Winter in South Africa means chilly mornings, shorter days, and a big change in the air. While many of us enjoy wrapping up warm, our skin often pays the price. The dry, cold winter air can leave your skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your skin healthy, soft, and glowing during the colder months. With a few simple changes to your skin care routine and affordable, locally available products, you can protect your skin all winter long.
In this article, we’ll share easy-to-follow winter skin care tips designed for South Africans, along with budget-friendly product recommendations you can find at local stores like Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick n Pay.
Why Does Winter Affect Your Skin?
During winter, the air loses moisture and becomes dry and cold. This means your skin’s natural oils evaporate faster, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and sometimes redness. If you continue with your usual summer skincare routine, it may not provide enough hydration or protection. This is why adapting your skincare routine for winter is essential.
Winter Skin Care Tips for South Africans
1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
Many regular soaps and cleansers can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it even drier. Instead, choose a gentle, cream-based or oil-based cleanser that cleans without removing moisture. For example:
Fundamentals Skincare 5% Jojoba Oil Cream Cleanser: A gentle option rich in jojoba oil to nourish your skin while cleansing.
blu beryl Powder-to-Foam Cleanser: Affordable and effective, this cleanser supports your skin’s moisture barrier and is suitable for all skin types.
Using a gentle cleanser will help maintain your skin’s natural barrier, reducing dryness and irritation.
2. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
Moisturising is key in winter. You want a richer, creamier moisturiser that locks in hydration and strengthens your skin’s barrier. Look out for ingredients like:
Hyaluronic acid: Holds moisture deep in your skin.
Ceramides: Help rebuild and protect your skin barrier.
Niacinamide and peptides: Support skin health and hydration.
Affordable moisturisers to try:
blu beryl Daily Moisturiser: Bio-based and designed to lock in moisture all day.
NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion: Provides 48-hour hydration and is widely available.
Store brands from Clicks and Dis-Chem: Budget-friendly options that are dermatologist-tested.
Apply your moisturiser right after washing your face or showering, while your skin is still damp, to trap moisture inside.
3. Layer Your Hydration
To give your skin an extra boost, add a hydrating serum before your moisturiser. Serums have smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into your skin, helping to hold more moisture.
Try:
blu beryl Hydration Serum: Helps plump your skin and improve moisture retention.
You can also use a light hydrating mist during the day to refresh and moisturise your skin when you’re out and about.
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Even though it’s winter, South Africa’s sun can still cause damage. UV rays can dry out your skin and speed up ageing, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, especially on exposed areas like your face and hands.
Look for affordable sunscreens in:
Clicks and Dis-Chem SPF ranges: They offer year-round protection at reasonable prices.
5. Exfoliate Gently — But Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, helping your moisturiser absorb better and preventing dullness. However, over-exfoliating can strip your skin further and cause more dryness.
Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week, like mild scrubs or chemical exfoliants suitable for sensitive skin.
6. Care for Lips, Hands, and Feet
These areas tend to dry out first in winter, so give them special attention:
Use a hydrating lip balm to prevent chapping. Affordable options include NIVEA and store brands from Clicks or Dis-Chem.
Apply hand and foot creams regularly. Try NIVEA Q10 Hand Cream or affordable creams from local pharmacies.
7. Avoid Hot Water
While a hot shower feels good in winter, hot water can strip your skin’s oils and make dryness worse. Use lukewarm water instead for washing your face and bathing.
8. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Good skin care is not only about what you put on your skin but also what you put into your body. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like:
Walnuts
Flaxseeds
Leafy greens
These help keep your skin healthy and hydrated from the inside out.
Bonus Tips for Extra Winter Care
Apply moisturiser immediately after showering.
Use a humidifier indoors if heating dries out the air.
Try a nourishing mask once or twice a week to boost hydration.
Affordable Winter Skin Care Products Available in South Africa
| Product Type | Affordable Options | Key Ingredients/Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | Fundamentals Skincare Jojoba Oil Cleanser | Gentle, non-stripping |
| blu beryl Powder-to-Foam Cleanser | Hydrating, supports skin barrier | |
| Moisturiser | blu beryl Daily Moisturiser | Bio-based, locks in moisture |
| NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion | 48H hydration, widely available | |
| Clicks/Dis-Chem store brands | Budget-friendly, dermatologist-tested | |
| Hydration Serum | blu beryl Hydration Serum | Holds moisture, plumps skin |
| Lip Balm | NIVEA, Clicks, Dis-Chem | Hydrating, protective |
| Hand/Foot Cream | NIVEA Q10 Hand Cream, Clicks/Dis-Chem brands | Nourishing, easy to carry |
| Sunscreen | Clicks/Dis-Chem SPF ranges | Year-round protection |
Check also: Catch the Flu Before It Catches You: Expert Tips to Stay Healthy This Winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, uncomfortable skin. By switching to gentle cleansers, moisturising well, layering hydration, and using affordable, locally available products, you can keep your skin soft, healthy, and glowing throughout South Africa’s colder months.
Remember, caring for your skin is a daily habit that pays off with long-lasting comfort and confidence.
