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Need To Update Your Winter Skincare Routine? Here's How

21st February 2023

Health Nutrition

21st February 2023

By Robyn Schaffer

As November rears its head, it’s probably time to accept that we’re well on our way into the depths of winter.

One of the effects of this change in season is that on our skin; in the winter, our skin is subject to the damage of the cold, snow, ice and rain, as well as the dryness of indoor heating. The result is that moisture is drawn out of the skin, leading to a number of other problems. Good that we've brought out our debut skincare product, The Glow Booster, to help you through... isn't it?

"The combination of moving from artificially heated environments into the cold air has a natural drying effect on the skin," says Amish Patel, an award-winning skin care expert and aesthetics practitioner. "When the air outside is dry and cold, the water in your skin is lost by evaporation more quickly. The result is that our skin is left feeling dry and tight."

But before we get into steps you can take to prevent these issues, let's dive into some of the science behind our skin.

The science behind our skin

The skin is the body’s largest organ and it acts as a protective barrier against the external environment. The outer layer is known as the stratum corneum (SC) and consists of a layer of cells surrounded by lipids (oils) like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.

Our skin produces less of these oils in the winter months, making it more susceptible to dryness, something that’s also known as winter xerosis (roughness, itching, scaling and flaking).

Additionally, if you wash your hands frequently, this dryness becomes worse as you wash the natural oils and good bacteria from your skin that keep it healthy.

Dry skin tends to be more of a problem in older people because as you age, the skin becomes less able to hold moisture and the number of oil-producing sebaceous glands decreases. However, in the winter there are steps that people of all ages should be taking to ensure maximum protection against the elements. So, here's how to master your dry skin winter routine... 

Exfoliate and moisturise regularly

One of the most important steps that everyone should follow: exfoliate and moisturise. As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down and so the body is slower to shed dead skin cells and produce new ones. As the old cells pile up, it can leave your skin looking dull, rough and dry, meaning you need to exfoliate. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, and in the winter these increase due to the cold weather drying out the skin on your face and body. If you don’t exfoliate, you can end up with excess oil, clogged pores, and even blemishes. There are a range of different types of exfoliators you can buy, including cleansing scrubs, exfoliating mitts, dry brushes, loofahs and pumice stones, and you should find out which skin type you have before choosing a product that best suits yours.

The key tip for your dry skin winter routine 

After exfoliating, it’s important to moisturise, especially in the colder months, to prevent the skin from becoming chapped, dry and sore. There are different types of moisturiser for different skin types, so again choose one which suits yours. But thicker isn't always better in winter.

Taking care of skin in the winter 


Tammy Richards, a skin and health specialist at Pure Optical, adds: "A common misstep that I frequently witness is people drenching the skin in thick moisturiser as winter approaches. Just because a cream is thick, doesn't mean it will combat dryness. Reach for products that contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that can hold 1000 times its weight in water and is great for retaining moisture in the skin."

Cut down on long, hot baths and showers

Winter skin dryness is a real problem that so many of us struggle with. We know it gets chilly in the winter and sometimes there’s nothing better than a long, hot bath or shower to take the feeling of impending frostbite away, but it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Yes, really. Sorry.

An excess of hot water coming into contact with your skin can strip it of important oils, so where possible use cool or lukewarm water when washing your hands and face and save the hotter water for when you really feel like you need it. If you're someone who really can't forego your hot baths and showers though, try adding oils to your bath or use oil-based shower products to retain as much moisture as possible.

Invest in a humidifier 

Taking care of skin in the winter can be hard, but investing in a humidifier could make this a little bit easier.

During the winter, the air becomes drier and lacks the moisture that keeps our skin soft and supple. So, to maximise the amount of water and moisture in the air around you, it could be worth investing in a humidifier for your home and placing it in a room that you spend a lot of time in, like your bedroom.

Richards says: "A humidifier that emits water vapour or steam will add moisture to the air and work to curb dry skin. You should consider one of these if you're working from home and are likely to sit with the heating on all day."

Besides keeping the skin moisturised, humidifiers can also help ease symptoms of a cold or other respiratory conditions. However, it’s important to keep your humidifier clean, because if not, they can breed mold or bacteria and transmit this into the air around you.

