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Why your face wash matters more in winter

Why your face wash matters more in winter

Cleansing: the hidden culprit behind winter skin problems

When your face feels tight, sore or dry in winter, it’s easy to blame the cold or the heating. But there’s often another culprit right by the sink: your cleanser.

Why winter makes things worse

Cold air outside and dry, warm air inside pull water from your skin. Your skin barrier - the thin layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out - has to work overtime. If you’re also using a harsh or foaming cleanser, it’s like making your skin run a marathon with no warm-up. The result? A compromised barrier, redness, and that tight, stinging feeling after washing.

How harsh cleansers strip your skin

Many high-street face washes and soaps contain sulphates, detergents that foam up and cut through grease. They do their job too well. In removing dirt and oil, they also strip away the natural lipids that keep your skin hydrated and strong.

In summer, your skin might recover quickly. But in winter, when humidity drops and your skin’s oil production slows, those same cleansers can lead to irritation, flakes, or even breakouts as your barrier weakens.

Signs your cleanser isn’t working for you

  • Your skin feels squeaky clean (not a good thing)
  • Tightness or stinging after washing
  • Redness, irritation or sensitivity
  • Flakiness around the nose, forehead or cheeks

If that sounds familiar, it might be time to rethink what you’re using.

What to look for in a good winter cleanser

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a 12-step routine, just a formula that cleans without stripping. Look for:

  • Soap-free – helps preserve your skin’s natural barrier.
  • Fragrance-free – fewer ingredients, less chance of irritation.
  • Moisturising ingredients – things like glycerin, fatty acids or ceramides help your skin hold onto water.

A good example is our Face Cleansing Bar (of course!). It’s fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin, and packed with moisturising ingredients to clean without leaving your face tight or dry. It’s designed for people who spend time outside - tested in harsh weather, by athletes, adventurers and everyday people.

Why it matters

A healthy skin barrier doesn’t just make you look better - it’s your body’s first line of defence against cold air, pollution and bacteria. Keeping it intact in winter means less redness, fewer breakouts, and skin that can take on whatever the season throws at it.

So, as temperatures drop, don’t just reach for a thicker moisturiser. Start with the basics: your cleanser.

Cleansing should remove dirt, not your skin’s defences. In winter, a gentle face wash can be the difference between sore, tight skin and skin that’s ready for anything.