These Are Our Best Tips for Hydrated & Supple Skin This Aussie Winter
Is your skin looking dull, feeling tight, flaky, and more irritable than usual? Alas, winter is here...
While your skin type doesn't change, changing seasons can influence how your skin feels, looks, and acts. Keep reading to find out our best tips for hydrated skin this Aussie winter.
Here's why:
Our skin's sebum (oil) production is stimulated by heat, so as the temperature drops, so does our oil production. Less oil production means our skin will feel drier, be less protected and potentially experience irritation.
To make matters worse, lower humidity levels, and therefore drier air, increase our skin's water loss, causing our skin to be dehydrated. Dehydrated skin may appear dull, and fine lines and wrinkles can be more apparent. Oh, the joys!
If you are waiting for some good news, here it is; there are oodles you can do to winter-proof your skin. Let's keep your skin 'chill' despite the winter chill.
No.1 Best Tips Hydrated Skin: for Swap to a Richer Moisturiser
Think of your moisturiser like you do your clothes; when you feel that cold snap coming, you swap out your summer wardrobe for your winter wardrobe. It is also one of the easiest and most effective tweaks you can make to your skincare routine.
In winter, you need a moisturiser that will create more of a barrier against the cold and wind, compensate for the lack of oil, and hold in as much moisture as possible. We don't ask for much, do we? To ensure your moisturiser does its job effectively, look for ingredients like ceramides, vitamin E, niacinamide, essential fatty acids, panthenol, and squalane.
Hot tip: Always apply your moisturiser as soon as possible after showering. This limits the amount of moisture your skin loses. If you feel tight or dry 20 minutes after applying your moisturiser, it is time to make a change.
FYI We will never endorse something that we do not use and fully believe in! ** This article contains affiliate links, they cost nothing more for you, but they do help keep VAMS running.
THE SENSITIVE TYPE | Calm Cream $62
A lightweight cream to soothe and protect red, irritated winter skin.
THE SENSITIVE TYPE is a female-founded and led Australian small business. All the products are made in Australia, responsibly sourced, vegan, cruelty-free, pregnancy safe, and inclusive, and contain only gentle and effective ingredients.
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LA CLINICA |💦 Deep Hydration Moisture Cream $75
The perfect all-rounder winter moisturiser. If your skin is going through "something" or you've been "experimenting" with too many actives, this is the skin hero you need.
Be quick, because this goodie sells out fast!
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PROTA | Day and Night Moisturiser $54.95
Contains prebiotics to keep your skin happy and healthy, plus ingredients for a hydrated, brighter skin.
PROTA is a female-led, Australian-made, and owned brand. The product tubes are made from sugar cane! Big tick for eco-conscious beauty!
TUTTOFARE | Holly Grail Tallow Balm Moisturizer $39.99
For the extra dry beauties. Melts into skin quickly, super hydrating.
TUTTOFARE is an Australian owned and all products are made here in Australia.
NOTE TO SELF | Reviver Cream $52
Because your body needs love too! Say goodbye to dry elbow and knees. The super hydrating formula and firming is a winter's skin savior.
NOTE TO SELF products are ethically formulated, cruelty-free, vegan, and Australian-made. Female-founded brand, thoughtfully created for self-care moments with simple yet effective skincare ingredients.
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Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
Your cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated, never tight or dry. The cleanser that worked for you in summer is likely to strip your winter skin. In addition to producing less oil - when it's colder, our skin generally also sweats less. Swapping to a cream cleanser, oil cleanser, or a very gentle gel cleanser is a great way to ensure your skin is clean, but your moisture barrier remains intact.
Oil cleansers we love:
ALPHA H | Melting Moment Cleansing Balm $69.95
So lightweight, and smells amazing! This a limited release be quick!
ALPHA H is an Australian woman owned brand.
GUNK OFF | Cleansing Balm $55
If you prefer fragrance-free skincare. This goodie will be stocked at VAMS store - stay tuned 👀
GUNK OFF is an Australian woman owned brand.
Cream & gel cleansers that won't leave your face feeling "tight" & dry:
LA CLINICA | Gentle Milk Facial Cleanser $66
Best for dry/dehydrated skin. Gentle yet effective.
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Gel cleanser & accessories to try:
ROSELINE BEAUTY | Cleanse + Glow Skin Reset Face Cleanser $48.95
Balancing, but still hydrating. Smells ah-mazing!
ROSELINE BEAUTY is a Sydney-based female-led brand, natural skincare products that are vegan, gentle yet effective, and easy to implement into your current skincare routines. Mixed in with a bit of French feel and look, oh so chic!
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ROSELINE BEAUTY | Cleansing Copines $14.95
Is there anything worse than wet elbows and arms during cold nights and mornings? Copines catch the excess water and can be used as a face wipe. No more wet elbows. Wear it on your wrists while cleansing.
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POLSO Wash Cuffs $29.99
Embrace a hassle-free experience that not only keeps your arms, sleeves and floors dry, but also transforms your everyday routine into a spa-like indulgence.
POLSO is a female-led brand, Melbourne-based skincare accessories go-to.
