Caring for Your Skin Through Winter & Beyond

A Conversation with By Sarah on How to Support Your Skin Through the Seasonal Shift

Cold weather has a way of reminding us that skin has its own temperament, and winter tends to bring out its more dramatic side. Dryness, tightness, sudden sensitivity, the works. So, we sat down with the founders of skincare brand By Sarah, to talk about what truly helps at this time of year. 

What followed was an honest and wonderfully calming conversation about caring for skin when the seasons shift and time marches on. We got to ask the questions we all wonder about. How to simplify without losing results. How to support mature skin through hormonal changes. How to bring back radiance without a long list of steps. And most importantly, how to choose ingredients that feel innovative, conscious, and genuinely effective.

Winter can exaggerate dryness, redness, and dullness. What are your go-to ways to bring back radiance and comfort without overloading the skin? 

In winter, skin often feels dry and tight. We’ve learnt that comfort comes from simplicity. Our go-to is the Winter Skin Duo. The Hero Facial Oil helps restore lost moisture and bring back radiance. The Tender Skin Balm calms irritation and protects against harsh weather.

We also focus on hydration from within. Cucumber, chia seeds, and water-rich fruits help the skin stay soft and plump. These small habits can make a big difference; skin thrives when it’s nourished inside and out.

Hormonal shifts can bring sensitivity and breakouts at a stage when women least expect them. What’s really happening beneath the surface, and how can it be managed gently? 

We know how unsettling these breakouts can feel, especially when they seem to come out of nowhere. Hormonal shifts often leave the skin feeling sore, red, or unpredictable.

Our Ally Recovery Blemish Facial Oil was created with those moments in mind. It’s light, calming, and helps settle flare-ups without drying the skin. It gives your skin space to breathe and heal.

We also care for our skin by supporting our gut. Taking Flora Daily Biotic each morning has helped us feel more balanced, and our skin has responded too.

You’ve often spoken about supporting the skin barrier rather than stripping it. What are the signs that a barrier needs repair, and what are the first steps to restore it? 

When your skin feels tight, sore or reactive, those are often signs your barrier is overwhelmed. It might sting after cleansing, or look red and uneven. We know how that feels, and we always come back to gentleness.

We start with the Balancer Cream Cleanser to gently cleanse without stripping. Then we mist with Reviver Hydrating Mist to soothe and hydrate. The Hero Facial Oil follows to nourish and help restore strength.

That’s exactly why we created the Sensitive Skin Starter Set. We wanted to offer 3 trusted steps that soothe, restore and protect, without overwhelm. When the skin is calling out for calm, this is where we begin.

How does internal wellbeing (stress, sleep, gut health) show up on the skin, and what can we do daily to nurture that inside-out connection? 

We’ve learnt that when we are out of rhythm, whether stressed, tired or overwhelmed, it shows on our skin. It might look dull, dry or just a bit stressed out.

That is why we care for our gut as part of our skin routine. We take Flora Daily Biotic each morning. It helps us feel more balanced from within. Over time, our skin looks calmer too.

It is clean, gentle, and easy to take. No sugars or artificial extras. Just simple, daily support for skin and gut health. This is part of our rhythm. Rest, nourishing food, small pauses. When we feel more at ease inside, our skin reflects that.

For those in mid-life or navigating hormonal shifts, what changes in the skin do you most often see, and how can we respond with care rather than quick fixes? 

This stage of life can feel tender. Skin often becomes drier, more sensitive, or less predictable. These shifts can feel emotional too.

We’ve found that skin responds best to comfort. The Tender Skin Balm brings softness and relief to dry, delicate areas. The Hero Facial Oil restores nourishment and glow with no irritation.

We also let ourselves slow down. Warm drinks, short walks, early nights. When we meet these changes with care, not control, skin feels more supported. And so do we.

For those who want a calm, fuss-free routine, what are the non-negotiables - the few steps that genuinely make a difference? 

We’ve always believed that less is more. When skin feels overwhelmed, simplicity is soothing.

For us, it starts with a gentle cleanse. The Balancer Cream Cleanser removes impurities without drying. Then we mist with the Reviver Hydrating Mist for a soft, cooling layer of hydration. The Hero Facial Oil seals it in with nourishing comfort.

That’s it. Three mindful steps. And how we apply them matters just as much. Slow hands. Deep breaths. A moment to reconnect. Skincare can be a pause, not a chore.

How can we tell if our skin is genuinely hydrated, and are there signs we might be over-moisturising or using the wrong products? 

When skin is well hydrated, it feels soft, calm, and supple. It looks fresh, not tight or shiny. It doesn’t flake or sting.

Over-moisturising can leave skin feeling heavy or congested. You might see breakouts or dullness. It’s a sign to pare things back.

We always recommend listening to your skin. A light mist and a nourishing oil are often enough. Let your skin breathe between layers. More isn’t always better.

When reading ingredient lists, what are the key things to seek out or avoid for sensitive or mature skin? 

We avoid synthetic fragrance, essential oils and strong acids. These can irritate even healthy skin, and more so if the barrier is already fragile.

Trust your skin’s response over a long list of claims. If a product feels gentle and your skin feels calm, that’s usually a good sign.

If someone wanted to reset their skin for the new year, what’s the most effective way to start fresh physically and mentally? 

Start with rest. Skin heals when we slow down.

We like to simplify everything, skincare, routines, even our thoughts. A gentle cleanse, a mist, and a facial oil. Nothing more to begin with.

We also check in with ourselves. More water, early nights, time offline. Skin often follows when the rest of us feels more balanced.

What myths about “natural” skincare do you wish people would leave behind, especially as we move into a new year of beauty trends? 

One myth we hear often is that natural skincare isn't effective. That it’s gentle, but not results-driven. In truth, many plant-based ingredients, like cold-pressed oils and botanical extracts, contain bioavailable nutrients that actively support skin health.

Another myth is that natural means DIY or unrefined. We believe the best natural formulas are thoughtfully developed, clinically informed, and stable. Clean ingredients can still be scientifically backed.

And finally, we wish people would let go of the idea that more steps equal better results. A few high-quality, natural products can do far more than a 10-step routine ever could.

Looking ahead, what innovations or scientific developments in natural skincare excite you most right now? 

We’re especially interested in the growing research around the skin microbiome. We now understand how vital it is to protect this delicate balance, not just for barrier health but for long-term resilience and calm.

But what excites us most is the shift in mindset. More people are choosing skincare that respects the skin’s rhythm rather than trying to change it. That’s where real innovation begins, in understanding the skin as something to support, not control.

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Our conversation left us with the reassuring sense that winter skincare doesn’t need to feel like a battle. Small consistent habits, thoughtful ingredients, and a little gentleness go a very long way. Their approach invites us to care for our skin the way we should all be caring for the rest of our lives, with intention, understanding, and the occasional treat.

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