Wear SPF (yes, even in winter) 

This is a rule that applies throughout the entire year and just because it’s not hot or sunny outside in the winter doesn’t mean you can skip on the SPF. The sun is powerful all year round, even through cloud, so it’s key to use at least an SPF 30+ on exposed skin before going outside. Without it, your skin will be more exposed to the sun’s UV rays which dry out the skin, leading to problems such as sunburn and signs of early ageing. But beyond helping keep the skin moisturised, SPFs have a number of other benefits including keeping your complexion even, reducing signs of premature ageing, and even reducing the risk of cancer. 

Put the right foods in your body

Besides paying attention to what’s in the air and environment around you, it’s also important to take note of what you’re putting inside your body when it comes to your skin this winter. There’s a direct connection between your gut and your skin health, so experts recommend increasing your daily intake of healthy fats to help with dry skin. Foods you can incorporate into your diet for this purpose include things like walnuts, olive oil, and avocados.

You can also take advantage of ingestible skin supplements like The Glow Booster - which provide you with skin boosting ingredients from the inside out to make sure you're getting that glow on point from all angles.

In the meantime, you may want to cut down on things like alcohol and caffeine; as diuretics, these will cause dehydration. "Drinking caffeinated tea, coffee and alcohol can all dehydrate the body and this will have an impact on your skin, so keep drinking water," Patel says. "If you can't bear drinking cold drinks in the winter, try hot water with decaffeinated herbal tea bags instead."

By combining these steps you'll be on your way to glowing winter skin in no time. Tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comments below how you got on, we’d love to hear from you!