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Add Facial Oils
Your skin needs oil and water to function optimally. Skin naturally produces sebum (oil), an oily substance that lubricates and protects it. Some skin types produce more oil than others, this is largely determined by genetics. Unless you skipped ahead, you already know that colder weather can cause your skin to produce less sebum/oil. When your skin is lacking oil, it is dry. We can compensate for this lack of oil by using face oil. We usually recommend applying your face oil before your moisturiser. If your moisturiser is much lighter in texture, then apply your oil afterward. Think, thinnest to thickest. There are face oils to suit every skin type, even if you have oily skin.
Facial oils we're loving:
ET TOI | Revamp Vitamin Face Oil $58
Full of nourishing, healing ingredients to help alleviate dryness and irritation.
ET TOI products are formulated using clean, natural, and nature-identical ingredients, backed by science. Woman-owned and Australian-made.
USE CODE REVAMP20 FOR 20% OFF ANY PRODUCT
TIDHA | Nourishing Face Oil $68
A botanical face oil, infused with borage, bakuchiol, hemp and seabuckthorn and pear seed oils. Nourishing & hydrating luxe formula, penetrates quickly into the skin.
TIDHA is a female-owned, Melbourne-based brand that revitalizes the youthfulness of your natural beauty and makes you feel beautiful in your body. This product will be stocked in VAMS store - stay tuned 👀
CONSERVING BEAUTY | Conserve You Face Oil $55
The oil is super lightweight & non-greasy. Best used for itchy, inflamed skin at night.
CONSERVING BEAUTY is all about effective skincare ingredients. Conserving Beauty is an Australian brand, water-less, all packaging is compo-stable. Leaders is Eco-Conscious Beauty.
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MECCA MAX | Daily Drop $28
For those who are oily and/or acne-prone.
Amp UP THE ACTIVES!
Skin concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity can also be more apparent when it's cold. With less sun exposure, winter is the best time to treat these concerns. You could introduce a retinoid and/or vitamin C product, or depending on your skin concerns, look into professional treatments.
Retinoids are clinically proven to help treat many skin concerns. They are known as the gold standard for younger-looking skin - in addition to sunscreen of course! Due to their ability to speed up skin cell turnover, retinoids also help to treat acne.
Vitamin C is also clinically proven to help improve the appearance of the multiple signs of aging and pigmentation. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, and always err on the side of caution when introducing active ingredients, go low and slow and increase as tolerated.
It is not recommended you use any retinoid product while pregnant or breastfeeding. We recommend chatting with your skin specialist, dermatologist, and/or GP before introducing active ingredients.
Worth trying:
LA CLINICA | Pure Retinol in Luxurious Plant Oils $52
The perfect retinoid product to start with, there are multiple different strengths of retinol to choose from, in a lightweight oil formulation. If you're worried about retinol drying you out, this is the one! No dry flaky patches and it feels lush and hydrating on the skin.
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G0-T0 Much Brighter Skin $59
A vitamin C serum suitable for most skin types, especially great if you are a beginner.
You Still Need To Wear Sunscreen In Winter
The sun may not seem as strong in winter, but grey skies do not protect you from the damaging effects of UV radiation. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and can travel through clouds and windows, meaning even if you don't get sunburnt, even if you don't go outside, incidental exposure is enough to damage your skin cells long term. If that doesn't mean much to you, think of it this way - uneven skin tone, more wrinkles, loss of firmness, not to mention increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Do we have your attention now?
Cool kids wear sunscreen, rain, hail, or shine, indoors or outdoors!
Great finds:
LA CLINICA | Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ $20
Fragrance free SPF, glides on silky smooth. Zero white cast and 4-hour water resistant. For face and body usage.
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Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Re-apply frequently. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Wear a hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses when exposed to the sun.
BEAUTI FLTR | Feather Light SPF50+ $25
Smooth, light weight formula glides onto skin effortlessly. Zero whitecast.
BEAUTI FLTR is proudly made in Australia; the packaging is made in Australia using sustainable energy with 30% local Post Consumed Recycled (PCR) material that is 100% recyclable.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Re-apply frequently. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Wear a hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses when exposed to the sun.
NAKED SUNDAYS | Glow + Go Lip Trio $85
Our lips need all the help and protection they can get in winter! Super hydrating with SPF 50.
SPF used to be BORING AF. Glowing SPF primers, lip oils and cheek tints are NAKED SUNDAYS staple products we're obsessed with. Created by a woman for effortless, fun SPF application. Ellie is a huge fan of all their products. Naked Sundays is also Australian made and owned. Cruelty free & vegan.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Re-apply frequently. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Wear a hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses when exposed to the sun.
ROSELINE BEAUTY | Nourishing + Juicy Lip Syrup $14.95
A lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky formula, instantly nourishes and gives shine to your lips. Available in Unscented, Sweet Vanilla & Red Maple.
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For a bit of summer on your face (and body) without all of the damage
SUNSET DAZE | Liquid Rays $59
Bronzing drops for that golden hour glow year-round. Just add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer and glow. Blends in beautifully, gives the skin appearance an extra warmth and glow.
SUNSET DAZE is founded by a sister and brother duo from Melbourne, who believe that “beauty” stretches far beyond a serum, foundation or lip tint.
