As the seasons shift to colder weather, your skincare routine needs to adapt to protect against the harsh environmental changes. Lower humidity levels, cold winds, and indoor heating strip the skin of moisture, often leading to dryness, irritation, and flakiness. A richer moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid can help lock in hydration and repair the skin barrier. Exfoliating less frequently during colder months can also prevent over-drying. Switching to cream-based cleansers and adding hydrating serums can further enhance moisture retention. Additionally, incorporating products with antioxidants helps protect the skin from environmental damage. Even in winter, applying sunscreen remains essential to guard against UV exposure. Adjusting your skincare to meet seasonal demands ensures that your skin stays healthy, smooth, and resilient throughout the winter months.
When cold weather arrives, it can significantly impact your skin’s condition. One of the most common changes is increased dryness. Lower humidity levels and cold winds strip moisture from the skin, leading to flakiness, tightness, and a rough texture. Indoor heating further exacerbates dehydration by pulling water from the skin. As a result, your skin barrier can weaken, making it more prone to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
Another common issue is chapping or cracking, especially on areas exposed to the elements, like the lips, hands, and face. People with pre-existing conditions such as eczema or rosacea may experience flare-ups during the winter, as the colder climate can trigger irritation and inflammation.
Additionally, oil production may decrease, even in those with oily or combination skin, which can lead to dullness and an unbalanced complexion. This seasonal shift underscores the need for a richer, more hydrating skincare routine to maintain healthy, resilient skin throughout the colder months.
Here’s a list of important skincare practices for colder weather to keep your skin healthy and protected:
1. Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
Opt for cream-based or gentle cleansers that don’t strip your skin of its natural oils, unlike foaming cleansers.
iS Clinical Creamy Cleanser- This lightweight, moisturizing cleansing cream is powerful, yet gentle enough to be used on dry, hypersensitive skin. CREAM CLEANSER combines bio-nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory ingredients that work to thoroughly cleanse the surface and pores of the skin while soothing dry, irritated areas. $48.00
Replenix Antioxidant Hydrating Cleanser-Dermatologist-developed deeply hydrating cleanser that gently cleanses and replenishes skin while helping to maintain skin’s delicate pH balance and promoting a more youthful glow. On Sale $31.50
2. Use a Rich Moisturizer
Choose thicker moisturizers with occlusive ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or petrolatum to lock in moisture. Apply immediately after cleansing while your skin is still damp to enhance absorption.
DermAvenue Hydra-L Hydrating and Smoothing Lotion-Immerse your skin in a hydration treat with Dermavenue Hydra-L Hydrating and Smoothing Lotion. This moisturizing formula provides dual action to improve the skin’s moisture content while combating signs of premature aging. $72.00
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream-
3. Incorporate Hydrating Serums
Add a hyaluronic acid or glycerin serum to draw moisture into the skin and keep it plump throughout the day.
Neocutis Hyalis Intensive Hydrating Serum-Hyalis 1% Hydrating Serum relieves moderate to severe dryness due to climate or environmental changes, as well as skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. The hydrating action this serum brings will leave the skin feeling supple, plump, and smooth for a visibly healthier complexion. $127.00
Senté Hydrate + Serum- Lightweight, fast-absorbing hyaluronic acid serum with HSA that provides multi-level, long hydration for refreshed, supple, and comforted skin. $89.00
4. Exfoliate Gently
Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times a week to avoid stripping the skin further. Look for gentle exfoliants like lactic acid, which also hydrates.
Eminence Organic Exfoliating Gel Cleanser- Formulated with charcoal, malachite gemstones and blue matcha, this supercharged purifying cleanser transforms from a gel to an exfoliating lather to wash away impurities and reveal a balanced complexion. $59.00
Neocutis Neo-Cleanse Exfoliating-Skin Cleanser also contains glycerin to give the skin a much needed boost of hydration and also help the skin have a higher moisture retention. The effective Exfoliating Skin Cleanser will eliminate dirt, debris, excess oil, and any other impurities while unclogging pores that can nest debris that can cause a less than desired skin surface. $40.00
5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Even in cold weather, UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector-This 3-in-1 proprietary formula instantly neutralizes the appearance of redness, helps soothe and calm sensitive skin, and provides SPF 50 protection while its patent pending BioSolace™ complex helps provide ongoing relief from sensitivity and the appearance of redness. $155.00
iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+-Formulated specifically for daily use and extended outdoor activities, ECLIPSE SPF 50+ is a unique fusion of scientifically advanced physical sunscreens - transparent titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide - coupled with pure vitamin E. $50.00
6. Apply Lip Balm Regularly
Cold air can lead to chapped lips, so apply petroleum-based lip balms frequently to maintain moisture.
SkinMedica Smooth and Plump Lip System- This two-step treatment is clinically shown to plump the appearance of lips while providing the same smoothing and hydrating benefits of HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator. $68.00
Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Ultra Moisturizing Lip Balm- The formula includes Vaseline and a highly nourishing agent, shea butter, which restores softness and suppleness. It also contains vitamin E and Laminaria extract to soothe the skin.
7. Protect Your Hands and Body
Use hand creams often and wear gloves to prevent dryness. For the body, switch to rich body lotions and avoid long, hot showers that can dehydrate your skin.
EltaMD So Silky Hand Cream- This luxurious crème enhances skin luminosity. Oil-free and non-sticky, it absorbs quickly and keeps hands feeling silky soft. It is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. $29.00
Defenage 10 Luxe Hand & Body Cream- This hand and body cream uses advanced ingredients like niacinamide and defensin-molecules to provide retinol-like results without the irritation. It visibly firms and smooths, helping reverse the look of sun damage and skin aging. Plus, it promotes your glow anywhere on your body. $138.00
8. Use a Humidifier
Indoor heating lowers air humidity, which dries out the skin. A humidifier can help maintain moisture levels in your home.
9. Stay Hydrated Internally
Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish or flaxseeds) to support your skin from the inside out.
10. Repair the Skin Barrier
Look for moisturizers with niacinamide or ceramides to help rebuild and protect the skin barrier, especially if you experience irritation.
EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex- This advanced formula works to visibly minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while significantly improving skin texture, tone and pore size. A selected blend of ceramides and other essential lipids helps strengthen the barrier and restore its natural hydration system. $59.00
PCA Skin Rebalance- Rebalance moisturizer contains Borage Seed Oil to calm the skin, Vitamin E to provide antioxidant power and strengthen and protect the skin, as well as Niacinamide that helps to keep the skin calm and balanced. $59.00
By adjusting your routine with these practices, you can prevent dryness, irritation, and other cold-weather skin issues, keeping your skin healthy and radiant throughout winter.
