Winter Reset Guide by Ishga

Winter can be one of the most challenging seasons for skin, dryness, sensitivity and flare-ups often feel unavoidable. To help our community navigate the colder months with confidence, we partnered with ishga to create this Winter Reset Guide.

Drawing on ishga’s deep expertise in organic, results-driven skincare, this guide answers the most common winter skin questions raised by the GlowFound Collective. It’s designed to cut through noise, simplify routines and support long-term skin health - not quick fixes.

Why does our skin seem to completely freak out in winter – what’s actually going on beneath the surface? 

In winter, skin tends to struggle because cold air, low humidity and indoor heating all weaken the skin’s protective barrier. As natural oil production slows, moisture escapes more easily, leading to dehydration, sensitivity and that tight, uncomfortable feeling. Blood flow to the skin also reduces in colder temperatures, which can dull radiance and slow repair, while dead skin cells build up on the surface, making skin look dry or flaky. Beneath it all, winter skin isn’t misbehaving, it’s simply asking for extra hydration, nourishment and barrier support to stay healthy and resilient. 

Everyone talks about “repairing your skin barrier” in winter - what does that actually mean, and what should we be looking for in products? 

The skin barrier should be looked after all year round, not just in winter. Factors such as the weather, the environment and pollution, the products we use and even the pillows we sleep on can affect it. Here are some of the most common causes that can lead to a damaged skin barrier:  

→ Over washing with chemical heavy products: You might think you are doing your skin a favour by keeping it squeaky clean, but over washing with harsh products that don't suit your skin type can lead to the skin being stripped of its natural oils. 

→ Environment: A temperature that is too dry or too humid can play havoc on your skin barrier.

→ UV rays: Too much sun exposure is never a good thing.

→ Psychological and hormonal factors: If you are feeling stressed for example, that can manifest itself through the skin leading to breakouts and inflammation

→ Diet and sleep: The amount of water we consume, our diet and how much sleep we get can all play a part in skin health. 

The best way to protect your skin barrier is with a simple skincare routine. Use products that contain plant oils as many of them have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Skincare products that contain antioxidants are also very important as they help to neutralise free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells) and work towards repairing the skin, minimising lines and wrinkles whilst helping your skin barrier to fend off environmental threats such as pollution. 

If you have sensitive or reactive skin, what are the things you’d say are a hard no during winter months? 

Winter can be especially challenging if you’ve got sensitive or reactive skin. Here are some of the things that can cause flare ups: 

Over-exfoliating: The combination of cold air and indoor heating already weaken the skin barrier. Using harsh scrubs, an exfoliator that isn’t specific for face or body and daily exfoliation can tip sensitive skin into redness, stinging and peeling. 

Using stripping cleansers: Sulphate-based cleansers can strip the skin and weaken the skin barrier leaving skin feeling tight and/or dry. At ishga, we are certified organic by the Soil Association, so our products don’t contain sulphates, parabens, phthalates or synthetic colours, dyes or fragrances.  

Skipping moisturising: Colder temperatures and drier air mean skin needs more consistent care, starting with moisturising, this is one skincare step you don’t want to skip. If you want to give your skin an extra boost of hydration, pair with a face oil. 

Very hot showers: While hot water can be tempting on chilly days, it can strip the skin further and increase dryness, so opting for lukewarm water is far kinder and helps prevent irritation. The increased temperature can strip your skin of its natural oils leading to redness and broken capillaries. 

Alcohol-heavy toners: If you have sensitive or reactive skin alcohol-based toners can lead to your skin feeling ‘tingly’ and is a sign your skin barrier has been compromised. Alcohol strips away natural lipids (fats) and disrupts the acid mantle which is your skin’s protective shield. 

Trying lots of new products at once: If you decide to change your skincare, start with 2-3 products and build up from there. Carry out patch tests and allow several weeks use to establish if the products are suitable. 

If someone feels overwhelmed and can only focus on a few things, what would you say are the three non-negotiables for healthy winter skin? 

If everything feels a bit much and you just want to keep things simple, these are the three steps we would recommend:

→ Gentle cleansing (twice daily): Cleansing should remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier. 

→ Deep barrier-supporting moisturisation: Use a rich, nourishing moisturiser that will lock in hydration.

→ Daily SPF: Even in winter your skin can be exposed to UV rays. UV damage can worsen sensitivity, dryness and inflammation.

What does a calm, sustainable winter skincare routine actually look like – and how can people stop feeling like they need a quick fix?