As the cooler weather rolls in, our skin often tells us before we’ve even reached for an extra blanket. It gets drier, tighter, a little more reactive. Maybe you notice flakiness. Maybe your glow goes into hibernation.

Winter can be hard on our skin — cold air, wind, low humidity, and constant indoor heating can sap it of moisture and leave it feeling a little worse for wear. But with a few simple tweaks, it’s possible to support your skin to not just cope, but actually thrive in the colder months.

Here’s how I’m doing it — with a combination of beautiful topical nourishment and internal skin support.

1. Nourish your skin barrier (don’t just moisturise it)

This is the season to really prioritise your skin barrier — the outermost layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When that barrier is compromised (which can happen easily in winter), skin becomes more sensitive, dry, and prone to redness or flakiness.

The solution? Richer, nutrient-dense skincare that feeds your skin — not just coats it.

This is exactly why I love the Mokosh range. Their formulas are waterless, meaning every single drop is active, nourishing, and full of purpose. No fillers, just high-quality botanicals designed to strengthen and support the skin barrier.

2. Hydrate from the inside out

It’s easy to forget about hydration in winter — we’re not sweating like we do in summer, and icy water doesn’t exactly call our name when it’s cold outside. But our bodies (and our skin) still need it — often more than we realise, especially with heating drying out the air indoors.

So first things first: drink up. Herbal teas, warm lemon water, broths — it all counts. Keeping your fluid intake up is one of the simplest ways to support soft, plump, healthy skin from the inside.

On top of that, I’ve personally noticed a huge difference in hydration and skin bounce since taking my Marine Collagen with Hyaluronic Acid blend daily. Hyaluronic acid holds water in the skin like a sponge, while marine collagen helps support elasticity, repair, and hydration at a deeper level.

My other blend, Marine Collagen with Kakadu & Davidson Plum, is rich in natural vitamin C — great for supporting your body’s own collagen production and adding a glow boost too. And, it's delicious paired with cold or warm water, making it easier to keep the liquids in! 

Hydration really is an inside job — and winter is the perfect time to make it a priority.

3. Be gentle with cleansing

Over-cleansing — especially with detergent-based face washes — can seriously compromise the skin’s protective barrier, stripping away the natural oils that keep it soft, calm, and resilient.

That squeaky-clean feeling? Not a good sign.

Instead, I highly recommend using a detergent-free cleansing oil, like the Mokosh Makeup Remover & Cleansing Oil. It dissolves away makeup, sunscreen, dirt and excess sebum without disrupting your skin’s microbiome — while also replenishing omega-6 fatty acids to nourish as it cleanses.

I find it makes an enormous difference to how my skin behaves in winter — less tightness, more glow, and far fewer dry patches.

4. Layer up mindfully

Just like you add an extra jumper in winter, your skin sometimes needs more than one product. Start with a serum, then a face cream, and finish with a balm if your skin’s really struggling (especially overnight).

Use a facial oil or serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in hydration. Your skin will drink it up.

In winter, I reach for:

  • Make Up Remover & Cleansing Oil – a gentle, replenishing cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin.

  • Pure Hydrosol Tonerif you're new to a toner, this is the perfect base for applying water-free serums and moisturisers, promoting their even spread and aiding absorption into the skin. It's also a lovely spritz for your face during the day.

  • Raspberry & Pomegranate Beauty Serum – light yet loaded with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it layers beautifully under moisturiser for an added boost.

  • Bakuchiol Revival Serum - I often alternate between these two serums, at either end of the day. In case you've not been introduced, Bakuchiol is nature’s alternative to retinol. 1% active Bakuchiol has been shown to boost collagen production, reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

  • Mokosh Rich Face Cream – deeply hydrating and protective, perfect for drier skin types or cold windy days. I use this as a morning and night cream - always a tiny amount as it is very concentrated.

5. Don’t forget your lips, hands and body

Winter dryness isn’t limited to the face. Keep a balm or hand cream nearby (the Mokosh Rich Face Cream works wonders on cuticles too), and consider swapping your usual body lotion for a richer oil or butter. Skin brushing before showers can also help circulation and prevent that ‘scaly leg’ situation we all know too well.

How to care for skin in winter

Photo by Wesual Click on Unsplash

6. Eat for skin nourishment

What we eat plays a powerful role in how our skin looks and feels — especially in the cooler months, when we're naturally drawn to slower, warmer meals.

Here are a few of my favourite winter-friendly foods to help nourish skin from within:

Bone broth or slow-cooked veggie stock — rich in amino acids and minerals to support gut and skin health.
Oily fish like salmon or sardines — packed with omega-3 fatty acids to combat dryness and inflammation.
Pumpkin, sweet potato & carrots — loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports skin repair.
Avocados, tahini & olive oil — healthy fats are key for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration.
Citrus & kiwifruit — for a natural boost of vitamin C to support collagen production.
Nuts & seeds — especially sunflower seeds and almonds, which contain vitamin E, a potent skin-protective antioxidant.

Final Thoughts

Winter skincare doesn’t need to be complicated — but it does need to be intentional. Think richer textures, gentler cleansing, internal hydration, and barrier support.

Between the high-performing botanicals in the Mokosh range and the deep nourishment of my marine collagen blends, your skin has everything it needs to stay soft, resilient, and glowing — no matter how wild the weather gets.

Let the rituals begin.

Amy Crawford

Made by Amy

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