, so the immediate reaction is to exfoliate more.
But here's the thing: those flakes might be a sign that your skin barrier needs some extra care, rather than another scrub.
Over-exfoliating can make dryness, redness and sensitivity worse, especially when your skin is already struggling with the winter weather.
My advice?
Keep exfoliation gentle, don't overdo active ingredients and pay attention to how your skin feels.
If your skin is stinging, irritated or unusually sensitive, it may be time to simplify your routine for a little while.
Healthy skin doesn't need to be constantly exfoliated to look good.
5. Yes, you still need SPF in winter!
I know, I know. It's grey, it's raining and you haven't seen the sun for days.
But UVA rays are present throughout the year and can still reach our skin through clouds and windows.
These are the rays associated with premature skin ageing, so daily broad-spectrum sun protection is still important, even when the weather isn't particularly inspiring.
And if you're using exfoliating products or having certain skin treatments, sun protection becomes even more important.
Consider SPF your everyday skin essential, not just something you pack for your summer holiday.
6. Don't forget that healthy skin starts from within
If you've visited me at The Brick House Beauty, you'll know I'm a big believer in looking at the bigger picture when it comes to skin health.
Great skincare is important, but so are the things happening inside our bodies.
Our skin relies on a variety of nutrients, adequate hydration, sleep and a healthy lifestyle to function at its best.
And one thing I particularly love talking to clients about is omega fatty acids.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play important roles in our bodies, including the normal structure and function of our skin.
During winter, when our skin can feel particularly dry and uncomfortable, making sure we're getting enough essential fatty acids through our diet is definitely worth thinking about.
Looking after your skin from within with Skin Omegas+
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+
It's one of my favourite supplements to discuss with clients when we're looking at supporting their skin health from within.
Skin Omegas+ combines omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil with omega-6 fatty acids from evening primrose oil, providing a convenient way to add these fatty acids to your nutritional routine.
I often explain to clients that moisturisers help look after the skin from the outside, while good nutrition provides some of the building blocks our skin needs from the inside. Helping to nourish our skin, top to toe.
Of course, supplements aren't a replacement for a balanced diet or a good skincare routine, and they won't magically fix dry winter skin overnight.
But for someone looking at their skin health as a whole, they may be a useful addition where appropriate.
And don't forget the basics!
Eat a varied, colourful diet, include healthy fats, drink regularly throughout the day and make time for proper rest.
My approach has always been to look after your skin from both sides — what you put on it and how you nourish it from within.
That's why I love combining Esse Skincare with Advanced Nutrition Programme as part of a personalised approach to skin health.
7. Give your skin a little professional TLC
Sometimes, despite your best efforts at home, your skin just needs a little extra help.
And that's where a facial can be lovely.
Autumn is a great time to focus on hydration, comfort and supporting the skin barrier, rather than feeling that every treatment needs to be about exfoliating or correcting something.
My Esse facials are tailored to how your skin is feeling on the day.
So whether your skin is feeling dry, sensitive, stressed or simply in need of some attention, we can choose the products and approach that suit it best.
And let's not forget, taking an hour out for yourself to switch off and relax is pretty lovely too!
A Little Winter Treat From Me to You!
If your skin could do with some extra TLC this winter, I've got a lovely little treat for you!
And whether you fancy a little time out in the salon or prefer to stock up on your favourite skincare products, there are two ways to get your hands on a gorgeous FREE Esse Skin Rescue Kit worth £85!
Treat yourself to a course of Esse facials
Book a course of 3 Esse Skin Rituals or Esse Skin Experience facials and receive a FREE Esse Skin Rescue Kit worth £85.
It's a lovely way to give your skin some consistent care throughout the colder months, while enjoying a little well-deserved time for yourself.
Or stock up on your Esse favourites!
If you're already loving your Esse skincare routine, there's another way to enjoy this little winter treat.
Simply spend £150 or more on Esse Skincare products and receive your FREE Esse Skin Rescue Kit worth £85.
Perfect if you're running low on your favourites or fancy treating yourself to something new.
What's inside your FREE Esse Skin Rescue Kit?
And this isn't just any little gift! It's a gorgeous collection of three winter skincare essentials, all tucked inside a reusable cosmetic pouch made from recycled plastic.
Esse Barrier Rescue (30ml)
An intensely nourishing moisturiser with prebiotics and ceramides, designed to comfort extremely dry, sensitive or stressed skin while supporting your skin's protective barrier.
Esse Hand Cream (20ml)
A lightweight, nourishing hand cream containing Marula Oil to keep hardworking hands feeling soft and comfortable, especially during the colder months when frequent washing and chilly weather can leave them feeling dry.
Esse Lip Conditioner (10ml)
A little winter handbag essential! Helps moisturise and protect dry, chapped lips when cold winds and central heating take their toll.
A gorgeous little autumn/winter skincare collection worth £85, completely FREE with either offer!
Because looking after your skin shouldn't be complicated, and who doesn't love a little extra treat?
If you're unsure which Esse products or facial treatments would suit your skin, just ask. I'm always happy to help.
Available while stocks last.
My biggest skincare tip?
Don't overcomplicate things.
You don't need a ten-step skincare routine, the latest trending ingredient or a shelf full of expensive products. (No matter what social media trys to tell you)
What you do need is a routine that works for your skin, supports its natural protective barrier and leaves it feeling comfortable.
Sometimes that means changing your moisturiser. Sometimes it means cutting back on exfoliation. And sometimes it simply means being a little kinder to your skin.
If you're not sure what your skin needs, please just ask via the contact page or you can book an in salon or online consultation here.
I'm always happy to help you make sense of your skincare routine, whether that's recommending a couple of Esse products, chatting about nutritional support or putting together a more personalised approach.
Because skincare should make you feel good, not leave you feeling like there's always something you need to fix.
Em x
The Brick House Beauty, Stafford
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