Skincare during winter is not just about keeping your face smooth—it is about protecting your skin from damage that could lead to long-term issues.
This is because our skin’s needs are different in the winter than in other seasons, as colder temperatures, lower humidity, and indoor heating can all contribute to dryness, irritation, and even chapped lips.
It is thus important to focus on hydration, protection, and nourishment to combat these effects.
Ready to give your skin the winter TLC it deserves? This guide has the dermatologist-approved tips you need to care for your skin in cold weather.
Why Winter Skincare Matters
The winter season brings along a unique set of challenges for your skin.
As temperatures drop, the cold air outside and dry indoor heating work together to pull moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable.
This may lead you to notice flaky patches or even redness on the skin’s surface that was not a problem in the warmer months.
This shift can be frustrating, especially when your go-to summer products—which are designed for oil control and sun protection—just do not cut it anymore.
In winter, your skin needs extra hydration and care to combat dryness and sensitivity.
Simple things like stepping outside without protecting your skin or taking a long, hot shower can worsen these issues.
That is why adjusting your skincare routine for the colder months is not just a good idea—it is essential for keeping your skin healthy and glowing throughout the season.
10 Effective Winter Skincare Tips
Winter weather demands a more focused approach to skincare. Here are some key practices that will form the foundation of your winter skincare regimen.
1. Moisturize Immediately After Washing
In the winter, the air is so dry that water evaporates from your skin faster than usual. That is why applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp is important.
Moisturizing right after washing your face, or even after a shower, helps lock in essential moisture and prevents that tight, uncomfortable feeling we all dread after stepping out of the shower.
It is also important to switch from light lotions to thicker, cream-based moisturizers that provide a stronger barrier against the cold.
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are key to supple and hydrated skin.
2. Choose Gentle Face Cleansers
In winter, your skin is more prone to dryness, so using harsh cleansers can strip away its natural oils—making things worse.
If you notice a tight feeling after washing, it could mean your cleanser is too harsh for the season.
Look out for ingredients like sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate), synthetic fragrances, and alcohols (like denatured alcohol). These can indicate that the cleanser is not gentle and may further strip or irritate the skin.
Instead of constantly searching for a new yet possibly harsh cleanser to try, explore our gentle, non-stripping, moisturizing cleansers that protect and hydrate your skin.
3. Do Not Skip Sunscreen
Many people think sunscreen is just for summer, but that is a big mistake. Even in the dead of winter, harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin, especially when sunlight reflects off the snow.
This is why wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen in winter is just as important as it is in the summer.
To make this a convenient addition to your morning routine, you can opt for a moisturizer with SPF, which provides both hydration and sun protection in one step.
If you have ever felt a winter sunburn after spending time outdoors, that proves sunscreen, like our Self Reflect Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen, is still a must!
4. Add a Humidifier to Your Home
Indoor heating can make your home feel warm, but it also dries out the air, which sucks moisture away from your skin.
A humidifier helps by adding moisture to the air, thus keeping your skin hydrated and fresh.
Aim for a humidity level of 30-50% for optimal hydration, and consider running a humidifier overnight to help keep your skin nourished and hydrated while you sleep.
It is easy to create a more skin-friendly environment with a humidifier — especially when winter heating is unavoidable.
5. Adjust Your Skincare Routine
Winter is the time to simplify and focus your skincare routine on hydration and protection in particular.
Reduce exfoliation, as it can irritate already dry skin, and swap out lightweight products for richer, more emollient ones.
After all, this is the season to prioritize moisture retention and healing over active ingredients that may dry out or sensitize your skin.
For example, if you usually use a gel cleanser, consider switching to a creamy one that cleanses without stripping away the skin’s natural oils.
Instead of a light lotion, you can opt for a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer that provides a stronger barrier against the cold.
6. Stay Hydrated
Hydration does not just come from creams and serums. What you drink matters, too.
Even though you may feel less thirsty in the colder months, drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining your skin’s natural moisture levels.
Cold weather can sometimes cause us to forget to hydrate as often as we should, but dehydration shows up on our skin as dullness, dryness, and even more pronounced fine lines.
