As winter settles in, the skin—our most expressive organ—often begins to show the sneaking strain of seasonal dryness. Flakiness, tightness, and dullness may appear as the air cools and humidity dips, especially with indoor heating stripping moisture from the air. Yet this is not a condition to fix, but an invitation to deepen your knowledge around winter skin care for both the face and body.
At IKKARI, we honour this shift not as a problem, but a rhythm—one that calls us back to ritual. To restore skin hydration in winter is to support the body’s natural wisdom. Here, five hydrating rituals to alleviate dry winter skin, elevate your daily care, and nurture skin resilience and inner radiance—for all skin types, all seasons of life.
1. Begin with Warm Water, Not Hot
Hot water may offer fleeting comfort on a cold morning, but for the skin, it can be disruptive. High temperatures strip the skin’s natural lipids—its protective oils—weakening the barrier and allowing moisture to escape more easily (R).
Instead, choose lukewarm water for bathing and cleansing. This gentler approach helps preserve the stratum corneum—the skin’s outermost layer—and keeps its delicate lipid matrix intact. For an added circulatory boost, finish with a quick cool rinse to refresh the skin and invigorate the complexion.
Explore our Skin Balms — infused with olive fruit oil, a Mediterranean staple celebrated for its emollient richness and protective antioxidant profile.
2. Cleanse with Hydration in Mind
Cleansing should feel nourishing and never stripping. A thoughtfully formulated cleanser nurtures the skin's moisture balance while lifting impurities—particularly important in winter, when the skin’s barrier is naturally more vulnerable.
The IKKARI Cream Cleanser is crafted using three key nourishing hydrators:
Glycerin – A time-honoured humectant that draws moisture into the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and hydrated (R).
Saccharide Isomerate – A plant-derived sugar complex that binds to the skin like a moisture magnet, delivering deep, long-lasting hydration (R).
Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit Extract – Rich in water-binding compounds and antioxidants, this cactus-derived botanical helps replenish skin hydration and improve moisture retention (R).
These ingredients work synergistically to cleanse without compromising the microbiome or the lipid barrier—preserving the skin’s ecosystem while setting the stage for nourishment to follow. Healthy ageing skincare begins with protecting and enhancing what’s already working beautifully.
3. Winter layers: Layer Hydration Like Clothing
Skin hydration isn’t a single step—it’s a sequence. Just as we layer fabrics in winter for warmth, skin thrives on layered hydration to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and maintain suppleness throughout the day.
Begin with a toner that hydrates, not just refreshes. The IKKARI Purifying Mist Toner is rich in:
Glycerin – Deeply hydrating and skin-softening.
Betaine – A naturally derived osmolyte from sugar beet that regulates water balance in cells (R).
Saccharide Isomerate – A plant-derived sugar that binds to keratin like a magnet, and delivers long-lasting hydration (R).
Hydrolysed Sodium Hyaluronate – A low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid that helps boost skin’s surface moisture (R).
Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract – Traditionally used to calm and hydrate irritated skin (R).
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Rich in polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals, aloe vera delivers instant soothing and hydration while supporting visibly replenished, healthy-looking skin (R).
Together, these ingredients create a base layer of moisture that prepares the skin to better receive your serum, moisturiser, or balm. This ritual isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. Attune to your skin’s rhythm. Let each step be a moment of pause and purpose.
4. Nourish from Within
Hydration isn’t just a topical concern—it’s rooted in what we consume. Skin reflects the health of the whole system, and the nutrients we feed it from within are just as vital as the ones we apply.
Support skin hydration through diet
Essential fatty acids like omega-3s—found in wild-caught fish, flaxseed, chia, and walnuts—reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier, helping to lock in moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss. Hydrating herbal teas, warm lemon water, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables support detoxification, fluid balance, and skin clarity from the inside out (R).
For deeper nourishment, IKKARI’s Radiance Tonic blends marine collagen and plant extracts that support hydration and skin resilience from within.
5. Restore Overnight with Skin Balms
The skin enters repair mode while we sleep—regenerating cells, repairing damage, and restoring balance. This makes night-time the most powerful window for delivering deep hydration.
The IKKARI Skin Saviour Balm is a symphony of naturally derived botanicals:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil – Rich in squalene, vitamin E, and polyphenols, it conditions and protects (R).
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil – Light yet nourishing, rich in oleic acid to soften and seal in moisture (R).
Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil – Known for its high content of essential fatty acids and pro-vitamin A, supporting cell renewal and even skin tone.
Beeswax – Forms a breathable shield over the skin, preventing moisture loss while allowing the skin to breathe (R).
These ingredients aren’t just moisturising—they’re restorative. By supporting the skin’s barrier they reinforce the skin’s innate resilience and protect against environmental stressors. Think of your balm as an overnight cocoon—gently guiding your skin back to balance while you rest.
Honour the Season. Honour Your Skin.
Dry winter skin isn’t a flaw—it’s a message. A reminder that the body speaks in sensations. That care is not a performance, but a presence. These five rituals help you respond—not with urgency, but with reverence. Rituals that restore, align, and sustain. That is the IKKARI way.
IKKARI skincare products are intended for cosmetic use only and are not therapeutic goods. Claims made relate to the appearance and feel of the skin. Always consult your health professional before using ingestible products.