Winter can be harsh on the skin, often leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation due to cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating. To keep your skin healthy and hydrated during the colder months, it’s essential to adjust your skincare routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect winter skincare regimen:
Morning Routine
Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Why It Works: In winter, your skin tends to lose moisture more quickly. Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Product Recommendation: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser are great options for maintaining moisture.
Hydrating Toner or Essence
Why It Works: A hydrating toner or essence helps replenish moisture and prepares the skin to absorb the products that follow. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Product Recommendation: Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner or Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence provide a hydration boost.
Hydrating Serum
Why It Works: A serum packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can provide an extra layer of moisture. This step is crucial for keeping the skin plump and soft in cold weather. Product Recommendation: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster.
Moisturizer with Ceramides
Why It Works: Winter calls for a richer, more nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. Look for moisturizers with ceramides, shea butter, or squalane to prevent moisture loss. Product Recommendation: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or The Inkey List Ceramide Night Treatment (which works well in the morning too).
Sunscreen
Why It Works: Even in winter, UV rays can damage the skin, leading to premature aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Product Recommendation: EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30.
Evening Routine
Double Cleanse (if wearing makeup or sunscreen)
Why It Works: The double cleansing method ensures all makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants are removed before applying your evening treatments. Use an oil-based cleanser followed by a hydrating cleanser. Product Recommendation: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil or Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm as the first step, followed by your gentle morning cleanser.
Exfoliate (2-3 times a week)
Why It Works: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that accumulate faster in winter, preventing dullness and flakiness. Choose a gentle exfoliant, either chemical (AHA/BHA) or physical, but avoid over-exfoliation, as it can cause irritation in cold weather. Product Recommendation: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA or Pixi Glow Tonic for chemical exfoliation.
Hydrating Serum
Why It Works: As in the morning, apply a serum rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to deeply hydrate and restore moisture levels. Product Recommendation: Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum or L’Oréal Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Nourishing Night Cream or Oil
Why It Works: Winter skin benefits from a heavier, more nourishing night cream or facial oil to repair and hydrate the skin overnight. Look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and oils like rosehip or argan oil. Product Recommendation: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream or The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil.
Eye Cream
Why It Works: Cold weather can make the delicate skin around the eyes more prone to dryness and fine lines. Use an eye cream that hydrates and protects this sensitive area. Product Recommendation: Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel or CeraVe Eye Repair Cream.
Additional Winter Skincare Tips
Use a Humidifier: Indoor heating can sap moisture from the air, leading to dry skin. A humidifier helps maintain moisture levels in your living space, which can benefit your skin. Avoid Hot Showers: As comforting as they are, hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water and keep showers short to prevent further dryness. Apply Moisturizer to Damp Skin: Lock in moisture by applying your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in hydration.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps maintain your skin’s hydration from the inside out, even in winter. Protect Your Skin Outdoors: Wind and cold air can cause irritation and dryness. Use a barrier cream or balm to protect exposed skin when spending time outside.
By following this winter skincare routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and protected throughout the colder months, ensuring a healthy glow even when temperatures drop.
