The mercury might be dropping, but that’s no excuse for your grooming game to follow suit. While winter brings cozy nights and hearty food, it also brings a relentless assault on your skin and overall vitality – think dry air, biting winds, and reduced sunlight – meaning that it’s essential to adapt your grooming routine to the demands of the season. But fear not, with the right strategy and a few smart tweaks to your routine, you can combat the chill, keep your skin hydrated and healthy, and maintain your good looks even as the temperature drops.
Load up on Vitamin C
Vitamin C isn’t just a cure-all for cold weather ailments – you skin needs it too. In colder months, it’s crucial for combating the dullness that less sunlight brings and defending against environmental stressors like harsh winds and dry indoor heating. Vitamin C actively brightens your complexion, fades lingering dark spots, and crucially, helps stimulate collagen production, keeping your skin firm and resilient. But not all Vitamic C producers are made equal. For a formulation that’s seriously scientific, opt for ESK’s C Forte Morning Serum. Packed with high concentrations of L-Ascorbic Acid (the purest, most effective form of Vitamin C) this powerful combination goes beyond simple brightening; it’s engineered to actively neutralise free radicals, significantly boost collagen production for firmer skin, and tackle stubborn pigmentation and fine lines.
Indeed, ESK Skincare – or ‘Evidence-Based Skincare’ – is an Australian brand that champions a scientific and transparent approach to skin health. Founded by a dermatologist, the brand focuses on creating products with clinically proven ingredients at effective concentrations, prioritising efficacy and over trends. And for men serious about anti-ageing, their Men’s Anti-ageing Skincare Kit is a powerful tool in your arsenal.
Comprising a streamlined, no-fuss regime, the products are formulated with clinically-proven ingredients at effective concentrations, ensuring maximum efficacy without unnecessary complexity or lengthy faff.
Add antioxidants
Clinically proven to deliver protection 550 times stronger than Vitamin E and 800 times stronger than CoQ10, Astaxanthin (a next-generation antioxidant sourced from micro algae) works across all layers of the skin to defend against oxidative stress, preserve collagen integrity, and reduce visible signs of premature ageing. And CUTISE – an Australian cosmeceutical brand founded by a compounding pharmacist – is among the first to harness Astaxanthin’s full clinical potential, with a streamlined system designed to strengthen skin structure, build resilience, and support long-term skin health.
Nourish your skin from the inside out
As temperatures drop and harsh winter elements set in, your grooming routine deserves more than surface-level care. Cold winds, indoor heating, and reduced sunlight can wreak havoc on your skin, hair, and overall energy levels. That’s where targeted supplements come in offering essential nutrients to help you look as good as you feel. By actively supplementing you can counteract winter’s drying effects, ensuring your skin remains radiant, your hair lustrous, and your overall appearance stays at its best. And some of the best nutrient-dense supplements on the market can be found at Optilabs by Evergreen Doctors.
Formulated with high-quality omega-3 fatty acids and cell-protecting polyphenols, Zinzino BalanceOil helps restore the ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which is crucial for reducing inflammation and keeping skin supple. Acting as internal skincare by boosting hydration, improving elasticity, and strengthening your skin barrier from the inside out, the result is a smoother, more radiant complexion.
The body’s natural collagen production is key to youthful skin, firm texture, and moisture retention, so upping your collagen intake during this time is vital. Whole Body Collagen Powder is loaded with collagen types I, II, and III, plus vitamin C, helping to fortify brittle winter hair and nails and to remove winter skin dullness.
When winter drains your energy, it can show up on your face via dull skin, under-eye shadows, and lacklustre overall appearance. Tru Niagen provides a clinically proven dose of NIAGEN (a patented ingredient that supports cellular energy and repair) which translates to more vitality, better focus, and even skin that looks refreshed and rejuvenated.
Eat your vitamins
While supplements are great good grooming begins with what you eat and by focusing on nutrient-dense foods you can ensure that your overall appearance stays at its best. Boosting your intake of essential vitamins like D (often deficient due to less sunlight), E, and C, alongside minerals such as zinc and selenium, can support skin barrier function, promote collagen production, and strengthen hair and nails from within. To easily load up – and to ensure maximum absorption — get into the habit of drinking daily smoothies packed with skin-loving ingredients.
Ninja’s Blast Max personal, portable blender whips up nutrient-packed smoothies in seconds. Lightweight, portable, and built for busy mornings or post-gym refuels, the ‘twist and go’ design allows for an ‘on-the-go’ skin boost from the inside out — anytime, anywhere.
Pimp up your protein
We’ve all heard the often spouted adage ‘you are what you eat.’ Turns out, our respective mums were onto something.
Protein supplies the body with the essential amino acids required to make keratin – one of the building blocks of the human body and the form of protein that makes up our skin, hair and nails. In fact, if you’re struggling with dry skin or hair loss it might be due to a lack of protein in your diet. And when it comes to a protein supplement that pairs gold standard bovine collagen protein with a bevy of skin-loving ingredients, you can’t trump OneFit Post-Workout Essentials. Packed with 21 pure and potent ingredients, including probiotics, antioxidants, B-vitamins, and minerals, this all-rounder both supports muscle growth and recovery AND helps create plump, hydrated, glowing skin.
Ditch the dull
Winter’s chill can often leave your complexion looking a little lacklustre and pallid. Less sun exposure means your natural glow takes a backseat, leaving skin prone to a dull, washed-out appearance. The solution isn’t heavy foundation but a strategic boost of natural colour that pairs hydration with SPF.
