As temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, many people notice that their skin feels more sensitive and prone to irritation during the winter months. Why? Low humidity and cold air can strip the skin of its natural moisture and make the skin produce less sebum, while indoor heating just dehydrates skin even further. Plus, just those rapid temperature changes themselves - from the freezing weather outside to going inside somewhere warm - can trigger redness and discomfort. And that’s not all, with reduced sunlight exposure also affecting the skin barrier and its ability to repair itself, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and sensitivity.
Solutions and swaps
Fortunately, there are effective ways to soothe and protect a damaged skin barrier. Using a humidifier indoors helps maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, while drinking plenty of water keeps skin hydrated from within. Switching to shorter, lukewarm showers instead of long, hot ones, and avoiding harsh soaps prevents further skin barrier damage.
As for your skincare routine? Focusing your regimen on barrier repair and deep hydration can make a big difference in how your skin feels and looks. Incorporate products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and gentle antioxidants, which strengthen the skin barrier and
lock in moisture, as well as soothing ingredients like fermented rice extract, panthenol, or allantoin, which helps calm sensitivity and prevent inflammation.
Keep reading for our winter skincare routine for your face and body, which will help your skin become more resilient to harsh winter conditions, and maintain hydration, comfort, and a smooth, even texture.
Your winter routine for your face and body
Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol & Fragrance)
Your dry skincare routine starts with cleansing, and then applying the Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol & Fragrance). It delivers the same intense hydration and brightening results as the original, now in an even gentler formula designed for sensitive skin. Rather than using the rice extract found in many K-beauty toners, this formula harnesses the power of fermented black rice extract, making it twice as effective with its moisturizing, antioxidant and nourishing properties.
With its ultra-light texture, this Korean rice toner absorbs instantly, leaving skin soft, radiant, and deeply hydrated without any sticky residue. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, the formula features a potent blend of hard-working ingredients, including fermented oryza sativa extract to brighten and moisturize, shoot bark extract to soothe irritation, hyaluronic acid to plump and even skin texture, and betaine to balance oil and hydration levels. Beta-glucan supports skin regeneration and prevents loss of moisture, while red ginseng extract adds immunity-boosting benefits.
After cleansing, pour the product directly into your palm and lightly pat it into the skin until fully absorbed. For an intensive moisture boost, layer it two to three times to lock in lasting hydration.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol and Fragrance)
We discovered a 57.65% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 11.16% improvement in skin texture after 2 weeks use.
Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Follow with this nourishing essence, which is infused with exfoliating probiotics to refine skin texture, reducing bumps and unevenness to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion over time. It’s also powered by our patented Ultra Deep Technology, which ensures that active ingredients are delivered deep into the skin for maximum effectiveness.
Key probiotic ingredients such as galactomyces ferment filtrate and bifida ferment filtrate work to moisturize, soothe, and improve elasticity while gently breaking down dead skin cells for clearer, softer skin. The essence also features a nutrient blend in the golden 3:1:1 ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, helping to restore moisture balance and promote a supple, hydrated, and plump complexion.
Enhanced with fermented black rice extract, upcycled black rice jigemi extract and panthenol, this rich yet lightweight milky essence deeply nourishes while leaving a soft, glassy finish. Shake well before use, and apply morning and night after cleansing, for visibly smoother skin.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Our clinical trials found that there was a 33.695% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 21.001% improvement in skin barrier function after 2 weeks use.
Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Next, apply the Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream, designed to deliver instant and long-lasting hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this best thick moisturizer features allantoin and vitamin E to soothe and protect, while its unique capsule structure mirrors that of the skin, ensuring deep absorption and long-lasting moisture.
Blended with upcycled black rice jigemi extract and fermented black rice, it provides powerful antioxidant benefits that help calm irritation, brighten dullness, and refine skin texture for a healthier, more radiant complexion. What also sets this rich moisturizer apart is its 1% concentration of ceramides, a rare level that effectively fortifies the skin barrier. Use morning and night, massaging it in gently to melt the ceramide capsules.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream
We discovered a 37.129% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 23.597% improvement in the skin barrier after 2 weeks use.
