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Your ultimate guide to winter skincare: how to care for winter skin like a pro
The winter months bring lots of fun—cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, skiing, and snow—but as the temperatures dip, so does our skin's ability to retain moisture. All winter long, our skin takes the brunt of cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh winds, leading to chapped, dry skin. But fear not! With the right winter skincare routine, you can keep your skin barrier strong, hydrated, and glowing all season long. Here's how to give your skin a little more love during the winter.
Why Winter Wreaks Havoc on Your Skin
During the colder months, a combination of low humidity, indoor heating, and cold air can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydrated skin, flaky skin, and even irritation. If you’ve noticed an increase in dry areas, fine lines, or sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to give your skin care products a seasonal update to pamper and heal your skin.
Your winter skincare routine: The best way to combat dry winter skin
1. Choose a Gentle Cleanser
Winter is not the time for harsh cleansers that can further strip your skin. Opt for an oil-based cleanser or a cream cleanser and a gentle body wash rather than gel-based formulas or soap to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. A good option for sensitive skin is a cleanser packed with fatty acids and occlusive ingredients like shea butter to nourish the skin’s surface. I always reach for FIRST AID BEAUTY's Pure Skin Face Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
2. Skip Hot Showers—Yes, Really!
As soothing as it is to stand under steaming hot water, hot showers can strip your skin of moisture. Instead, use lukewarm water when washing your face and body to prevent moisture loss and maintain healthy skin.
3. Layer Your Hydration
A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid is an essential step in your winter skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, helping to combat dryness and maintain skin texture. Applying it to damp skin ensures maximum absorption. If your skin needs a quick pick-me-up, you can also add a moisturizing mist (or essence) to your routine. I love applying hydrating sprays like Avène’s Thermal Spring Water spray throughout the day directly on top of my makeup. It’s made with trace minerals and silica to condition and reduce irritation while leaving a soothing mist and lightweight moisture over the skin without ruining my makeup.
4. Use a Rich Moisturizer
Lightweight lotions won’t cut it in the winter months. Instead, use a thick moisturizer or a balm-based formula with occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly to lock in hydration. Face creams with aloe vera, shea butter, or vitamin E are excellent for protecting your skin’s natural barrier. Here are my favorite body lotions [LINK].
5. Don't Skip the SPF
Just because it’s cold and cloudy this time of year doesn’t mean UV rays take a break. Snow and clouds reflect sunlight, making UV exposure even stronger, putting you at even greater risk of skin cancer. A mineral sunscreen with water resistance is a must, especially if you’re spending time outdoors, and remember to reapply!
6. Give Your Skin a Break from Harsh Actives
While active ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid can be great exfoliators, they can be too harsh for winter skin. Over-exfoliating can lead to a compromised skin barrier, making your skin more prone to irritation. If you must exfoliate, choose a gentle lactic acid formula and use it sparingly.
7. Upgrade Your Night Cream
A rich night cream or face oil can provide extra care for dry areas while you sleep. Look for products with fatty acids, ceramides, or atopic dermatitis-friendly ingredients to support overall health. I love FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream or "Queen Kate"—AKA Kate Somerville's DeliKate Recovery Cream for my winter night cream. And try slugging with Aquaphor over your night cream or switching to a balm formula moisturizer to act as a physical barrier and keep even more moisture in as you get some ZZZs.
8. Lip Balm is Your Best Friend
Chapped lips are inevitable in winter air, so keep a nourishing lip balm on hand. Opt for formulas with petroleum jelly or beeswax to prevent moisture loss. Again and again, I reach for good old-fashioned Aquaphor to keep my lips hydrated.
9. Don’t Forget Your Hands and Feet
The skin on your hands and feet needs as much TLC as your face. A thick hand cream and cotton gloves at night can work wonders in preventing itchy skin and cracking.
10. Invest in a Humidifier
Indoor heating leads to extremely dry air, which can further dehydrate your skin. A humidifier in your bedroom can help maintain moisture levels in the air and keep your skin hydrated. Here's the humidifier we use and love.
Winter Skincare FAQs
Yes—old weather requires more hydration and protection. Swap to a thicker moisturizer, avoid harsh exfoliants, and use an oil-based moisturizer to combat dry winter skin.
Cut back to once a week with a gentle exfoliant like lactic acid to get rid of dead skin cells while avoiding stripping your body of your skin's natural oils.
Yes! Vitamin C serum is great for maintaining skin health and protecting against environmental factors. However, avoid ascorbic acid formulas, as they can be too harsh on sensitive areas.
Layer hydrating skincare products, use a thick moisturizer, and don’t forget broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days!
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, dull skin. With the right products and skincare tips, you can maintain a glowing complexion no matter how low the temperature drops. Stay warm and stay glowing!
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