The Ultimate Winter Skincare Routine for Dry, Sensitive, and Redness-Prone Skin
Winter is coming and when it does I find that my skin barrier is really put to the test. Between biting winds, indoor heating, and low humidity, my dry and sensitive skin often ends up red, flaky, and uncomfortable. The good news? Over the years I have tried and tested all kinds of skincare products and have finally found the right winter skincare routine for me. It helps keep my skin calm, hydrated, and radiant all season long.
My step-by-step routine features some of the best hydrating and soothing products from Liz Earle, CeraVe, HABI, and Boots — perfect for redness-prone, sensitive skin. I have also included both my AM routine and PM routine, so you can keep your skin looking it’s best all throughout the day.
Step 1: Start with a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Cleansing is the foundation of any great skincare routine. In winter, I always opt for gentle, non-stripping cleansers that protect your natural oils.
Morning Cleanser: Liz Earle Revitalise and Glow Cleanser
Brightens dull winter skin with botanical extracts.
Leaves skin soft, refreshed, and never tight.
Evening Cleanser: CeraVe Cleansing Lotion
Dermatologist-approved for dry and sensitive skin.
Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin barrier.
Ideal as a second cleanse or daily gentle wash.
💡 Tip: always cleanse with lukewarm water as I find hot water can worsen redness and dryness.
Step 2: Apply Targeted Serums for Hydration and Repair
My winter skin needs an extra dose of hydration and support and serums deliver exactly that. Serums are packed full of concentrated ingredients that help repair and protect the skin barrier.
Morning Serum: HABI Hydra Glow Hydrating Serum
Lightweight yet deeply hydrating formula.
Boosts plumpness and restores glow to tired skin.
Best applied on slightly damp skin for maximum absorption.
Evening Serum: Glow Collagen and Salicylic Acid Serum
Combines gentle exfoliation with firming collagen.
Refines texture and improves elasticity.
Suitable for sensitive skin when used in moderation.
Step 3: Brighten and De-Puff the Eye Area
My delicate skin around my eyes can easily become dry and puffy in cold weather. And no one wants to have tired or puffy looking eyes! So I target them with alternating brightening and energising eye serums.
Morning: Boots Vitamin C Eye Serum
Illuminates and evens tone with vitamin C.
Helps you look refreshed and awake.
Evening: Boots Botanics Caffeine Eye Serum
Reduces puffiness with caffeine and plant extracts.
Promotes circulation for smoother, brighter eyes overnight.
💡 Tip: store your eye serums in the fridge for a cooling, de-puffing effect.
Step 4: Lock in Moisture with Nourishing Moisturisers
One of the most important parts of my routine is to seal in hydration to prevent dryness and irritation especially during the colder months. Using a decent moisturiser will also lock in all that goodness from the serums.
Morning: Boots Ingredients Deep Moisture Spray
Delivers an instant burst of hydration throughout the day.
Great under makeup or as a mid-day refresh.
Evening: Liz Earle Revitalise and Glow Moisturiser
Replenishes and soothes skin overnight.
Calms redness and supports natural radiance.
Step 5: bonus Winter Skincare Tips for Redness-Prone Skin
To reap the best benefits of my skincare routine I make sure to follow a few other lifestyle habits to reinforce and help my skin in the winter. After all, even the best products work better with healthy skincare habits:
Apply SPF daily, even on cloudy days.
Stay hydrated with water and omega-rich foods.
Avoid harsh exfoliants and over-cleansing.
Stick to your routine — consistency is key for calmer skin.
Final Thoughts
Building the right winter skincare routine for dry, sensitive, redness-prone skin is all about hydration, protection, and gentle care. You also don’t have to have a complicated or expensive routine for it to be effective. Stick to simple staple products that you can trust. With hydrating heroes like CeraVe Cleansing Lotion, HABI Hydra Glow Serum, and Liz Earle Revitalise and Glow Moisturiser, your skin can stay soft, calm, and luminous no matter how cold it gets.