Skincare Protocols | March 2025

The best ingredients for your winter skincare routine

In the winter months, as the temperature drops and the air becomes crisp, your skin can be stripped of its natural moisture. This can lead to dryness, sensitivity, dullness, and irritation. The cool wind, indoor heating, and hot showers also aggravate these issues, leaving skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.

However, a thoughtful winter skincare routine that focuses on hydration, protection, and nourishment can make a huge difference – and choosing the right ingredients is essential. By taking this step, you can protect your skin from the elements and keep it healthy and radiant right through to spring.

In this guide, we'll explore how to change your skincare routine for winter and highlight the best ingredients that will restore balance.

Hydrate + Moisturize

Hydration and moisture are the basis of any winter skincare routine. The ZO® Hydration skincare range contains key products that can help to rejuvenate the skin at this time of the year – and one of these products is moisturizer. As the air becomes drier, your skin loses water more quickly, so a heavier moisturizing cream is necessary for replenishing moisture. Here are the key ingredients to look for in your moisturizer:

• Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant. This means it's a substance that attracts and holds water in the skin, providing an instant boost of hydration. It's included in many moisturizers or you can layer HA under your moisturizer to ensure your skin stays plump and hydrated all day.

• Glycerin

Glycerin is a soothing ingredient for the skin. It's another humectant that features in many skincare products and helps maintain softness and suppleness – particularly in winter, as it prevents dry patches and roughness. Choose a moisturizer that contains this hydrating and calming addition, and make it part of your routine.

• Ceramides

During winter, the skin's barrier can become damaged as water is lost, leaving the skin feeling sensitive. Ceramides are lipids that bind skin cells together, strengthening the skin's moisture barrier, but the production of ceramides is depleted in cold weather and dry heat. Therefore, choosing ceramide-enriched moisturizers means moisture is locked in and the skin is also protected against environmental stressors.

Nourishing Oils

Face oils are an excellent addition to your winter routine, especially for dry skin. They help lock in moisture, improve skin texture, and enhance the performance of other hydrating products.

• Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is an ingredient that echoes the effects of the skin's natural sebum, making it deeply hydrating without blocking pores. It's suitable for all skin types and – thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties – it's particularly beneficial for dry, flaky areas that can be caused by harsh winter weather.

• Squalane

Squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that balances hydration while being gentle enough for sensitive or oily skin types. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from environmental stress.

• Rosehip oil

Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, rosehip oil helps replenish the skin and improve its elasticity. It's particularly effective in soothing irritation caused by cold weather.

Strengthen + Protect

Harsh winter conditions can weaken your skin's barrier, leading to sensitivity and redness. These ingredients help fortify your skin and protect it from the elements.

• Niacinamide

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a multitasking ingredient that supports the skin barrier, reduces redness, and minimizes sensitivity. It also improves skin hydration. It's important to allow time for the skin to absorb this ingredient to ensure it's properly absorbed, locking in moisture.

• Panthenol

Also known as pro-vitamin B5, panthenol soothes and repairs the skin, making it more resilient to harsh winter conditions. It's especially helpful for irritated or flaky skin.

• Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that support skin structure by boosting collagen production. They help repair damage and strengthen the skin barrier, ensuring your skin remains healthy despite winter's challenges.

Exfoliating Essentials

In your routine, exfoliation is the skincare step that helps to maintain smooth, radiant skin in winter. It's important to be gentle to avoid over-drying, so switch to milder exfoliants to prevent irritation.

• Lactic acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides gentle exfoliation while delivering hydration. It's ideal for dull, dry skin that needs a boost of radiance.

• Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs)

PHAs are a gentler alternative to AHAs, making them perfect for sensitive skin. They exfoliate without compromising the skin's moisture barrier.

• Enzyme exfoliants

Enzyme exfoliants, derived from fruits like papaya and pineapple, offer a non-abrasive way to brighten and smooth the skin.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, reduce dullness, and improve overall skin health, making them a key ingredient for a vibrant complexion this season.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C brightens the skin, evens out tone, and protects against environmental damage. It's a must-have ingredient for combating winter dullness.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a soothing antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties that help repair dry, irritated skin, calming irritation. It pairs well with vitamin C for enhanced protection.

• Resveratrol

Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes, offers anti-inflammatory and skin-barrier-supporting benefits. It's particularly beneficial for combating redness and irritation.

Update your winter skincare routine with ZO®

Winter weather doesn't have to wreak havoc on your skin. By incorporating the right ingredients, from hydrating hyaluronic acid to protective antioxidants, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long.

Invest in products that meet your skin's specific needs, and don't forget to layer and lock in moisture for the best results. With a little extra care, your skin will remain resilient and radiant, no matter how harsh the weather gets.

If you want to know how to change your skincare routine for winter, we can help. You can find a ZO® Authorized Physician using our handy finder tool. We can then provide targeted treatments.

From there, you can ask us questions or get tips and advice about our products. Get in touch and we'll provide information and advice about ingredients that can match your requirements.