January Renewal: 5 tips for revitalising winter skin

January always feels like a gentle invitation to slow down, reset, and take care of ourselves — and our skin is no exception. After the colder months, many of us notice our skin feeling drier, more sensitive, or lacking its usual glow. Winter can be tough on skin, but with the right approach — both externally and internally — it’s absolutely possible to restore balance and radiance.

Why Our Skin Struggles in Winter

Winter creates a perfect storm for skin stress. Cold outdoor air strips moisture from the skin, central heating dries the air indoors, and shorter days mean less sunlight to support natural skin repair. Add hot showers and festive indulgences, and it’s no wonder skin can feel tight, flaky, or dull. January is such a perfect time to focus on renewal, giving skin the care it needs to repair, regenerate, and glow again.

My 5 Top Tips for Radiant Winter Skin:

1 Rebuild the Skin Barrier

In winter, I always prioritise nourishing and protecting the skin barrier. Using skincare rich in plant oils, ceramides, and hydrating botanicals helps lock moisture in and protect skin from environmental stress.

2 Exfoliate Gently

All skin, but especially dry skin, benefits from from gentle exfoliation.

Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or mask; a good quality skin brush is also a good idea. Once a week, exfoliating removes dull, dry skin cells and allows your nourishing creams and oils to penetrate more effectively.

3 Nourish from the Inside Out

Winter skin often looks dull because our bodies aren’t getting enough hydration, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and skin-supporting nutrients. Nutrition and natural remedies can make a real difference. Here’s what I recommend:

Essential fatty acids – from oily fish, nuts, seeds, or omega oils. They help maintain skin moisture and elasticity.

Collagen support – Viridian Collagen Support Formula can aid skin elasticity and repair.

Antioxidant-rich foods – berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and green tea help protect skin cells from oxidative stress.

Hydration – water, herbal teas, and soups are essential to keep your skin supple from the inside out.

A balanced winter diet packed with vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and selenium will support skin regeneration (try Viridian's excellent Hair Skin and Nails capsules) and keep it looking radiant despite the cold.

4 Be Kind to Your Skin Daily

Small daily habits make a huge difference in winter. Keep showers lukewarm, cleanse gently, and always moisturise immediately after washing.

5 Support Overnight Repair

Night-time is when skin regenerates naturally, so richer creams or facial oils are perfect for winter repair. An early night and a good night’s sleep ALWAYS helps!

January doesn’t need to be about drastic change. For me, it’s about listening to your body and supporting your skin naturally, both inside and out. By combining nourishing skincare, gentle routines, and thoughtful nutrition, winter skin can feel soft, comfortable, and radiant — even in the coldest months.

Best wishes, Wendy x