As the temperature drops, your skin's needs change dramatically. The cold air outside combined with dry indoor heating creates the perfect storm for dehydration, sensitivity, and dullness. Here's exactly what to adjust in your routine for winter—and what mistakes to avoid.
Why Winter Wreaks Havoc on Your Skin
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, which means lower humidity and increased water loss from your skin. Add indoor heating to the mix, and you've got a recipe for parched, compromised skin. Even if you have oily skin, winter dehydration is real.
The other challenge? Your skin barrier becomes more vulnerable in cold weather, making it easier for irritants to penetrate and harder to maintain that healthy, dewy glow.
What to Add to Your Winter Routine
1. A Richer Moisturizer
This is non-negotiable. That lightweight gel moisturizer that worked beautifully in summer won't cut it now. Your skin needs more occlusive ingredients to prevent moisture loss.
Look for: Cream or balm textures with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, squalane, and cholesterol. These create a protective barrier that seals in hydration.
My pick: Epicutis' Hyvia Cream
2. A Hydrating Serum
Layer a hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based serum under your moisturizer. These humectants draw water into the skin—but here's the crucial part: you must seal them in with a moisturizer. In dry winter air, humectants without occlusives can actually pull moisture from your skin.
Pro tip: Apply your hydrating serum to damp skin right after cleansing for maximum absorption.
My pick: Skin Script Ageless Skin Hydrating Serum
3. A Gentler Cleanser
Winter is not the time for stripping, foaming cleansers. They'll exacerbate dryness and compromise your barrier.
Switch to: A cream or oil-based cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight. Save the double cleanse for evenings when you're removing makeup or SPF.
My pick: Nusa Holistick Daily Restorative Cleansing Oil
4. Facial Oil
If you've never been an oil person, winter might convert you. Facial oils provide an additional layer of protection and give skin that luminous finish that's harder to achieve in cold weather.
How to use: As your final step at night, press 2-3 drops into your skin over your moisturizer.
Best for winter: Oils high in omega fatty acids like rosehip, marula, or squalane.
My pick: Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum
5. A Humidifier
This isn't a skincare product, but it's just as important. Running a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep can make a dramatic difference in your skin's hydration levels.
My pick: Warm Mist Humidifier
6. More Frequent Masking
Add a hydrating or nourishing mask to your routine 1-2 times per week. Look for masks with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils.
My favorite approach: Apply a hydrating mask, then layer your regular routine on top while skin is still plump and receptive.
What to Reduce or Skip
1. Aggressive Exfoliation
Your skin is already stressed from environmental factors. This isn't the time for daily acids or harsh physical scrubs.
Adjust: Scale back to 1-2 times per week with a gentle exfoliant. Consider switching from a strong AHA to a gentler PHA (polyhydroxy acid) or enzyme exfoliant.
2. Long, Hot Showers
I know it's tempting when it's freezing outside, but hot water strips your skin's natural oils and exacerbates dryness.
Better approach: Keep water lukewarm and showers short. Apply your body moisturizer immediately after patting skin dry to seal in moisture.
3. Overly Drying Spot Treatments
If you're prone to breakouts, you might need to adjust your acne approach in winter. Harsh benzoyl peroxide and drying spot treatments can be too aggressive when your barrier is already compromised.
Alternative: Focus on gentle, barrier-supportive acne treatments. Niacinamide and azelaic acid can be effective without the extreme drying effects.
4. Retinol (Maybe)
This is individual, but if you notice increased sensitivity, flaking, or irritation with your retinol in winter, it's okay to reduce frequency or take a brief break.
Adjustment options:
- Use it less frequently (every 3 days instead of nightly)
- Buffer it with moisturizer
- Switch to a gentler retinoid temporarily
Don't abandon retinol completely—just be responsive to what your skin is telling you.
My Winter Routine Adjustments
What I Add:
- Richer night cream
- Facial oil as final step (PM)
- Extra layer of hydrating serum
- Weekly nourishing mask
What I Reduce:
- Chemical exfoliation (from 3x/week to 1-2x/week)
- Shower temperature and duration
- Frequency of clarifying masks
The Winter Glow Strategy
The key to maintaining radiant skin in winter isn't about adding ten new products—it's about being more intentional with hydration and protection.
Think of it this way: in summer, your focus is on lightweight protection and oil control. In winter, it's about creating a protective shield that keeps moisture in and harsh elements out.
Don't Forget Your Body
Winter skincare isn't just about your face. Your hands, lips, and body need attention too:
- Hands: Keep a rich hand cream at every sink and in your bag
- Lips: Use a nourishing lip balm throughout the day, not just when they're already chapped
- Body: Apply body oil or cream immediately after showering
When to See a Professional
If you're doing everything right but still experiencing persistent dryness, redness, or irritation, it might be time for a professional treatment. Winter is an excellent time for hydrating facials, barrier-repair treatments, and addressing concerns that are harder to tackle in summer (like chemical peels or laser treatments).
