Dry skin is out, here are the switches to make to your winter body care routine

Winter (read: the bane of our skin's existence) is back again, which calls for a change up in our entire hair, skin and body care routines. Yep, it's a drastic shift to find what's actually going to get our skin through the season (hint: hand cream is key). And because there's about a thousand changes for winter routines, we totally get the constant googling 'how to take care of your skin in winter', we've answered that FYI.

And we're ready to dish out a little more info on the top swaps to make for ensuring your skin doesn't end up looking more reptilian than human. Our hot tip (that honestly saves us year-round)? Exfoliate. Yep, it takes time, but getting a skin-sloughing mitt is going to do your skin a world of good. 

So, let's discover the changes we advise making to your winter body care routine... 

Winter Body Care Routine

Hydrating Body Washes

Look, the first change you need to make it your body wash. Yep, start the changes at the very start of the routine and make the switch to a wash that offers major hydration. 

Be sure to look for washes that contain oils; the nourishment starts now and Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Cleansing Shower Oil ($46.99 at Adore Beauty) is the French pharmacy must-have that's going to get you there. 

But don't worry if you're thinking you're going to miss out on fun scented washes because Weleda Vitality Body Wash ($19.95 at Adore Beauty) offers up a fun-yet-practical mix of a fresh fun scent along with a huge blend of nourishing oils. Wins all round really.

Nourishing Oils

We hear you, an oil? Is it going to be hydrating enough? A) yes, definitely and B) we have a skin-saving trick. 

What's our secret trick, you ask? Well, layering a nourishing oil under moisturiser gives you double the hydration, and double the hydration equals seriously stoked skin. Yep, we're out here solving problems. 

And aside from being a totally lush hit of hydration, applying a body oil feels like just about the most luxe thing we can think to do, with the cult classic Bio-Oil Skincare Oil ($34.99 at Priceline) offering up major benefits and the NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil ($67 at Sephora) being unbelievably luxe (and a serious contender for best multi-purpose product), your skin is going to love the addition of an oil. 

Must-Have Moisturisers

It goes without saying really. If you want hydrated skin, moisturise. And no, we don't mean the once a week light moisturising routine that might cut it in the warmer months, we mean daily. Yep, it's a task we know, but for the sake of your skin it's worth it. And the best way to get through the constant upkeep? Changing up your moisturisers. 

Having different options makes it feel a little bit more bearable. For when your skin is unbelievably dry, Dermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Lotion ($20.99 at Chemist Warehouse) is key. When you know your skin needs a lot of moisture and not in just one big hit, Rodan and Fields Active Hydration Body Replenish ($95 at Rodan and Fields) is your moisture drawing formulation must-have. And 'little treat' culture wouldn't let us not have a fun, fragranced moisturiser in the mix. The Booty Co Firming Lotion ($58.99 at Priceline) might be totally fun but it's also a seriously hardworking, skin-firming pick. 

Pro tip: Don't forget your hands and feat

On the plight to ensuring our arms and legs are as lusciously hydrated (read: not scaly), it can be seriously easy to overlook your extremities. 

But we promise, your crusty feet (um, ew) aren't going to magically get better unless you do something about it. Enter the très chic little booties from SVR. The SVR Xérial Peel Exfoliating Foot Mask ($33.39 at Care to Beauty) is rich with exfoliating ingredients to slough away all that unpleasantness, but it's also been bolstered with ultra-hydrating urea, so that when your feet come out the other peeling side, they'll be supple and moisturised. 

And while you're at it, it's time to remember your hands. With all the extra washing and sanitising to avoid flu-season germs, your mitts will undoubtedly be dry. Thankfully the longest-lasting cream is coming to your rescue. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Moisturising Hand Treatment ($33 at Adore Beauty) has been designed with the power of humectants to nourish and soothe your skin back to life. 

Main Image Credit: @jastookes

Need more winter tips? Check out our strand-saving winter haircare routine here...