Skin Care Through the Seasons, Skin Care Tips and Trends, The Ultimate Guide to Post-Summer Skin Recovery

Winter Skin SOS: How to Protect and Restore Your Skin This Season

As the chill of winter settles in, your skin often withstands the worst of the season: tightness, dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. Harsh winds, indoor heating, and hot showers all contribute to dehydrated and compromised skin barriers. But there’s no need to suffer through it. With a few smart swaps and targeted product choices, your skin can thrive even in the coldest months.

Here’s your go-to guide for surviving and glowing through winter, plus our top product picks available on SkinMiles.

1. Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser

Foaming and gel cleansers can strip your skin’s natural oils, especially in winter. Opt for creamy or oil-based cleansers that nourish while cleansing.

Top Picks:

NeoStrata-Restore-Facial-Cleanser

NeoStrata Restore Facial Cleanser

– soap-free and ideal for sensitive or dry skin

Bioderma-Atoderm-Huile-de-Douche-200ml

Bioderma Atoderm Huile de Douche

– a gentle cleansing oil that hydrates and calms.

2. Layer Your Skincare for Maximum Protection

Winter skin loves layers. Think: hydrating serum + nourishing moisturiser + face oil (if needed). This technique traps moisture and reinforces the barrier.

Top Picks:

sk.in-bounce-combo-shot

sk.in bounce

– a powerful retinal, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid serum for skin rejuvenation and intense hydration.

SKINCEUTICALS-TRIPLE-LIPID-RESTORE-2-4-2

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

– helps replenish essential lipids for barrier recovery.

3. Upgrade to a Lipid-Rich Moisturiser

If your summer moisturiser isn’t cutting it, look for formulas that include ceramides, squalane, or shea butter. These ingredients help to rebuild the skin’s protective layer.

Top Picks:

Lamelle-Serra-Restore

Lamelle Serra Restore Cream

– rich in ceramides and ideal for compromised or sensitised skin barriers.

SKINCEUTICALS-EPIDERMAL-REPAIR

SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair

– soothing care for reactive or fragile skin, perfect post-treatment or in dry winter air

4. Add a Targeted Hydration Serum

Humectants like hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, while glycerine and panthenol keep it there. Apply to damp skin for best results.

Top Picks:

La-Roche-Posay-Hyalu-B5

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

– anti-ageing, hydrating, and repairing.

SKIN-functional-Hyaluronic-AcidPeptidesNMF-Hydration-Juice

Skin Functional Hydration Juice

– lightweight but deeply replenishing.

5. Don’t Skip SPF (Even in Winter!)

UV rays don’t take a break when it’s cold. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is still essential, especially if you’re using exfoliants or retinoids.

Top Picks:

Heliocare-360-Water-Gel-SPF50-new-tube

Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF 50+

– ultra-light, hydrating, and offers advanced

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

– excellent for sensitive skin, offering photostable, broad-spectrum defence.

6. Book a FREE Zoom Consultation

Still unsure what your skin needs this winter? Our expert therapists are here to help. Book your complimentary Zoom skin consultation and get a personalised product plan tailored to your skin type and concern.

With the right routine, winter can be a time of skin recovery, not stress. Focus on barrier repair, hydration, and gentle, nourishing products. Most of the SkinMiles brands are dermatologist approved and carefully curated by Dr Alek Nikolic and the SkinMiles team.

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About Dr Alek Nikolic

Dr Alek Nikolic was born in South Africa and received his MBBCh (Wits) in 1992 and in 2000 he received his MBA (UCT). He has been in private practice for 24 years and is the owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement, which has offices in Cape Town. Dr Nikolic specialises in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. He is very driven and has lectured extensively and has performed live demonstrations throughout South Africa and Internationally including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw. Dr Nikolic’s focus is on skin care, skin ingredients and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botox, and Dermal Fillers. He has performed over 20 000 procedures to date and as such is responsible for training numerous medical practitioners both in South Africa and internationally. Dr Nikolic is one of the founding members of the South African Allergan Medical Aesthetic Academy and chaired its inaugural launch in 2012. The Allergan Academy provides essential training to keep up with the latest technology in aesthetics. Dr Nikolic holds the advisory position of Allergan Local Country Mentor in Facial Aesthetics and is the Allergan Advanced Botox and Dermal Filler Trainer. He is Vice President of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA) and is an Associate Member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

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