From moisturisers to masks, these are the best winter skincare products for dry skin

Quench your skin’s thirst with these winter wonders

Aug 04, 2023 12:16pm

It's no secret that the colder months offer a tough time for the moisture in our skin — or rather, the lack thereof. The right products can help with moisture retention and reduce fine lines and aging, so a good winter skincare routine is definitely not worth skipping over!

Although you're probably considering a targeted moisturiser to combat dry, dehydrated winter skin, make the most of implementing hydration into your entire beauty routine — it's also worth considering cleansers, serums and face masks. Read on for the best winter skincare products to consider.

Combat dry skin with these winter skincare essentials

1. A gentle yet repairing cleanser

Clockwise: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $15.99, from Chemist Warehouse, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $69, from Sephora, Tui Facial Cleanser, $55, from LoveSkin, Medik8 Gentle Cleanse, $58.65, from Adore Beauty, Urban Jungle Melt Me Softly Cleansing Balm, $41, from Sephora, Ole Henriksen Truth Juice Daily Cleanser, $55.75, from The Iconic, Melting Moment Cleansing Balm, $69.95, from Alpha-H

Are you wondering why your skin is so dry? It could be to do with your skin's barrier. When the skin's barrier is damaged (signs include sensitivity, acne, flaky skin and other irritations), it's vulnerable to harmful bacteria and unable to effectively retain moisture. It's therefore wise to use a gentle, nourishing cleanser like the LoveSkin Tui Facial Cleanser to gently cleanse and restore your complexion. You could also consider a cleansing balm with hydrating properties (like the Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm) that not only removes makeup, but keeps your skin soothed and supple.

2. A hydrating serum

Clockwise: 5% Hyaluronic Acid + Hemp Serum, $48, from Hey Bud, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $155, from Sephora, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml, $34.99, from Life Pharmacy, Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum, $94.95, from Alpha-H, The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, $15, from Sephora, Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum, $125, from Ultraceuticals, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum, $71.99, from Chemist Warehouse

Look for a serum with hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse ingredient that deeply penetrates the skin and helps to lock in hydration. For plump, glowing skin, try the Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum or the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum before applying moisturiser. Also, note that while products infused with hyaluronic acid pair well with retinol, it's recommended not to layer the ingredient with skincare containing AHAs and BHAs to avoid irritation.

3. A nourishing moisturiser

Clockwise: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser, $33.49, from Chemist Warehouse, Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Moisturising Sorbet, $60, from Sephora, Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, $81, from Sephora, Skinstitut Ultra Dry Moisture Defence, $69, from The Iconic, Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel, $40.62, from Adore Beauty, Daily Essential Moisturiser, $64.95, from Alpha-H, Overnight Moisturiser, $49, from Hey Bud

Seek out an affordable yet hydrating moisturiser, like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser. A lightweight formulation, it's a great option for all-day wear and importantly contains SPF to protect against New Zealand's harsh rays. If you're after a tinted product for a glowing, sunkissed look, try the Huda Beauty GloWish Multi Dew Skin Tint, suitable for combination skin and available in 13 shades. You can even add a drop of this tint to your foundation for an extra hydration boost. Lastly, for a moisturiser that works its magic overnight, try the rich and hydating Hey Bud Ovenight Moisturiser.

4. Indulge in an overnight mask for maximum results

Clockwise: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mask, $13.49, from Chemist Warehouse, HydroPeptide Hydro-Lock Sleep Mask, $170.50, from Adore Beauty, Supernatural Sleeping Mask, $135, from Emma Lewisham, Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, $33, from Sephora, Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, $85, from Sephora, Skinstiut Hydrating Mask, $67, from The Iconic

For the ultimate in skincare indulgence, the Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask is a surefire way to wake up with replenished, happy skin. For optimum results, use this absorbent mask two to three times a week in place of the hyaluronic acid-charged Emma Lewisham Supernatural Crème and say goodbye to parched, ashy skin. For a sheet mask option, try the cult-favourite Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask for a pick-me-up dose of hydration and brightening.