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How to Exfoliate Without Compromising Your Skin Barrier this Winter

Winter can be harsh on our skin, with cold winds outside and central heating indoors creating the perfect recipe for dryness and dullness. While exfoliation is a key step in maintaining healthy, glowing skin, it can be a double-edged sword if not done carefully. Harsh exfoliation methods can damage the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to common issues such as irritation and dehydration during the colder months.

This season, it’s all about striking the right balance – rejuvenating your complexion with exfoliation while keeping your skin barrier strong and healthy. Whether you’re deciding between AHAs and BHAs or looking for the gentlest exfoliants for winter, knowing how to exfoliate without compromising your skin’s barrier is essential.

Luckily we’re sharing tips, product recommendations, and insights to help you achieve smooth, radiant smooth skin that stays resilient against winter’s challenges below.

Why Exfoliation is Important in Winter

Winter weather often leaves our skin feeling dry, flaky, and lacklustre. Combined with the effects of central heating, this can create an environment where dead skin cells accumulate more quickly on the surface, leading to a dull complexion. Exfoliation plays a crucial role in removing these dead cells, allowing fresh, healthy skin to shine through.

But it’s not just about aesthetics – exfoliation helps skincare products work more effectively. By removing dead skin cells, your moisturisers and serums can penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering hydration and nourishment where it’s needed most. This is particularly important in winter when your skin needs extra support to stay hydrated and healthy.

The key, however, is to exfoliate gently. Overdoing it, especially during the colder months, can strip the skin of its natural oils and damage its barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts. By choosing the right exfoliation techniques and products, you can maintain a radiant complexion while keeping your skin barrier intact.

Types of Exfoliation: AHA vs. BHA

When it comes to exfoliation, not all ingredients are created equal. Choosing between AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) depends on your skin type and winter skincare goals. Here’s a closer look at what each offers:

What are AHAs?

AHAs are water-soluble acids that work on the surface of the skin to gently remove dead skin cells. Common examples include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. These acids are especially beneficial for dry or mature skin, as they not only exfoliate but also boost hydration and improve skin texture. During winter, lactic acid is a great choice because of its mild exfoliating properties and ability to lock in moisture.

What are BHAs?

BHAs, like salicylic acid, are also oil-soluble acids but penetrate deeper into the skin to exfoliate inside the pores. This makes them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, as they help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. While BHAs are less hydrating than AHAs, they are effective for tackling winter breakouts caused by clogged pores from heavier skincare products.

Which is Best for Winter?

  • AHAs: Opt for these if your skin is dry or showing signs of dullness, as they provide hydration alongside gentle exfoliation.
  • BHAs: Stick to BHAs if you have oily or blemish-prone skin and want to keep pores clear during the colder months.
  • Enzyme Exfoliants: For sensitive skin, enzyme-based exfoliants derived from fruits like papaya or pineapple are an excellent alternative. They gently dissolve dead skin cells without causing irritation.

Balancing these exfoliation methods is key. Use them sparingly; about 1 – 2 times per week in winter to maintain your glow without compromising your skin’s natural barrier.

Gentle Exfoliation Tips for Winter

Exfoliating during the winter months requires a careful approach to avoid irritating or drying out your skin. The key is to use gentle methods that renew the skin without compromising its natural barrier. Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing in the colder months:

1. Exfoliate Less Frequently

Unlike in warmer months, winter calls for a lighter touch when it comes to exfoliation. Limit exfoliating to 1–2 times per week to avoid over-stripping your skin of essential oils. This is especially important if your skin is already dry or sensitive due to the colder weather.

2. Choose Hydrating Exfoliants

Opt for products that pair exfoliation with hydration. Look for formulas containing AHAs like lactic acid or glycolic acid, which gently slough off dead skin cells while attracting moisture to the skin. Avoid harsh scrubs with large, abrasive particles, as these can damage the skin barrier.

3. Layer Hydration After Exfoliation

Exfoliation removes dead cells, but it also leaves your skin more exposed. Follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturiser rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin to replenish lost moisture and reinforce your skin’s barrier.

4. Use Enzyme Exfoliants for Sensitive Skin

If your skin tends to react poorly to acids, try enzyme exfoliants derived from fruits like papaya or pineapple. These natural enzymes gently break down dead skin cells without irritation, making them a great choice for delicate skin types.

5. Time Your Exfoliation Wisely

The best time to exfoliate is in the evening. This allows your skin to recover overnight and absorb the hydrating products in your nighttime routine. Avoid exfoliating in the morning if you’ll be stepping out into harsh winter weather right after.

By following these tips and choosing the right exfoliation methods, you can reveal smoother, more radiant skin while keeping it healthy and resilient through the winter months.

Exfoliation is a cornerstone of any effective skincare routine, but during winter, it’s essential to approach it with care. By choosing gentle exfoliants, incorporating hydrating and barrier-friendly ingredients, and following a mindful routine, you can achieve radiant, healthy skin without compromising your skin’s natural defences.

