10 winter skincare steps five skin experts never skip

If you're unsure of how to take care of your skin in winter, you're not alone.

With all of the seasonal skin care routine changes we're expected to make in winter it's difficult to streamline — especially when all we want to do is hibernate (read: rot) until the weather warms up to an appropriate temperature. 

So to make the shift a simple one, and in an effort to save us all from a collective headache, BEAUTYcrew's employed the help of a cohort of skin experts to help inspire your own winter skin care routine, and conversely ensure your skin survives the coldest season of the year. 

Introducing: Integrated Facialist April Brodie, Dermal Clinician James Vivian, Advanced Dermal Therapist Elisa Osmo, Cosmetic Nurse Kate Sowden, and MECCA's Skincare Education Manager Franchesca Lay — your sage skin care guides this season. 

Brodie recently helped us to break down the common experience of skin fatigue (scary stuff), but ahead this cohort of skin experts and BEAUTYcrew have created the winter skincare routine to end all others. Keep scrolling to discover the steps they swear they never skip when the weather cools down...

Step 1: Invest in in-clinic treatments

I recommend non-invasive LED light therapy to my clients as a gentle yet effective option, explains Sowden.

"For those with mature and dry skin, using Red Light (633nm) helps to stimulate collagen and elastic production, reduces inflammation and improves overall skin tone," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "Near-Infrared Light (830nm) penetrates deeper into the skin to promote cellular regeneration, enhance healing and improve hydration at a deeper level."

If you don't have time to visit your local skin clinic for the treatment, we recommend investing in a high quality and effective at-home LED mask instead.

According to Sowden, combining non-invasive LED therapy with Skin Booster treatments can really help to revive tired skin, diminish fine lines as well as enhancing the skin’s natural resilience.

Skin booster treatments work to deliver micro-infusions of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid directly into the dermis, known as the middle layer of skin, she tells us.

"I swear by skin boosters as they help to improve skin texture, firmness and elasticity to help improve the youthful and dewy glow," she says.

Step 2: Integrate facial massage into your cleansing ritual

April Brodie is the reason we know how to give ourselves a Korean-inspired glass skin facial at home, so obviously, we trust her product recommendations implicitly. 

The celebrity facialist swears by facial massage, which she likes to integrate into her daily evening cleansing ritual to minimise the addition of unnecessary steps in her skin care routine. 

"Cleansing is the cornerstone of great skin," Brodie tells us. "I love the cult-favourite J-Beauty Attenir Oil Cleanser ($36.35 from Beauty Amora)."

"It feels like a treat for my skin, and it's excellent for adding extra hydration to thirsty winter skin," she explains. "It's perfect for getting rid of makeup and grime while keeping my face soft and hydrated."

After adding a few pumps of the cleansing oil to her hands, Brodie warms the product up in her palms, and uses her signature cleansing method to ensure she's getting the most out of the first step in her routine.

To start, use small circular motions to massage dry skin with the cleansing oil, starting from the centre of the face, moving outwards towards the ears. Focus on the nose, in between the brows, and the forehead using the same circular massaging movement. Then, layer a cream or gel cleanser on top, repeating the facial massage method. Finally, remove both cleansers with warm water and a soft face cloth.

"This Japanese cleansing method leaves my skin glowing, perfect for winter skin," Brodie tells BEAUTYcrew.

Step 3: Apply skin care to damp skin

"Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense ($92 from Adore Beauty) is my go-to hydrating serum for winter," says Elisa Osmo. "Apply it to slightly damp skin after cleansing followed by your moisturiser to lock in the extra hydration."

"It’s packed with multi-weight hyaluronic acid and NMF (natural moisturising factors) to deeply hydrate and plump the skin," the Glow Medispa founder explains. "Winter tends to dehydrate the skin, and this serum acts like a big glass of water for the face, and I love that it absorbs quickly without leaving any tackiness."

Step 4: Prioritise hydrating products

"As winter hits, so can dry, flakey, sore skin," warns James Vivian.

"Cleansing is still super important to keep the skin clean and clear, but Viviology Lipid Cleanser ($38.40 from Adore Beauty) kick starts the hydrating process the moment it touches the skin," the Dermal Clinician tells us. "Use it with dry hands and a dry face to really allow the lipids time to work into the skin, leaving behind soft, comfy skin."

Rather than going in search of a different winter moisturiser, Vivian loves adding in a drop or two of Cosmedix Remedy Omega Complex Treatment Oil ($63.20 from Adore Beauty) — a light-weight, omega-rich oil — to a client's favourite moisturiser to make it richer and more nourishing.

