When temperatures drop (especially to negative, in Switzerland) it is normal to experience tightness and dryness on your skin. In this winter skincare essentials guide we help you understand what your skin needs during the colder months, which ingredients to look for and other extra care It also points to the kinds of products Disruptif Beauty stocks and the personalised consultations they offer for anyone wanting a tailored plan.
Why do you need a different routine in Winter?
The main problem is: cold air outside and warm, dry air indoors that strips moisture from your skin and compromises the barrier. Also, at higher altitudes, UV exposure can remain significant even on chilly days, while wind and temperature changes accelerate water loss through the skin. As a result, the skin’s barrier becomes fragile, inflammation is more likely, and topical products behave differently.
A winter routine isn't about adding multiple layers but choosing smarter layers that lock in moisture, calm and protect against environmental stresses.
How to build a skincare routine for Winter
- Protect the skin barrier: Prioritise ingredients that replenish lipids and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Focus on hydration: Combine humectants with emollients and occlusives for multi-level hydration.
- Keep exfoliation gentle: Over-exfoliating in winter can worsen dryness and sensitivity.
- Don’t skip SPF: UV rays still matter; use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily even on overcast days or when skiing.
- Simplify where possible: A shorter, consistent routine with the right products beats an elaborate regimen that’s hard to maintain.
Which ingredients to choose for Winter skincare?
Humectants to attract and hold water
- Hyaluronic Acid: A classic hydrator that holds many times its weight in water. Works best when layered under a moisturiser so the water won't evaporate.
- Glycerin: Affordable and reliable. Glycerin draws moisture and supports barrier repair.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Adds hydration and helps soothe irritated skin.
Emollients to smooth
- Squalane: Lightweight, non-greasy and suitable for most skin types including combination and sensitive skin.
- Fatty acids (linoleic, oleic): Often found in plant oils (rosehip, argan, sunflower), they restore the lipid matrix of the skin.
- Ceramides: Essential lipids that rebuild the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity and dryness.
Occlusives, to seal the deal
- Petrolatum (ointment): Extremely effective at preventing water loss; excellent for very dry or cracked skin.
- Dimethicone and silicones: Yes, silicones are good for your skin unlike many fear mongering trends! They provide a breathable layer and smooth skin texture without heavy greasiness.
- Beeswax and lanolin: Natural occlusives often found in balms for lips and dry patches.
Barrier-support and calming ingredients
- Niacinamide: Regulates sebum, strengthens the barrier and calms inflammation. It is a versatile ingredient for many skin types.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica): Soothing and helpful for reactive or sensitised skin.
- Allantoin and panthenol: Gentle hydrators and skin-soothers.
Antioxidants and gentle actives
- Vitamin C (stable forms like ascorbyl glucoside): Brightens and protects from oxidative stress. Use with moisturiser and sunscreen.
- Lactic acid: A gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that hydrates while lightly exfoliating. It is safer than stronger acids (like glycolic acid) in winter when used sparingly.
What to be cautious with
- High concentrations of physical exfoliants or strong chemical peels can strip lipid layers; keep exfoliation gentle and less frequent.
- Potent retinoids are still usable in winter for many, but may increase dryness and sensitivity. Reduce frequency or combine with richer moisturisers and barrier-repair actives.
- Alcohol-heavy toners or perfumes can aggravate dryness.
Example of a Morning Routine for Winter
Morning routines should hydrate, protect and prepare skin for the day. Here's a simple, effective five-step routine that scales up or down depending on time and needs:
- Gentle cleanse: Use a hydrating cleanser or cleansing cream. Avoid stripping foams unless the skin truly requires them (very oily skin).
- Hydrating serum: Apply a hyaluronic acid , like to damp skin for best absorption.
- Moisturiser: Layer a day cream with barrier-support ingredients. For dry skin, choose a richer formula; for oily skin, a gel-cream suits better.
- SPF: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day. In snowy or mountainous regions, higher SPF and reapplication become more important.
- Lip care: Simple balm with occlusive ingredients to protect lips from chapping.
Example of a Evening Routine for Winter
Nighttime is for recovery. The goal is to repair the barrier and lock in hydration without overloading the skin.
- Double cleanse (if wearing makeup or sunscreen): Start with an oil or balm cleanser, then follow with a gentle water-based cleanser.
- Treatment serums: Use targeted treatments (niacinamide, ceramides, vitamin C at night if tolerated, or retinoid on paced schedule).