Whether you’re using AHAs to brighten and hydrate or BHAs to keep pores clear, the key is balance – exfoliate just enough to reveal fresh, glowing skin while giving your barrier the support it needs to thrive in the harsh winter months.

With the right techniques and products, you can keep dullness at bay and enjoy a complexion that stays smooth, hydrated, and resilient all season long.

Recommended Products for Winter Exfoliation

Gentle Exfoliants

REN Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - skin barrier care

Why we love it: This cult-favourite toner combines lactic acid (AHA) and willow bark extract (BHA) to gently exfoliate, brighten, and refine the skin’s texture. It’s particularly effective for tackling dullness, uneven tone, and congested pores, leaving complexion smooth and radiant. This toner is loved for its gentle yet effective results.

Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING AHA Liquid Exfoliant

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - Hydrating exfoliators for winter skincare routines

Why we love it: This leave-on exfoliant combines the gentle power of mandelic acid and time-released lactic acid to refine skin texture, brighten tone, and improve hydration. It is perfect for sensitive skin as it exfoliates without irritation, and even strengthens the skin’s barrier. It’s a must-have for a brighter, more radiant complexion during winter.

NEUTROGENA® Clear & Defend + Liquid Exfoliant

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - skin barrier tips

Why we love it: This is surprisingly gentle considering it combines 7% AHAs (5% glycolic acid and 2% citric acid) with 0.5% panthenol. It does a great job of refining texture, fading acne marks, and supporting the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s designed to visibly smooth and brighten in as little as one week so it promotes quick cell turnover while soothing the skin. A great choice for glowing, even-toned skin throughout winter.

The Ordinary Exfoliating 7% Glycolic Acid

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Why we love it: This affordable yet powerful toner is a cult-favourite for a reason. With 7% glycolic acid, it gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, smooth texture, and reveal a more radiant complexion. It’s perfect for tackling dullness, uneven tone, and fine lines. Even better, this multitasking product can be used on others areas of the body like elbows and knees.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - Exfoliation tips for sensitive skin barrier

Why we love it: This powerful at-home chemical peel combines 30% AHAs (glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids) with 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to deliver deep exfoliation, leaving skin visibly smoother, brighter, and more refined. Designed for experienced acid users, it targets uneven texture, clogged pores, and hyperpigmentation while reducing the appearance of fine lines. It is quite strong so ideal for weekly use for a radiant glow during the winter months.

Huda Beauty Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - exfoliation tips

Why we love it: This scrub combines physical, chemical (AHAs and BHAs), and enzymatic exfoliants from pineapple and papaya enzymes for a 3-in-1 exfoliation experience. It gently removes dead skin cells while brightening and evening out skin tone, making it ideal for winter when dullness and dryness are more pronounced. Use it 1–2 times a week to reveal a radiant, glowing complexion.

Sukin Brightening Jelly Exfoliator

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - Benefits of AHAs vs. BHAs in winter skincare

Why we love it: This gentle exfoliator is a blend of natural fruit enzymes, including Kakadu plum (a powerhouse of vitamin C) and bromelain, that brighten and refine skin without harsh scrubbing. With passionfruit seeds and jojoba esters to lightly buff the skin, it’s ideal for achieving a smooth, glowing complexion. It’s perfect for all skin types and a great option for dull winter skin in need of renewal.

B. Skincare Enzyme Facial Scrub

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com   - How to exfoliate in winter

Why we love it: This budget-friendly yet effective scrub uses a blend of fruit enzymes and finely ground apricot shells to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. The dual-action formula removes dead skin cells and impurities while promoting a radiant complexion, making it ideal for winter when dullness is common.

BeautyPie AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanser

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - AHAs for hydration

Why we love it: This is another multitasking cleanser that combines 2% salicylic acid and 3% papaya enzyme complex to gently exfoliate while clearing pores and smoothing skin. It works on both the face and body, targeting blemishes and congestion, to leave skin soft and refreshed. It’s a great option to help tackle bumpy skin and dry patches during the colder months.

Hydrating Serums

AVÈNE Cicalfate Intensive Skin Restorative Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - skin barrier tips

Why we love it: This lightweight serum is designed to restore and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier making it a lifesaver for sensitive, irritated, or dehydrated skin. Infused with Avène Thermal Spring Water and Pro-Vitamin B5, it soothes tightness, repairs damage, and protects against environmental aggressors like wind and pollution. It’s perfect for maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion during harsh weather.

VICHY Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - Benefits of AHAs vs. BHAs in winter skincare

Why we love it: This deeply hydrating serum combines 89% Vichy Volcanic Water with hyaluronic acid to protect against environmental stressors. It is perfect for layering under other skincare products thanks to its lightweight texture, and it leaves skin feeling plump, refreshed, and resilient against winter’s drying effects.