Black Bamboo Daily Smoothing Body Oil
For your body, you’ll achieve soft, smooth, and glowing skin with this unique milk-like oil. Unlike traditional body oils that can sometimes feel greasy or sticky, its lightweight, creamy texture absorbs quickly, leaving your skin fresh, supple, and comfortably hydrated. Its blend of bamboo water, leaves, and shoots delivers deep moisture and a powerful antioxidant boost, while urea and mandelic acid (an AHA) gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and unveil your skin’s natural radiance.
Formulated with eco-friendly oils such as sweet almond oil, sugarcane-derived squalane, tamanu oil and argan oil, it provides long-lasting hydration, with a natural scent of citrus with warm herbal and floral undertones. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, this best Korean body oil is ideal for all skin types - simply massage onto dry or damp skin, focusing on dry or rough areas for extra hydration.
Black Bamboo Nourishing Calming Hand & Nail Cream
Finally, experience soft, smooth hands without any stickiness or greasiness with this moisturizing hand cream, which restores dry hands to their healthiest state. Infused with natural essential oils, it offers refreshing citrus top notes complemented by a warm herbal finish for a soothing, spa-like experience. It’s clinically tested for sensitive skin, and its soft texture absorbs quickly, providing instant hydration and lasting comfort.
This best hand cream for dry hands combines black bamboo leaf extract, bamboo water, and fermented bamboo shoot extract, which are packed with amino acids, minerals, and vitamins to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin. Murumuru butter and coconut oil deeply moisturize and soften, forming a protective barrier that locks in hydration, whilst panthenol (provitamin B5) strengthens the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. There’s also the addition of tocopherol (vitamin E), which delivers antioxidant protection, supporting elasticity and promoting skin regeneration. Massage into hands, nails, and cuticles whenever they feel dry for lasting softness and comfort.
Final thoughts
Winter’s freezing air and other changes can leave your skin feeling sensitive, dry, and irritated, but a barrier-focused skincare and body care routine can make all the difference. By prioritizing protective formulas containing ingredients like ceramides, probiotics, and antioxidants, you can effectively restore and strengthen your skin barrier.
What is the real reason my skin becomes more sensitive in winter?
As temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, many people notice that their skin feels more sensitive and prone to irritation during the winter months. Why? Low humidity and cold air can strip the skin of its natural moisture and make the skin produce less sebum, while indoor heating just dehydrates skin even further. Plus, just those rapid temperature changes themselves - from the freezing weather outside to going inside somewhere warm - can trigger redness and discomfort. And that’s not all, with reduced sunlight exposure also affecting the skin barrier and its ability to repair itself, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and sensitivity.
Solutions and swaps
Fortunately, there are effective ways to soothe and protect a damaged skin barrier. Using a humidifier indoors helps maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, while drinking plenty of water keeps skin hydrated from within. Switching to shorter, lukewarm showers instead of long, hot ones, and avoiding harsh soaps prevents further skin barrier damage.
As for your skincare routine? Focusing your regimen on barrier repair and deep hydration can make a big difference in how your skin feels and looks. Incorporate products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and gentle antioxidants, which strengthen the skin barrier and
lock in moisture, as well as soothing ingredients like fermented rice extract, panthenol, or allantoin, which helps calm sensitivity and prevent inflammation.
Keep reading for our winter skincare routine for your face and body, which will help your skin become more resilient to harsh winter conditions, and maintain hydration, comfort, and a smooth, even texture.
Your winter routine for your face and body
Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol & Fragrance)
Your dry skincare routine starts with cleansing, and then applying the Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol & Fragrance). It delivers the same intense hydration and brightening results as the original, now in an even gentler formula designed for sensitive skin. Rather than using the rice extract found in many K-beauty toners, this formula harnesses the power of fermented black rice extract, making it twice as effective with its moisturizing, antioxidant and nourishing properties.
With its ultra-light texture, this Korean rice toner absorbs instantly, leaving skin soft, radiant, and deeply hydrated without any sticky residue. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, the formula features a potent blend of hard-working ingredients, including fermented oryza sativa extract to brighten and moisturize, shoot bark extract to soothe irritation, hyaluronic acid to plump and even skin texture, and betaine to balance oil and hydration levels. Beta-glucan supports skin regeneration and prevents loss of moisture, while red ginseng extract adds immunity-boosting benefits.