"This boost helps keep the skin barrier protected, as well as decreasing dehydration due to cold weather and indoor heating," he explains. "Plus, it pairs beautifully with the Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser ($40 from Adore Beauty)."

Step 5: Don't forget actives

If your favourite vitamin A product is aggravating your skin, minimise the dose your using, or the frequency of usage, to allow the skin time to reset.  

"Some consideration about the strength of the active ingredients that we apply to the skin is often needed as the weather cools and our skin barriers suffer," says Vivian.

Swapping out a resurfacing vitamin A product for an alternative that aims to strengthen and reinforce the skin's barrier can really help reduce hypersensitivity, while still enjoying the anti-ageing benefits that vitamin A brings.

"Osmosis Skincare Correct Preventative Retinal Serum ($176 from Adore Beauty) can be used AM and PM (if the skin can tolerate it)," he explains.

Step 6: Warm up your moisturiser in your hands 

Warm your moisturiser up in your hands and massage it into the skin after your serum, focusing on areas that feel tight or flaky, Osmo advises.

"Dr. Spiller's Propolis Day Cream ($102 from Glow Medispa) is perfect for sensitive or breakout-prone skin during winter," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "It contains propolis, which is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helping to calm irritation while maintaining hydration and reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier. It’s nourishing and comforting without clogging the skin."

Step 7: Don't skip SPF

As the final step in her morning routine at least 20 minutes before sun exposure Osmo applies sunscreen.

"Even in winter, SPF is non-negotiable," says Osmo.

Find a physical sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, as well as added antioxidant benefits, with a lightweight, blendable formula that's great for sensitive or post-treatment skin and doesn't leave behind a white cast.

Step 8: Layer cream formulas to enhance moisture retention in the evening

"I apply Sulwhasoo's Concentrated Ginseng Mask ($11.45 from Beauty Amora) for 20 minutes post-cleansing," she continues.

"The mask feels luxurious on my skin — this is not your regular sheet mask — it's something truly special," Brodie explains. "The unique cream formula takes masking to a whole new level. It's designed to fit your face perfectly, to deliver the powerful hydration and anti-ageing benefits of Korean red ginseng."

"After [masking], I massage Rationale's #4 The Nourishing Crème ($216 from Rationale) on to my face and neck. It locks in moisture day and night, leaving my skin feeling healthy and calm," says Brodie. "Winter can take a toll on my skin, and this cream is my saviour."

"With ingredients like intercellular lipids and ceramides, it fights dryness and redness big time. It is truly amazing," she explains. "[And it] can be layered on top of other day or night creams to enhance moisture retention."

Step 9: Incorporate oils into your evening routine

"As I start to see my skin tighten and feel dry, I start to include face oil in my routine, which gives me another layer of hydration," says Lay.

MECCA's skin care educator likes to pair her face oil of choice with a gua sha massage ritual to promote product absorption. Lay's personal favourite is the Kit Skinkind Face Oil ($42 from MECCA) and Gua Sha Facial Tool ($45 from MECCA).

"Don’t forget to include your body," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "I’m enjoying mixing a body oil and moisturiser day and night. This helps to deeply nourish the body without leaving an oily finish. I'm currently using the OSEA Undaria Algae™ Body Oil ($138 from MECCA)."

Step 10: Boost hydration while you sleep with an overnight mask

"O Cosmedics Hydra Plus Sleep-In Mask ($62 from The Skin Bar) is my go-to for combating dryness during winter," says Sowden. "I usually use it two to three times a week, but I'll increase to nightly when my skin needs a moisture surge. I just apply a thin layer over my serums before bed and wake up with soft, hydrated skin."

"During winter I swear by this product, it is packed with nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamins, meaning you wake up with plump, dewy skin," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "It's an overnight hydration booster that helps to replenish moisture and restore radiance whilst you sleep."

"I also start to do a hydrating mask at night," says Lay. "Maybe every two to three days, or on days that are just really cold, or I’ve been outdoors and exposed my face in cold conditions for a long period of time."

Typically the skin care educator reaches for Drunk Elephant's F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial™ ($92 from MECCA) or Summer Fridays' Jet Lag Mask ($80 from MECCA).

Main image credit: @summerfridays

Skin in need of a complete reset? These are the best facials in Sydney right now, handpicked by the BEAUTYcrew Team.