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense Hyaluronic Acid Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - skin barrier care

Why we love it: This supercharged version of the iconic Hydr8 B5, delivers both instant and long-term hydration using multi-weight hyaluronic acid and Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs). It works to visibly plump and smooth fine lines, leaving the skin feeling supple, bouncy, and deeply moisturised. It is perfect for combating dryness during winter.

Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - skin barrier tips

Why we love it: This serum is a hydration powerhouse that combines three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin at every level. It also contains peptides and pro-ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier and smooth fine lines, leaving a bouncy, dewy finish. It’s ideal for winter hydration and year-round use

FaceTheory Electrolyte Replenishing Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - BHAs for deep cleansing

Why we love it: Packed with a blend of electrolytes, amino acids, and minerals, this lightweight serum delivers intense hydration and locks in moisture, making it a winter must-have. Its star ingredients include sodium PCA, which boosts the skin’s natural moisture retention, and niacinamide, which soothes and strengthens the skin barrier. It’s perfect for protecting against the drying effects of central heating and cold weather.

REN Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Restore Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - Hydrating exfoliators for winter skincare routines

Why we love it: This ultra-hydrating serum delivers intense, long-lasting hydration. Infused with sustainably sourced algae extracts, Wild Rosella, and hyaluronic acid, it deeply replenishes and plumps the skin, addressing the root causes of dehydration. It is ideal for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, and also provides antioxidant protection, making it a go-to for winter hydration.

BEAUTYLAB Hyaluronic Acid Intense Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com - BHAs for deep cleansing

Why we love it: It contains all the hydration big hitters – hyaluronic acid, polyglucuronic acid, and plant collagen, and delivers deep hydration as well as boosts the skin’s ability to retain moisture. It works to plump and smooth fine lines, restore elasticity, and enhance radiance, making it a standout choice for combating winter dryness. It’s a go-to for maintaining a supple, glowing complexion during colder months.

La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - Exfoliation tips for sensitive skin

Why we love it: This serum combines two types of hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 to plump and smooth the skin, making it a skincare staple for hydration and repair. It soothes and strengthens the skin’s barrier, making it ideal for dehydrated and dull winter skin.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - Best winter moisturisers

Why we love it: This serum is a budget-friendly gem for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. Its creamy gel-like texture provides up to 24-hour hydration using a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, which work to restore and protect the skin barrier. It is versatile and ideal for winter when hydration and barrier support are key.

Barrier-Repairing Moisturisers

The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing Moisturiser

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - skin barrier tips

Why we love it: This rich yet lightweight cream harnesses bio-active ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and provide long-lasting hydration. It is infused with shea butter for deep nourishment and is clinically proven to improve hydration, elasticity, and the appearance of six signs of aging. It’s a versatile addition to any winter skincare routine.

Simple Repairing Rich Cream Face Moisturiser with Ceramide

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - Exfoliation tips for sensitive skin

Why we love it: Formulated with 22% ceramide boosters, this cream is designed to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. It provides intense hydration, nourishes up to 10 skin layers, and leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and smooth for over 24 hours. It’s ideal for very dry or sensitive skin and perfect for everyday use during winter’s harsh conditions.

Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturiser

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com -  hydrating exfoliation

Why we love it: This advanced moisturiser fortifies the skin’s natural barrier while delivering long-lasting hydration. Infused with five ceramides, peptides, and watermelon seed oil, it works to restore moisture balance, smooth fine lines, and enhance firmness. The added benefit of antioxidants protects against environmental stressors makes it perfect for winter months.

Skinsense Ceramide24 Pro-Resilience Day Cream

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - skin barrier tips

Why we love it: This luxurious daily moisturiser combines a highly compatible ceramide lipid complex, niacinamide, and riboxyl to deliver intense hydration and restore the skin barrier. Enriched with essential fatty acids and Vitamin F Forte, it helps to soothe dry, stressed-out skin while reducing moisture loss and combating signs of aging. It’s perfect for protecting skin during winter’s harsh conditions.

Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - skin barrier moisturiser

Why we love it: This cream is specially formulated to repair and nourish dry, flaky skin at the cellular level. Infused with omega-rich bilberry seed oil and allantoin, it strengthens the skin barrier while providing deep hydration and soothing sensitivity. It is ideal for all skin types looking for enhanced resilience during harsh winter conditions. It’s a powerhouse for hydration and barrier repair.

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream

www.lifeandsoullifestyle.com  - skin barrier protection cream

Why we love it: This rich, buttery moisturiser is a lifesaver for dry and sensitive skin. Packed with 2.3% ceramides and panthenol to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, it delivers immediate hydration and long-lasting moisture, making it perfect for winter when your skin needs extra protection from cold air and central heating.

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.

About Elsie Boat

Hi, I’m Elsie, editor of Life and Soul Lifestyle. I’m a lifestyle journalist and copywriter and have been writing about beauty and lifestyle for 10+ years.

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