After cleansing, pour the product directly into your palm and lightly pat it into the skin until fully absorbed. For an intensive moisture boost, layer it two to three times to lock in lasting hydration.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol and Fragrance)
We discovered a 57.65% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 11.16% improvement in skin texture after 2 weeks use.
Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Follow with this nourishing essence, which is infused with exfoliating probiotics to refine skin texture, reducing bumps and unevenness to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion over time. It’s also powered by our patented Ultra Deep Technology, which ensures that active ingredients are delivered deep into the skin for maximum effectiveness.
Key probiotic ingredients such as galactomyces ferment filtrate and bifida ferment filtrate work to moisturize, soothe, and improve elasticity while gently breaking down dead skin cells for clearer, softer skin. The essence also features a nutrient blend in the golden 3:1:1 ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, helping to restore moisture balance and promote a supple, hydrated, and plump complexion.
Enhanced with fermented black rice extract, upcycled black rice jigemi extract and panthenol, this rich yet lightweight milky essence deeply nourishes while leaving a soft, glassy finish. Shake well before use, and apply morning and night after cleansing, for visibly smoother skin.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Our clinical trials found that there was a 33.695% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 21.001% improvement in skin barrier function after 2 weeks use.
Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Next, apply the Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream, designed to deliver instant and long-lasting hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this best thick moisturizer features allantoin and vitamin E to soothe and protect, while its unique capsule structure mirrors that of the skin, ensuring deep absorption and long-lasting moisture.
Blended with upcycled black rice jigemi extract and fermented black rice, it provides powerful antioxidant benefits that help calm irritation, brighten dullness, and refine skin texture for a healthier, more radiant complexion. What also sets this rich moisturizer apart is its 1% concentration of ceramides, a rare level that effectively fortifies the skin barrier. Use morning and night, massaging it in gently to melt the ceramide capsules.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream
We discovered a 37.129% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 23.597% improvement in the skin barrier after 2 weeks use.
Black Bamboo Daily Smoothing Body Oil
For your body, you’ll achieve soft, smooth, and glowing skin with this unique milk-like oil. Unlike traditional body oils that can sometimes feel greasy or sticky, its lightweight, creamy texture absorbs quickly, leaving your skin fresh, supple, and comfortably hydrated. Its blend of bamboo water, leaves, and shoots delivers deep moisture and a powerful antioxidant boost, while urea and mandelic acid (an AHA) gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and unveil your skin’s natural radiance.
Formulated with eco-friendly oils such as sweet almond oil, sugarcane-derived squalane, tamanu oil and argan oil, it provides long-lasting hydration, with a natural scent of citrus with warm herbal and floral undertones. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, this best Korean body oil is ideal for all skin types - simply massage onto dry or damp skin, focusing on dry or rough areas for extra hydration.
Black Bamboo Nourishing Calming Hand & Nail Cream
Finally, experience soft, smooth hands without any stickiness or greasiness with this moisturizing hand cream, which restores dry hands to their healthiest state. Infused with natural essential oils, it offers refreshing citrus top notes complemented by a warm herbal finish for a soothing, spa-like experience. It’s clinically tested for sensitive skin, and its soft texture absorbs quickly, providing instant hydration and lasting comfort.
This best hand cream for dry hands combines black bamboo leaf extract, bamboo water, and fermented bamboo shoot extract, which are packed with amino acids, minerals, and vitamins to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin. Murumuru butter and coconut oil deeply moisturize and soften, forming a protective barrier that locks in hydration, whilst panthenol (provitamin B5) strengthens the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. There’s also the addition of tocopherol (vitamin E), which delivers antioxidant protection, supporting elasticity and promoting skin regeneration. Massage into hands, nails, and cuticles whenever they feel dry for lasting softness and comfort.
Final thoughts
Winter’s freezing air and other changes can leave your skin feeling sensitive, dry, and irritated, but a barrier-focused skincare and body care routine can make all the difference. By prioritizing protective formulas containing ingredients like ceramides, probiotics, and antioxidants, you can effectively restore and strengthen your skin barrier.