Four Ways Your Skin Changes in Cold Weather

As the temperature drops and the central heating clicks on, it is not just your wardrobe that needs adjusting – your skin does too! 

You might already feel the difference: tighter cheeks, drier lips or foundation that no longer sits quite right. Cold weather affects how your skin behaves, so making small seasonal changes to your routine can make a real difference.

Here are four common changes your skin might experience as the weather turns colder – along with simple steps to keep it soft, hydrated and comfortable throughout the winter months.

Skin feels tighter or drier

Many people notice their skin feeling tight, particularly after cleansing. You might find this sensation strongest around the mouth or cheeks; make-up can sit unevenly, clinging to dry patches, lips chap more easily, and hands may feel rougher or even crack.

The dryness you’re experiencing happens because cold air holds less moisture than warm air. When you add indoor heating to the mix, it creates a dry environment that encourages faster evaporation of water from your skin. This process, called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leaves your skin more prone to dryness and flakiness.

The key to preventing this is protecting the skin’s barrier and locking in hydration:

Start with a gentle cleanser that does not strip your skin – Oleo’s Orange Blossom Cleansing Cream or Light Cleansing Lotion are both excellent choices. If your skin is especially dry, the Rose Petal Cleansing Balm offers a richer, more nourishing cleanse. 

Avoid harsh scrubs or strong acids, which can weaken your skin barrier further. If you need to smooth away flaky skin, Oleo’s Gentle Facial Exfoliator is formulated to do just that without irritation. Regular application of lip balm and hand cream, especially before going outdoors, will also help prevent chapping and keep the skin soft.

Oiliness in unusual places

During the colder months, many experience a confusing mix of dryness and oiliness. Your cheeks may feel parched while your forehead, nose and chin seem oilier than usual. Even with dry-feeling skin overall, you may still notice more clogged pores or blackheads.

This imbalance is often the result of a weakened skin barrier. When your skin loses moisture, it can respond by producing more oil in an effort to compensate – especially if your cleanser is too harsh or your moisturiser is not rich enough.

The solution is to avoid over-cleansing and to choose skincare that balances rather than strips:

A gentle cleanser is essential, followed by a well-formulated moisturiser. Oleo’s Resilience Moisturiser, which includes deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, is ideal for keeping skin quenched without clogging pores. 

Frankincense Supreme is another excellent choice, offering the added benefit of squalane – an emollient that helps restore the skin’s protective barrier while delivering long-lasting moisture.

Increased sensitivity or redness

Cold weather can make the skin more reactive, especially on the face. You might notice stinging or redness, particularly around the nose and cheeks. Products that worked perfectly during warmer months may now cause irritation.

Sensitivity is largely due to sudden temperature changes. Moving between chilly outdoor air and warm, dry indoor environments causes blood vessels to expand and contract quickly. This can make the skin more prone to flushing and discomfort.

When this happens, it helps to simplify your routine. Choose gentle products and avoid actives that might irritate already-sensitive skin. The Oleo range is formulated with mild, nourishing ingredients suitable for fragile or reactive skin. 

Moisturisers containing barrier-repairing ingredients like squalane are particularly helpful. Squalane – an ingredient found in Frankincense Supreme, a solid winter skincare staple – both reduces moisture loss and supports the skin’s natural barrier and helps calm inflammation

Even in winter, daily sun protection is important – UV rays still reach your skin, even through cloud cover. Oleo’s Protect & Hydrate SPF30 Face Cream is both light and moisturising, making it ideal for colder days.

Plant oils also support the skin by forming a light, breathable layer that helps trap moisture and protect against harsh conditions. Jojoba oil, found in all of Oleo’s facial and body moisturisers, closely mimics your skin’s natural oils and delivers essential nutrients to keep it healthy and balanced.

Dullness or lack of glow

As the cold sets in, many people find their skin starts to look a little flat or tired. Your complexion may take on a greyish tone, and make-up may not sit smoothly no matter how much you moisturise. This dullness is often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells due to slower cell turnover in winter, along with reduced circulation from spending more time indoors.

To bring back your skin’s natural radiance, regular but gentle exfoliation is key. Oleo’s Gentle Facial Exfoliator helps remove surface dead skin without stripping. For the body, try the invigorating Grapefruit Body Scrub or the Lemon Sugar Scrub Bar for smoother, brighter skin. Adding a hydrating serum to your routine can also make a big difference. Both the Essential Skin Serum and Healthy Ageing Serum are packed with ingredients that help re-energise tired skin.

Movement also helps. Staying active supports circulation, which in turn improves the appearance and health of your skin.

Small changes, visible results

Dryness, oil imbalances, sensitivity and dullness are all common in colder months. You do not need a complete overhaul to handle them – just a few thoughtful adjustments. Focus on supporting your skin’s barrier with hydrating cleansers, rich moisturisers and gentle exfoliation. With the right care, your skin can stay soft, smooth and radiant, no matter the weather.

Oleo’s vegan, plant-based skincare range is specially designed to nourish, protect and support your skin all year round – especially when winter puts it to the test.

Shop all vegan skincare products