If you’ve noticed your skin feeling drier or more sensitive as the temperatures drop, you’re not
alone. Cold weather, indoor heating, and frequent wudu can all take a toll, leaving skin tight,
flaky, or irritated.
Winter brings a significant drop in humidity, both outdoors and indoors. Cold air holds less
moisture, and indoor heating further dries the environment. This strips the skin of its natural
oils and weakens its protective barrier, leading to common winter skin issues. Frequent washing
can remove surface oils that shield the skin and lead to an increase in dryness.
Understanding these seasonal shifts and responding with intention allows us not only to
maintain healthy skin, but also to transform winter skincare into a holistic act of self-care – one
that nourishes both body and soul, and honours the Islamic view of our bodies as a trust
(amanah) from Allah. Adapting your routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some
simple adjustments and a focus on natural ingredients, winter skincare can become a
straightforward and meaningful part of your self-care.
Abhyanga: The Ritual of Oil Massage
Before the rise of lotions and creams, oil massage was a key part of body care across cultures,
particularly in Ayurvedic tradition, where it is known as abhyanga. This practice involves
warming a natural oil and massaging it into the skin before bathing. Even five to ten minutes of
gentle oiling can drastically improve moisture retention and boost circulation.
Olive oil is mentioned in the Qur’an and praised in hadith for its health benefits, highlighting its
healing properties and recommending its use both as food and as a topical remedy.
Incorporating olive oil into your skincare routine connects you to the Prophetic tradition while
providing nourishing and restorative benefits. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, olive oil
moisturises dry skin, soothes irritation, and supports elasticity.
Choose the Right Products: Natural, Halal-Conscious, and Barrier-Supporting
When building a winter skincare routine, look for products that are nourishing and barrier-
repairing. That means avoiding harsh alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary chemicals especially if you have sensitive skin. Winter demands richer textures – natural butters like shea
and coconut, along with oils such as almond, jojoba, and sesame, are especially beneficial.
These ingredients help lock in hydration and restore the skin’s natural protective barrier.
For those looking to build a winter skincare routine that aligns with Muslim-friendly values –
halal and cruelty-free – here are a few standout brands:
�� Saabuni
A UK-based brand inspired by Indian Ayurvedic heritage, Saabuni is 100% vegan, cruelty-free,
and made with natural ingredients and eco-conscious packaging. Their Hydration & Glow
Collection is designed for dry skin – ideal for colder months.
�� Sheeba London
A halal-certified UK brand whose formulations are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and suitable for
melanin-rich and sensitive skin. Their hair and body bundles cater to dry, itchy scalps and brittle
hair.
�� Nurify Skin
London-based, clean, organic, and halal-conscious, Nurify Skin centres its formulas around
natural oils like black seed. Their products blend ethical formulation with faith-friendly
simplicity.
Nourish from Within: The Role of Diet and Hydration in Winter Skin Health
What you apply topically matters, but healthy skin starts from within. Hydration and nutrition
play an enormous role in how your skin behaves, especially in dry or windy conditions. During
colder months, it’s important to support your skin through a balanced diet and adequate
hydration.
Diet tips for radiant winter skin:
Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds.
Snack on nuts and seeds — excellent sources of vitamin E and healthy fats.
Eat colourful fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C and antioxidants: think oranges,
berries, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
Incorporate olive oil in your cooking — a Sunnah-approved source of nourishment.
Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Herbal teas like chamomile or mint
can also count toward hydration.
Staying hydrated helps maintain elasticity and keeps the skin looking plump and healthy —
something that’s often forgotten in colder months when we tend to drink less.
What to Look for on Labels
When choosing products for your winter skincare routine, look for keywords that signal
hydration and barrier support. These include:
“Rich body butter”
“Deep hydration”
“Seal in moisture”
“Non-stripping”
Hero ingredients for winter include:
Ceramides: strengthen the skin barrier.
Shea butter: intensely moisturising and soothing.
Squalane: mimics the skin’s natural oils.
Jojoba and almond oil: lightweight yet nourishing.
Black seed oil: anti-inflammatory and healing.
Skincare as Amanah: Self-Care With Intention
In Islam, the body is an amanah – a trust from Allah that we are responsible to care for. Skincare
can often feel external, even indulgent, but with the right perspective, it becomes an act of
gratitude.
Looking after your skin during the colder months doesn’t have to be complicated or
disconnected from your values. Whether it’s through oil massage, using barrier-supporting
ingredients, or choosing brands that reflect your ethics, winter skincare can be intentional,
effective, and easy to maintain.
It’s not about perfection, but about taking small steps to care for your body in a way that works
for you.