You might notice that after a day spent indoors with heating, your skin feels parched even if you are using moisturizers. That is a clear sign your body is craving for more water.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you as a reminder to sip throughout the day, and consider drinking herbal teas if plain water feels less appealing when it is cold.
7. Protect Your Skin Outdoors
Harsh winter winds and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on exposed skin— leading to redness, dryness, and even windburn.
Protecting your face, hands, and neck is thus vital when outside in the cold. To shield your skin from the elements, it is best to wear scarves, gloves, and hats.
Applying a barrier cream or ointment to vulnerable areas like your nose and cheeks also helps lock in moisture and provides an extra defense against the wind.
These simple steps can make a big difference, especially if you love spending long periods outdoors or are dealing with bitterly cold winds.
8. Avoid Long, Hot Showers
While a long, hot shower feels comforting on a cold winter day, it can often do more harm than good for your skin.
Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated, especially during winter when the air is already drier.
This can increase itchiness and flakiness and even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema.
To help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, stick to lukewarm water and limit your shower time to 10-15 minutes.
After showering, pat your skin dry and immediately apply a thick moisturizer to lock in hydration.
9. Use a Lip Balm
Your lips are particularly vulnerable during the winter because the skin on your lips is thinner and lacks oil glands. This is also why it is prone to dryness and cracking.
The combination of cold air, harsh winds, and indoor heating can quickly leave your lips chapped and sore. Regularly using a lip balm creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents damage.
Look for lip balms with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or petroleum to keep your lips soft and hydrated.
Applying lip balm throughout the day, especially before going outside, can help prevent painful chapping and keep your lips smooth all season.
10. Consult a Dermatologist for Any Specific Concerns
Suppose you are dealing with persistent skin issues during the winter, such as severe dryness, eczema flare-ups, or increased sensitivity. In that case, it is always a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
Winter can worsen existing skin conditions, and over-the-counter products may not always be enough to remedy that.
A dermatologist can thus assess your skin’s needs and recommend tailored treatments or prescription products that address your concerns.
Personalized advice can make a huge difference, especially if you struggle with conditions like rosacea or eczema that tend to worsen in the cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Ingredients Should I Look for in Winter Skincare Products?
Hyaluronic acid, AHAs, ceramides, niacinamide, retinol, and vitamin C (among others) are must-use ingredients in the winter season. These ingredients offer hydration, exfoliation, barrier repair, and antioxidant benefits.
Do I Need to Change My Skincare Routine in the Winter?
Yes! Your skin's needs change with the seasons, and winter is no exception. Unlike the lighter, oil-balancing routines of summer, winter requires a shift towards richer, hydrating products.
This means using richer moisturizers, incorporating hydrating serums, and opting for gentler cleansers to combat dryness effectively.
How Often Should I Moisturize My Skin in Winter?
You should moisturize daily in the winter. Rich, cream-based moisturizers offer a stronger barrier against the cold. If you have sensitive skin, you can opt for fragrance-free options without irritating ingredients like fragrance.
For very dry skin, you may need to apply moisturizer twice a day or more to maintain skin health.
Should I Exfoliate in Winter?
Yes, exfoliating is okay, but you need to be careful. Choose gentle exfoliants and avoid overdoing them, as too much exfoliation can cause irritation and dryness, which are already common issues in winter.
To prevent irritation, reduce the frequency and intensity of exfoliation. Limit use to once or twice a week.
Key Takeaways on Winter Skincare Tips
With a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can significantly improve the health of your skin during the winter months.
Ready to give your skin some winter love? Here is a quick recap of what you must do to keep your skin healthy despite the cold.
- Moisturize daily with a rich cream.
- Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh soaps.
- Do Not Skip sunscreen—even in winter!
- Add a humidifier to your home.
- Adjust your skincare routine for colder weather.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Protect your skin outdoors with a scarf, gloves, and hats.
- Avoid long, hot showers to prevent further dryness.
- Use a lip balm to protect your lips from chapping.
- Consult a dermatologist if you have any skin concerns.
Following these steps, along with an all-natural skincare routine and well-formulated vegan skincare, will ensure your skin stays protected and radiant throughout the winter season.