Let’s be real: winter is a vibe. It’s cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, holiday lights, and Netflix marathons. But while your spirit might be festive, your skin is probably screaming.
The drop in temperature, low humidity, and that blasting indoor heating create the perfect storm for thirsty, dull, and irritated skin. If you’ve noticed your usual glow looking a little lackluster or your face feeling tight by midday, it’s time to switch up your routine.
Here is your ultimate guide to winter-proofing your skincare regimen so you can stay dewy until spring!
1. Swap the Foam for a Balm
In the summer, a foamy, stripping cleanser feels great to cut through sweat and oil. In the winter? It’s your enemy. Those bubbles often strip away the natural oils your skin desperately needs right now.
The Fix: Switch to a cleansing balm or a milk cleanser. These formulas clean your pores while leaving your moisture barrier intact. Look for ingredients like oat milk, manuka honey, or squalane.
2. Layer Your Hydration (The "Sandwich" Method)
One heavy cream might not be enough. The secret to winter skin is layering. Think of your skincare like your winter outfit: you wouldn't wear just a parka over bare skin; you wear layers.
The Routine:
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Essence/Mist: Start with damp skin.
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Humectant Serum: Apply a Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin serum to trap water.
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Moisturizer: Seal it in immediately.
3. Don’t Skip Exfoliation (But Be Gentle!)
It’s tempting to scrub away dry flakes, but over-exfoliating dry skin causes micro-tears and more inflammation. However, you still need to remove dead skin cells so your expensive moisturizers can actually penetrate.
The Fix: Ditch the walnut scrubs. Opt for a gentle Lactic Acid or PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid) toner once or twice a week. They exfoliate the surface while actually hydrating the skin.
4. Upgrade Your Moisturizer
That lightweight gel moisturizer you loved in July? Put it in hibernation. Winter calls for occlusives—ingredients that create a physical seal over the skin to stop water loss.
Look for these ingredients:
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Ceramides: The glue that holds your skin cells together.
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Shea Butter: Deep nourishment.
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Fatty Acids: To repair the barrier.
5. Yes, You Still Need Sunscreen
I know, it’s dark at 4 PM and gray outside. But UVA rays (the ones responsible for aging) can penetrate through clouds and even glass windows. Snow also reflects sunlight, increasing your UV exposure.
The Rule: SPF 30 or higher, every single day. No excuses!
6. The "Slug Life"
If you wake up with tight skin no matter what you do, try "slugging" at night.
How to do it: As the very last step of your PM routine, apply a very thin layer of a petrolatum-based balm (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) over your moisturizer. It acts as a perfect seal, preventing 99% of water loss while you sleep. You’ll wake up looking like a glazed donut—in the best way possible.
Winter Skin Checklist:
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[ ] Drink more water (heating dehydrates you from the inside out!)
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[ ] Invest in a humidifier for your bedroom.
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[ ] Lower the temperature of your shower (hot water strips oils!).
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[ ] Keep a hand cream in your bag, car, and desk.
Stay warm and keep glowing, beauties!
Have a winter skincare holy grail product? Let us know in the comments below!