- Moisturiser: Apply a richer night cream or barrier balm.
- Optional facial oil: Apply last if additional occlusion is needed.
For busy mornings and evenings, products that multitask such as a hydrator with barrier-repair ingredients and antioxidants. A perfect example is Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Special Treatments and Masks
Weekly or twice-weekly treatments can accelerate recovery and boost glow:
- Hydrating sheet masks: K-Beauty favourites; use as a 15–20 minute treat to boost moisture.
- Sleeping masks / overnight oils: Great for rescue sessions after a long flight or cold day outdoors.
- Gentle chemical exfoliation: A light lactic acid peel once a week can smooth flakiness. Avoid aggressive scrubs in winter.
Winter Haircare Essentials
Hair faces similar dehydration issues in winter — dryness, static and brittle ends are common. A few targeted changes can keep hair healthy and smart-looking through the cold months.
Scalp health first
Dry scalp and dandruff can worsen in winter. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and consider a weekly scalp mask or oil treatment (apply to roots, leave 10–30 minutes, then shampoo) like the Rated Green Avocado Scalp Pack. Another very important thing is to avoid hot water for rinsing. Warm is enough.
Shampoo and conditioning
- Switch to a milder, sulphate-free shampoo if the hair is dry.
- Deep-condition weekly with a rich mask focusing on ends (the driest part).
- Use a leave-in conditioner to control frizz and static, and to add a protective layer when wearing scarves or hats.
Styling and heat
Heat styling can be more damaging when hair is already dry. Use a heat protectant spray, keep temperatures moderate and reduce daily heat styling where possible.
Oils and serums
Lightweight face-grade oils like squalane or argan oil applied sparingly to ends can restore shine and reduce split ends. For very dry hair, richer oils like camellia oil work well.
Practical tips for Swiss Winters and busy lives
- Keep products in sight: A morning moisturiser on a vanity or bathroom shelf encourages use.
- Travel-size essentials: Carry a hydrating mist, lip balm and travel-size moisturiser for on-the-go hydration, commutes or ski trips.
- Adjust water temperature: Cooler showers reduce transepidermal water loss for both skin and scalp.
- Use a humidifier: A small humidifier in bedrooms or offices significantly helps keep skin hydrated overnight.
- Layering for skin type: Those with mixed concerns can use targeted spot treatments and keep a balanced day cream with SPF
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ingredients for winter skincare?
The best ingredients include humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw moisture in; emollients like squalane and fatty acids to smooth and replenish; and occlusives such as petrolatum or dimethicone to lock hydration in. Barrier-repairing actives like ceramides and niacinamide are essential to reduce sensitivity and restore resilience.
Which is the top-rated serum for dry winter skin?
A top-rated winter serum typically combines hyaluronic acid with ceramides or squalane. These multi-functional serums hydrate immediately and support longer-term barrier repair. We, at Disruptif Beauty, are proud to have a selection of hydrating serums and to offer consultations to find the best match for individual needs.
What are the best moisturisers for winter in Switzerland?
Moisturisers that work best in Swiss winters are those with ceramides, glycerin and an occlusive component for very dry skin. While for daytime, you may opt for a lighter moisturiser that will be complemented with hydration of the sunscreen, at night, the creams can be richer and more occlusive. Disruptif Beauty curates creams, balms and K-Beauty options tailored to dry, combination, oily and sensitive skin types that are ideal for local climate challenges.
Can I still use retinol in winter?
Yes, but with caution. Retinoids can increase dryness and sensitivity. Reduce frequency (e.g., twice a week) and pair with rich moisturisers and sunscreen. If irritation occurs, pause and consult a skincare professional or a Disruptif Beauty consultant for alternatives like bakuchiol or milder retinal formulations.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Absolutely. UV exposure remains a risk during winter, particularly in snow or at altitude where reflection increases intensity. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily and reapply when outdoors for extended periods.
How Disruptif Beauty Helps
Disruptif Beauty specialises in a carefully curated range of K-Beauty and global skincare that addresses winter concerns. We also offer personalised skincare consultations, useful for those who are new to skincare or managing changing seasonal needs. We also try, whenever possible, to provide free samples with every order so customers can trial products before committing.
For anyone unsure where to start, a consultation can identify which active ingredients suit the reader’s profile and which textures will make daily routines realistic and enjoyable.