Offering a ‘barely-there’ feel, MECCA Cosmetica In A Good Light Face Tint is perfect for a subtle colour injection, while ILIA Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint comes in 30 shades and has been shown to help improve the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles with every wear.
For powerful hydration with buildable coverage and SPF 30, Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint is a go-to, blending seamlessly and giving a natural, healthy flush that fakes a summer holiday, ensuring you look fresh and revitalised even when the skies are grey.
Skin rejuvenation without the pain
When it comes to cosmetic skin treatments pain is typically part of the process. However, thanks to a new, breakthrough procedure it needn’t be. Unlike other treatments, Aerolase Aerolase Neo Elite – a virtually painless and boasts zero downtime, meaning you can walk out of the clinic straight back to your desk, no questions asked.
Created in the US, the cutting-edge tech was first introduced into Australia by Dr Cosima Medispa and is a true all-rounder when it comes to effectiveness: gently treating pigment and redness, stimulating collagen and reducing inflammation in all skin types.
“Aerolase is the lates in advanced laser technology,” says cosmetic physician and founder of Dr Cosima Medispa, Dr Cosima Karlburger. “It has a short pulse, which means that the skin nerve endings don’t have enough time to recognise a pain sensation, but it has high energy to still give amazing results. Because of the short pulse it also means that the skin doesn’t overheat so there is no downtime after the procedure and the device is safe for all skin types including skin of colour.”
Its advanced technology makes it incredibly versatile, tackling everything from active acne and stubborn rosacea to fine lines, skin laxity, and overall dullness.
“It works to break down and suppress any deeper pigment and helps to prevent it from coming to the surface,” she continues. “It also reduces inflammation in the skin, which occurs due to diet, stress, pollution, thereby reducing redness and capillaries. My favourite part is that it helps to gently heat the collagen stimulating cells in the deep layers of the skin to help build a firmer, smoother and brighter skin.”
And with less sun exposure immediately afterwards, winter is the prime window for stimulating deep collagen production and refining your complexion, ensuring you emerge from the colder months with skin that’s visibly clearer, tighter, and ready to impress when summer hits.
Switch your scent
As the mercury drops, so too should your fragrance strategy evolve. Winter’s crisp, cool air and the heavier fabrics of your wardrobe demand stronger, longer-lasting scents – rich, complex aromas of deep woods, warm spices, and resins that truly come alive and project effectively in the colder air.
For a natural edge, multi-award winning Melbourne-based fragrance house, VAHY, is your go-to. Within its stable of 100 per cent natural, genderless scents, a standout is Tarkine. Launched in 2023 and inspired by the ancient Tarkine rainforest in Tasmania, it’s a sophisticated blend of woody, vanilla, and sweet spice notes creates a warming and sensual aroma. Another winner — and one that perfectly layers with Tarkine – is Ember Haze.
Inspired by fireside evenings in cosy log cabins and alpine resorts. Ember Haze fuses smoky woods with the rich, luxurious warmth of amber and vanilla.
Exclusively imported by Lusso Collective, Blossoms Smoke is a newly launched fragrance from boutique Paris-based fragrance house, Parle Moi de Parfum. A complex blend of smoky, earthy notes meets floral and amber, the long-lasting scene is perfect for winter wear.
Another seasonal scent is Ortigia’s Ambra Nera. Deep, musky, woody with a hint of vanilla and spice. Goes on heavy and then slowly fades to a subtle and warm amber scent that lasts a LONG time.
From LUMIRA newly relaunched cult favourite Noir d’Oud is perfect for this season. Formerly known as Arabian Oud, this modern classic returns with a new name but the same bold scent of rare, smoky oud with creamy sandalwood, earthy patchouli, and delicate touches of rose and sweet orange.
Renowned for animal-inspired creations Canadian niche fragrance house, Zoologist Perfumes, pairs a playful and imaginative approach to perfumery with solid olfactory experience. Founded in 2013, the brand has made a name for itself translating the idiosyncrasies of the animal kingdom into unusual scents. Case in point, the winter-worthy Rhinoceros, which features prominent tobacco, leather, and woody notes, with a touch of sweetness, conjuring up images of boozy evenings in moody jazz bars. While Camel evokes an Arabian Nights fantasy with its beautiful aromas of rose, dried fruits, incense, myrrh, amber, and cinnamon, met by animalistic musks and authentic oud. Talk about animal magnetism!
Lighten up
With less intense UV exposure during the cooler months your skin is naturally less susceptible to sun damage post-procedure, which means that winter is the perfect time to address the the visible signs of sun damage that often go unchecked during summer. For men seeking quick and no-fuss results, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is becoming one of the most popular treatments to target pigmentation, sun damage, redness, and early ageing — and all in under 30 minutes.
“IPL is a great treatment choice for men in winter with no downtime, fast, visible results, and it’s super-easy to fit into your schedule,” says renowned dermal clinician and founder of The Facial Room, Fabienne Rich. “One to three sessions can dramatically reduce pigmentation and redness while improving skin tone and lines. It’s discreet, effective, and tailored for the time poor men like to care for their skin but don’t want the down time of more intensive laser treatments and just want a more even complexion.”
works by emitting controlled pulses of light that are absorbed by pigment and dilated blood vessels in the skin. These targeted areas darken slightly before either shedding naturally from the surface or being absorbed and cleared by the lymphatic system within 5–10 days.
Delivering broad-spectrum via controlled pulses, IPL that targets pigment and redness, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin underneath.
“IPL is a fast, effective way to reset your complexion from the accumulated damage of summer, ensuring you emerge from winter with a visibly revitalised and polished look,” says Fabienne. “Plus, there’s no peeling and no downtime—just some minor redness for an hour or so post-treatment.”