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In the past few years, collagen has gone from a niche beauty buzzword to one of the most searched-for supplements available. Walk down any health aisle and you'll find it in powders, capsules, sachets and even coffee blends.  Marine collagen has become a particular favourite, often praised for its hydrolysed peptide format and its links to healthier-looking skin. But how much of that holds up once you look at the science? And is a marine collagen supplement worth adding to your routine? This guide covers what marine collagen is, the benefits, how it works, and what the research shows. No miracle promises. Just a clear, honest look at where collagen fits into your modern wellness routine. Let’s get into it! Key takeaways Marine collagen is a hydrolysed protein sourced from fish skin and scales, made up almost entirely of Type I collagen - the type most abundant in human skin. 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As the body’s natural collagen production declines with age, skin can gradually appear less firm, which is why collagen is so often discussed in relation to skin ageing and overall skin quality. The scientific research reinforces this benefit, particularly around gradual improvements in skin hydration and elasticity with consistent daily use. Several clinical trials have looked at oral collagen peptides and skin health, with a 2023 systematic review of 26 randomised controlled trials finding that hydrolysed collagen supplementation was associated with improvements in both areas.  Many of these collagen studies also assess results over several weeks, suggesting that 8 to 12 weeks is a sensible timeframe to keep in mind when judging whether marine collagen is making a noticeable difference to your skin. Hair and nail support The promise of stronger nails that split and chip less, and hair that feels healthier and more resilient, is a big part of marine collagen's appeal and a common reason people add it to their diet. The honest picture here is that the science of this benefit is less established.  Hair and nails are made mostly of keratin rather than collagen, so the link is more indirect. Some small studies suggest collagen peptides may help with nail strength, although they do not claim to prove that marine collagen is a guaranteed solution for hair growth or brittle nails. Some marine collagen formulas also include biotin, which has authorised EFSA health claims for contributing to the maintenance of normal hair and normal skin. That makes it a useful supporting ingredient in beauty-focused supplements, but marine collagen should not be treated as a guaranteed solution for hair growth or nail strength. Improved joints and connective tissue If you run, lift or train regularly, joint comfort may be one of the marine collagen benefits that matters most to you. Collagen is found in cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues, which is why it is often discussed in relation to active lifestyles and long-term mobility. The research into marine collagen for joints is less developed than the research around skin, but there are some relevant findings. In a 2018 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a daily supplement containing hydrolysed fish collagen, vitamins and other active ingredients was associated with improvements in joint wellbeing over 90 days. The results should be interpreted carefully because the formula contained more than marine collagen alone, but they do support the wider interest in marine collagen as part of a balanced diet, sensible training plan and consistent recovery routine. Marine collagen vs bovine collagen Marine and bovine collagen are two of the most common forms of collagen supplements that you will hear about: Marine collagen is sourced from fish, usually the skin and scales Bovine collagen comes from cattle, most often the hide. Both are commonly hydrolysed into collagen peptides, which means they have been broken down into smaller fragments that are easier for the body to digest and use. The main difference is usually the collagen profile. Marine collagen is typically rich in Type I collagen, the type most strongly associated with skin, bones and connective tissue. Bovine collagen usually contains both Type I and Type III collagen, giving it a slightly broader collagen profile. That does not make one automatically better than the other. Marine collagen may be more appealing if your focus is skin support or you prefer a fish-derived source, while bovine collagen may suit those looking for a wider mix of collagen types. In both cases, the quality of the supplement matters more than the source alone. Look for hydrolysed peptides, a clear dose, transparent sourcing and a format you can use consistently. Feature Marine collagen Bovine collagen Source Fish or other marine sources, often skin, scales or bones Cattle, usually hides or bones Common collagen types Mainly Type I collagen Type I and Type III collagen Often chosen for Skin hydration, elasticity and beauty-focused routines General collagen support, including skin and connective tissue Digestibility Usually hydrolysed into collagen peptides for easier digestion and mixing Also commonly hydrolysed into collagen peptides Taste and texture Can have a mild marine taste if not well formulated Usually more neutral, though this depends on the product Dietary considerations Not suitable for fish allergies, vegans or vegetarians Not suitable for people avoiding beef, vegans or vegetarians Main thing to check Source, collagen dose, peptide format and taste Source, collagen dose, peptide format and quality Is marine collagen worth taking?  For most people interested in skin health, marine collagen is a reasonable, low-risk supplement to try, as long as your expectations are realistic. The evidence for gradual gains in skin hydration and elasticity is reasonably solid. The case for hair, nails and joints is softer, but it's building. It also works best as one piece of a bigger picture and should be consumed alongside a protein-rich, varied diet, decent sleep, sun protection and staying hydrated. If you do give it a go, choose a hydrolysed product with a sensible dose and supporting nutrients like vitamin C, commit to a consistent 8 to 12 weeks, and judge the results for yourself. Whatever source you land on, quality and consistency are what turn a supplement from a hopeful purchase into a habit worth keeping. That is the standard we hold every formula to at Innermost: science over hype, quality ingredients and nothing you do not need. Whether you are looking at collagen, protein or everyday wellness support, the same rule applies: choose what fits your body, your goals and the routine you can actually stick to. If you're not sure where to start, our free nutritionist consultation can help you work out what actually fits your goals. Frequently asked questions  Is marine collagen better than bovine collagen?  Neither is outright better. Marine is primarily Type I and may appeal to those looking for a fish-derived source, while bovine offers Types I and III and is often cheaper. Can vegans take marine collagen?  Marine collagen comes from fish, so it isn't suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Vegan "collagen support" products work differently, supplying nutrients such as vitamin C that contribute to normal collagen formation rather than collagen itself. Does marine collagen taste fishy?  A good-quality hydrolysed marine collagen should be virtually flavourless. A noticeable fishy taste is usually a sign of a lower-quality product. How much Marine Collagen should I take? Most research points to an effective daily intake of somewhere between 2.5g and 15g of collagen peptides, with many of the skin studies sitting in the middle of that range. References Czajka, A., Kania, E., Genovese, L., Corbo, A., Merone, G., Luci, C., Sibilla, S., Siciliano, C. (2018). Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing. Nutr Res. 57. Click here. Farooq, S., Ahmad, M., Zheng, S., Ali, U., Li, Y., Shixiu, C., Zhang, H. (2024). A review on marine collagen: sources, extraction methods, colloids properties, and food applications. Collagen Leather. 6(11). Click here. Myung, S., Kim, J., Lee, Y., Choi, Y. (2025). Effects of collagen supplements on skin aging. Am J Med. Click here. Pu, S., Huang, Y., Pu, C., Kang, Y., Hoang, K., Chen, K., Chen, C. (2023). Effects of oral collagen for skin anti-aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 15(9). Click here Evans, M., Lewis, E., Zakaria, N., Pelipyagina, T., Guthrie, N. (2021). A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 20(3), 825–834. Click here. Hexsel, D., Zague, V., Schunck, M., Siega, C., Camozzato, F., Oesser, S. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 16(4), 520–526. Click here. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). (2010). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to biotin. EFSA Journal. 8(10), 1728. Click here.
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