Winter skincare requires a different approach. Cold temperatures, wind, and dry air weaken the skin barrier, slow down cellular renewal, and increase inflammation. As a result, skin becomes tighter, drier, more reactive, and visibly dull.
This complete winter skincare routine is designed to protect the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, restore hydration, and bring back natural glow, even during the coldest months.
Why Skin Becomes Inflamed in Winter
In winter, the skin loses protective lipids faster. Micro-circulation slows down, hydration decreases, and dead skin cells accumulate on the surface. This leads to:
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Dryness and tightness
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Redness and sensitivity
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Increased inflammation
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Dull, uneven complexion
To maintain balance, winter skincare must focus on gentle cleansing, controlled exfoliation, barrier repair, anti-inflammatory actives, and daily sun protection.
1. How to Cleanse Your Skin in Winter Without Stripping
Winter skin is fragile and should never be aggressively cleansed.
Oil-based cleansing is ideal during colder months because it removes impurities while respecting the skin barrier. Following with a hydrating mist helps soothe inflammation and prevent dehydration.
👉 With the Prodige Démaquillant Hydratant and Helwé hydrating mists, the skin is gently cleansed, nourished, and comforted from the very first step.
Key benefits:
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No friction
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No barrier disruption
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Immediate comfort and softness
2. Gentle Exfoliation in Winter: Why It’s Essential
During winter, skin renewal slows down. Dead skin cells accumulate, making the complexion dull and preventing skincare from penetrating effectively.
Exfoliation remains essential but mechanical scrubs are too harsh. Grain-based exfoliants can cause micro-inflammation and worsen redness.
The solution? Chemical exfoliation with AHA and BHA, which smooth the skin without friction.
👉 Helwé winter exfoliants:
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Lotion Exfoliante Peau Douce — Lactic acid, for dry and sensitive skin
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Lotion Exfoliante Peau Parfaite — 1% AHA + BHA, for normal to combination skin
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Lotion Exfoliante Peau Nette — 2% BHA, for clogged pores and blemish-prone skin
All formulas are enriched with aloe vera and vitamin B5 to exfoliate gently while calming irritation.
3. Why Vitamin C Is Essential for Winter Glow
In winter, reduced sunlight, dehydration, and slower circulation leave the skin dull and uneven. Dark spots and pigmentation often become more visible.
Vitamin C is a winter essential. As a powerful antioxidant, it:
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Protects against cold, pollution, and oxidative stress
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Brightens the complexion
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Reduces hyperpigmentation
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Restores visible glow
👉 At Helwé Skincare:
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Sérum Radieux — Pure ascorbic vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Delivers a fresh, light glow while offering anti-inflammatory protection. Ideal for normal to combination skin.
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Sérum Éclat — Oil-soluble, stable vitamin C combined with squalane, macadamia, and jojoba oils. Nourishing, soothing, and protective. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
💡 Best used in the morning for protection. At night, vitamin C further boosts radiance and targets hyperpigmentation, especially in winter.
4. Hydrate, Soothe & Repair Winter Inflammation
Winter skincare goes beyond hydration. The skin needs repair, calming actives, and barrier support.
Helwé treatments are rich in:
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Squalane
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Aloe vera
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Vitamin B5
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Hyaluronic acid
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Non-comedogenic oils
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Calendula
🟣 Bakuchiol is our winter hero
As effective as 0.3% retinol but non-irritating, bakuchiol is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and safe to use morning and night — making it ideal during colder months.
👉 Choose according to your needs:
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Sérum Hydratation Intense — immediate soothing and hydration
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Sérum Perfection — bakuchiol + niacinamide for anti-aging and blemish control
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Sérum Nuit Essentielle — repairing sea buckthorn oil
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Crème Jeunesse — gentle anti-aging with bakuchiol
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Crème Majestueuse — calendula, royal jelly, zinc for barrier repair
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Crème Perpétuelle — centella and B5 for sensitive skin comfort
5. Why You Still Need SPF in Winter
UV rays penetrate clouds year-round. In winter, when the skin barrier is weakened, UV exposure worsens inflammation, pigmentation, and premature aging.
Daily sun protection remains essential.
👉 Helwé mineral SPF 50, enriched with hydrating peptides and antioxidants, delivers:
UV protection + hydration + glow — in one step.
Need a Personalized Winter Skincare Routine?
Our pharmacists offer free in-store consultations, and our professional cabin treatments are designed to soothe, repair, and illuminate winter skin.
🌿 Helwé Skincare — the science of soothing and long-lasting glow.
Winter Skincare FAQ❓
Should I exfoliate my skin in winter?
Yes. Skin renewal slows down in winter, causing dullness and poor product absorption. Gentle exfoliation with AHA or BHA is essential, while avoiding harsh scrubs.
Is vitamin C safe to use in winter?
Absolutely. Vitamin C protects against oxidative stress, brightens the complexion, and reduces pigmentation. It’s especially beneficial during winter.
Do I really need SPF in winter?
Yes. UV rays penetrate clouds year-round and contribute to aging, pigmentation, and inflammation, even in winter.
How often should I exfoliate in winter?
2 - 3 times per week or every day depending on skin sensitivity and the type of exfoliant used.
What ingredients help calm winter skin inflammation?
Bakuchiol, vitamin B5, aloe vera, squalane, centella, and calendula are key ingredients to soothe and repair winter-stressed skin.
