As the winter months set in, our skin faces its toughest battle of the year. Dry air, cold temperatures, and indoor heating can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and dullness. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. With the right winter skincare routine, you can maintain a glowing complexion all season long. Let’s explore simple, effective tips to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and radiant even in the cold weather.
jump to my favorite winter skincare products
1. Cleanse Gently, Not Harshly
During winter, it’s crucial to protect your skin’s natural barrier. Opt for a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Harsh cleansers can increase dryness and damage the skin barrier. For an extra boost, try oil-based cleansers that provide hydration while cleansing—a win-win for combating winter dryness.
- Pro Tip: Look for cleansers with fatty acids or cream cleansers that nourish while they cleanse. These are especially helpful for dry skin and sensitive skin types.
2. Exfoliate Wisely
Dead skin cells tend to build up more during the colder months, leading to dull and flaky skin. Use a gentle exfoliant or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or salicylic acid to reveal a brighter complexion. Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times a week to avoid over-stripping the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Pro Tip: Always follow exfoliation with a hydrating serum or face oil to replenish moisture. And don’t forget your broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your newly revealed skin from UV rays.
3. Layer Your Hydration
The dry air and cold temperatures during winter cause significant moisture loss. Combat this by layering hydrating products like hyaluronic acid serums, which draw water into the skin. Follow up with a richer moisturizer or cream-based moisturizer containing shea butter or vitamin E to lock in moisture and provide intense hydration.
- Pro Tip: For an extra layer of protection, pat a face oil or even Vaseline on exposed areas like your forehead and cheeks before heading out into the cold. Just remember to cleanse your face ASAP after sweating at the gym to avoid clogged pores.
4. Don’t Skip Sun Protection
Yes, UV rays are still present in winter! Protect your skin from free radicals and UV damage by using a broad-spectrum SPF daily. Sunscreen not only prevents premature aging but also helps maintain your skin health throughout the year.
- Pro Tip: Choose a sunscreen with added moisturizers to combat dry winter skin. Look for formulas with vitamin E or hyaluronic acid for an extra hydration boost.
5. Combat Dry Air with Indoor Adjustments
Indoor heating can suck the moisture out of the air, leaving your skin dehydrated. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into your environment. This simple step can make a world of difference for your skin’s hydration levels and help you avoid those stubborn dry patches.
- DIY Tip: Don’t have a humidifier? Try placing small bowls of water on a stable surface near your heating source. The water will evaporate into the air, adding moisture. Just remember to empty and wash the bowls every 1-2 days.
6. Customize Your Routine
Winter is the perfect time to adjust your skincare regimen to meet your skin’s changing needs. Swap lighter moisturizers for richer formulas, and incorporate hydrating toners or face oils for an extra layer of nourishment. For delicate skin, add a soothing product like rose water or a calming cream cleanser.
- Pro Tip: If you have oily skin, don’t shy away from oils! Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or squalane can balance your skin without clogging pores.
7. Protect Your Lips and Eyes
Don’t forget these delicate areas! Use a nourishing lip balm to prevent dry lips and an eye cream to protect the delicate skin in the eye area. These small tweaks can really soothe the skin in the cold temperatures.
- Pro Tip: Look for lip balms with shea butter or vitamin E for long-lasting hydration. For the eye area, choose a cream with hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate.
8. Treat Yourself to Extra Care
Pamper your skin with weekly face masks or sheet masks for intense hydration. Look for active ingredients like vitamin E or hyaluronic acid to replenish and rejuvenate your skin. Giving your skin this extra care will keep it radiant and resilient all winter long.
- DIY Tip: Not into sheet masks? Raid your kitchen for an abundance of combos for the best DIY masks. Think honey, oatmeal, avocado, or banana. Check out Pinterest for some fantastic inspiration.
9. Adjust Your Shower Routine
While hot showers may feel amazing in the cold weather, they can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to moisture loss. Opt for warm water instead and limit your shower time to 10 minutes. Afterward, pat your skin dry and immediately apply a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile to your bath for a soothing, spa-like experience.
10. Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
Your skin’s hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and glowing. Incorporate foods rich in fatty acids, like avocados, nuts, and salmon, to support your skin’s protective barrier.
- Pro Tip: Herbal teas like chamomile or green tea are a great way to stay hydrated while enjoying a warm, comforting drink.
Ready to Glow This Winter?
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dry skin. With these tips, you can maintain a healthy, radiant glow all season long. What’s your best winter skincare tip? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out my favorite winter skincare products:
- Cleanser – La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Serums – Beauty of Joseon
- Rich moisturizers – La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair (didnt realise this was for the body! It lasts for AGES though)
- Broad-spectrum sunscreens – La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50
- Lip balms – Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm & Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
- Sheet masks – Any Dr Jart
Summary of Key Points
- Cleanse Gently: Use a gentle cleanser or oil-based cleanser to protect your skin barrier.
- Exfoliate Wisely: Use a gentle exfoliant 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells.
- Layer Hydration: Combine hyaluronic acid serums with richer moisturizers for intense hydration.
- Don’t Skip SPF: Protect your skin from UV rays and free radicals with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Combat Dry Air: Use a humidifier or DIY methods to add moisture to your environment.
- Customize Your Routine: Swap lighter moisturizers for richer formulas and add face oils or hydrating toners.
- Protect Delicate Areas: Use lip balm and eye cream to prevent dry lips and soothe the eye area.
- Pamper Your Skin: Treat yourself to sheet masks or DIY face masks for extra care.
- Adjust Your Shower Routine: Avoid hot showers and moisturize immediately after.
- Hydrate from Within: Drink water and eat foods rich in fatty acids to support skin health.