ZELACE | Sexi Face $42
An effortless organic, gradual face tan and hydrating mist all in one.
ZELACE is female-led, founded here in Australia, all the ingredients used in the product are natural and organic, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, ethically sourced, and paraben free.
SONTSE. | Cover Your Bases Bundle $59.90
Bring the sun, bronzy and sun-kissed skin safely with this must-have duo.
SONTSE. is created by an Australian woman and beauty enthusiast Jayde Houndalas, the Sontse range was mindfully formulated in response to her own journey of understanding and education on the importance of sun safety.
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Limit Hot Showers and Heating
Trust us, we get it, there is nothing better than a long scalding hot shower, but unfortunately, we have to be the bearer of bad news - hot water can damage your skin barrier, and increase moisture loss and inflammation, particularly the skin on your face.
To add insult to injury, excessive use of heating can further dehydrate our skin, only worsening our winter skin woes. Instead, try using a humidifier to add moisture to dry air, and rug up with warm clothes and all the cozy blankets. As a matter of fact, we just so happen to be cocooned in our blanket as we're writing this. If it's been one of those days and you need a long hot shower to soothe your soul (you're only human), make sure you are replenishing the moisture loss from the inside and out.
We suggest drinking the recommended amount of water daily, and layering mists, serums, and/or masks to supplement hydration topically:
THE SENSITIVE TYPE | Cloud Tonic Serum $68
Ellie absolutely adores this skin-replenishing serum. Super lightweight, extra gentle for even the most sensitive beauties.
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OFIA | So Bright Serum $99
Say goodbye to dull skin with this hydrating and brightening serum. Safe for mums and mamas to be.
OFIA SKIN is a female-led, Melbourne-based brand. Ofia Skin was dreamt up by its founder, during her pregnancy. She yearned for access to a trove of skincare products that were high quality, effective, but also pregnancy safe.
GOOD LIVING ONLY ZEN (3 pack) BIO CELLULOSE SHEET MASKS $55
A pack of 3 sheet masks to drench your skin with all the hydration.
GOOD LIVING ONLY is female-led, Bondi Born, Australian Made & Owned. The masks are biodegradable and vegan! This product will soon be available at VAMS store -
stay tuned 👀
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FABULOUS SKIN CO | Face Mist $39.95
Because more is more - hydration that is! Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, no artificial fragrances and essential oils reduce the risk of irritation to the skin. No fragrance-induced sneezing with this one!
FABULOUS SKIN CO is woman owned. An Australian-made & owned, committed to creating products cruelty free, vegan, and free from artificial fragrances, parabens, and essential oils.
Exfoliate but, less is best!
Without regular exfoliation, your skin can appear dull and drab, but just because it's winter does not mean your skin needs to look like it! You definitely don't need to exfoliate as much as in summer, we suggest using a chemical exfoliant, one to three times per week depending on your skin type and sensitivities. If you can't give up the feeling of a scrub, opt for a gentle physical exfoliant. Put the old school (ahem, walnut) scrub down.
P.S. Exfoliating correctly also makes your moisturiser sink in and do its job better. Never exfoliate over damaged or broken skin!
To uncover glowing skin, try these
POLLEN NATION | Honey Shots Clearing Gel $56
Antibacterial, hydrating, and soothing, our favourite for targeting breakouts and acne in winter.
What do you get when you cross a Registered Nurse, experience in research and wound care and an upbringing tending to family beehives? Australia’s first 100% Australian Manuka Honey beauty brand, PollenNation. This product will soon be available at VAMS store - stay tuned 👀
PROTA | Face Mask $45.95
Ultra hydrating and very mildly exfoliating. Powered by Caviar Lime extract which is rich in AHAs and provides a natural exfoliation to reveal fresh, radiant skin. Gives the ultimate spa-like vibes.
ELESYA SKIN | Face Polish Exfoliator $45
A creamy, gentle physical face exfoliant. Perfect for sensitive skin beauties. If your face is extra dry this winter this is the one to use.
ELESYA SKINCARE is created by Tuba, a mum of 3 based in Melbourne. The entire Elesya range is made in small batches, right here in Australia with sensitive skin in mind!
For the body we're loving
KENZAKO | AHA Body Reset Scrub $49.99
Why not both? A combination of chemical and physical body exfoliant. Feels and smells ah-mazing.
KENZAKO is woman-owned, Sydney-based brand. Offering luxurious body scrubs and
skincare with natural active ingredients to repair your skin giving you that glowing skin all over, while restoring your confidence.
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NOTE TO SELF | Blue Butterfly Polish $48
A physical body exfoliant formulated with skin loving ingredients to remove dead skin cells and boost circulation. For an overall healthy looking and feeling skin.
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The product rec's in this article are NOT SPONSORED, most of the products featured have been sent to Ellie as PR gifts or purchased. We are not obligated to post or review any of the products. In true VAMS fashion, we're here to support and shine the light on small Aussie owned businesses. The biggest thank you to all the brands for generously providing discount codes for all our readers and email subscribers.
Stay hydrated, warm and thank you for your support.
Ellie & Tiana 💖