Cold Weather Skincare Guide: 10 Essential Tips for Healthy Winter Skin

As the temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, our skin takes the brunt of the change. Fall and Winter can cause dryness, irritation, redness, and even flakiness if we're not prepared. While cozy sweaters and warm drinks help us enjoy the season, cold weather demands a change in skincare routine to keep our skin balanced, hydrated, and healthy.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about winter skincare, from daily habits to product recommendations and seasonal lifestyle tips. These expert-backed tips will keep your skin glowing all season long and help alleviate any changes that may arise in your skin!

1. Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

During colder months, a harsh or foaming cleanser can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. During fall and winter season, we need all of our natural oils and hydration that we can get. 

Opt for Cream or Oil-Based Cleansers
Choose a cream, milk, or oil-based cleanser to retain moisture. These types of cleansers are typically gentler on the skin and help to lock in natural oils that are essential in winter. Here is what we recommend!

#1. Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser 

#2. Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

#3. Murad Refreshing Cleanser

Avoid Over-Washing
Washing your face more than twice daily can lead to excessive dryness. Stick to morning and evening cleansing, and opt for a splash of water in the afternoon if necessary.

2. Double Down on Moisture

Moisturizing is the most critical step in winter skincare. The cold, dry air outside and heated, low-humidity air inside can rob your skin of its natural moisture. This may look like using two or even three moisturizers in your routine!

Choose a Rich, Hydrating Moisturizer
Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help to draw moisture to the skin and seal it in. Switch to a thicker, richer cream in winter for deeper hydration. Here is what we recommend!

#1. Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

#2. Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream

#3. Murad Hydrodynamic Ultimate Moisture 

#4. Avène Hydrance Riche Hydrating Cream

Apply Toner Before Moisturizer 
Right after cleansing, pat your skin until slightly damp and spritz toner. This helps to lock in moisture immediately after removing oils and debris from cleansing, making your moisturizer more effective and long-lasting. Here is what we recommend!

#1. Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist

#2. Murad Hydrating Toner

Consider Using a Night Cream or Serum
Night creams and serums are usually more concentrated and hydrating than daytime options. Using a night cream regularly can help repair and replenish the skin as your skin and body rests during sleep. Most importantly, night creams and serums will typically be more effective in seeing long lasting results as opposed to temporary relief. Here is what we recommend!

#1. Dermalogica Super Rich Repair

#2. Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum

#3. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

#4. Murad Essential-C Overnight Barrier Repair Cream

3. Don't Forget Sunscreen, Even on Cloudy Days

It’s easy to overlook sunscreen in winter, but UV rays can penetrate clouds and still cause skin damage.

Use Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher
Apply sunscreen daily, especially if you spend time outdoors. Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, making it particularly essential in winter.

Consider SPF in Moisturizer for a Time-Saver
If you’re looking to streamline your routine, some moisturizers come with SPF, which is an excellent option for the winter months when your skin needs extra hydration. Here is what we recommend!

#1. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

#2. Murad Perfecting Day Cream SPF30

#3. Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30

4. Incorporate Humidifiers for Indoor Hydration

Central heating systems dry out the air, which can lead to parched skin. Adding moisture back into the air can help your skin stay hydrated.

Place Humidifiers in Key Areas
Put humidifiers in rooms where you spend the most time, like the bedroom or office, to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home.

Aim for a Humidity Level of 40-60%
The ideal indoor humidity for skin health is around 40-60%. Consider a humidifier with a humidity monitor to keep track of indoor moisture levels.

5. Exfoliate Wisely

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, helping to reveal fresh, radiant skin. However, winter calls for a gentler approach to avoid stripping your skin.

Limit Exfoliation to Once or Twice a Week
Over-exfoliating can worsen dryness and sensitivity. Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid or PHAs, rather than physical scrubs, which can be abrasive.

Follow Up with Hydration
Always follow exfoliation with a moisturizer to help soothe the skin and maintain hydration. Look for moisturizers with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to soothe any potential irritation.

6. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Staying hydrated in winter isn’t just about the products you use; it’s also about supporting your skin from within.

Increase Your Water Intake
It’s easy to forget about water when you’re not sweating in the summer heat, but staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin. Aim for around 1/2 ounce (oz.) of water per pound (lb.) of body weight per day, and add warm teas if you need something to warm up.

Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
Incorporate foods rich in Omega-3s (like salmon and flaxseed) and antioxidants (like berries and leafy greens) to boost your skin’s moisture barrier and resilience.

7. Use Face Serums for Added Nourishment

Face oils are a great way to lock in moisture and add an extra layer of protection during winter. Serums are typically lightweight and packed with smaller molecules, generally making it better absorbed into the skin!

Apply As Often As Needed, But Do Not Over Apply
A few drops should go a long way. Apply serum between your hands and gently pat or press the serum onto your skin with an even application.

8. Protect Your Lips and Eyes

Lips and the area around your eyes have thin, delicate skin that’s particularly vulnerable to the cold.

Use a Hydrating Lip Balm
Opt for a lip balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or vitamin E to protect and hydrate. Apply liberally before going outside, and reapply as needed throughout the day. Here is what we recommend!

#1. Qtica Lip Therapy Balm

#2. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF25

Invest in an Eye Cream
Look for eye creams that contain hyaluronic acid and peptides, which hydrate and support collagen production. Using an eye cream day and night can help prevent dryness and reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by winter dehydration.

#1. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum

#2. Murad Renewing Eye Cream

9. Choose Skincare with Soothing Ingredients

Winter can exacerbate skin sensitivity, so focus on products with calming ingredients that support the skin’s barrier.

Go For Calming Ingredient Profiles
Look for products that are soothing and can help reduce inflammation and redness caused by harsh winter conditions.

#1. Dermalogica UltraCalming Stabilizing Repair Cream

#2. Dermalogica UltraCalming Calm Water Gel

#3. Dermalogica UltraCalming Mist

Avoid Irritating Ingredients
Try to avoid products with alcohol, strong fragrances, and sulfates, as these can strip the skin and cause irritation, particularly in winter.

10. Adapt Your Routine Based on Your Skin Type

Not all winter skincare routines look the same for everyone. Your skin type plays a big role in how you should adjust your routine.

Dry Skin
Focus on rich, emollient moisturizers and hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid. Try layering products, starting with a serum, followed by a thicker moisturizer.

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Switch to a gel-based moisturizer that offers hydration without clogging pores. Be cautious with heavy oils.

Combination Skin
Use different products for different areas if needed. For example, use a richer cream on drier areas and a lighter moisturizer on oil-prone zones. 

Your lifestyle can greatly impact your skin’s health during winter. Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Limit Hot Showers: Long, hot showers can strip the skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water and limit showers to 10-15 minutes.
• Dress for the Weather: Protect your skin from harsh winds by wearing scarves, hats, and gloves.
• Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is when your skin goes into repair mode. Aim for at least 7-8 hours each night to help your skin recover from daily exposure to cold.

Conclusion: Embrace Winter with a Customized Skincare Routine

Winter skin can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing. The key is to adjust your routine to combat the dryness and be mindful of how cold weather affects your skin. Cold weather is very harsh on our skin and will be harder to repair its damaging effects when left unchecked. We hope that you will embrace these winter skincare tips so that you can enjoy the season with a healthy, radiant complexion!