When temperatures drop and the air gets dry, your skin often pays the price. Winter weather can leave your skin feeling tight, dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. But don’t worry! With the right winter skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about winter skincare, using simple terms and practical tips that anyone can follow. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Understanding Winter Skin Challenges
What Happens to Your Skin in Winter?
During winter months, the air both outside and inside becomes drier. Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating systems further reduce humidity. This lack of moisture in the environment causes water to evaporate from your skin more quickly, leading to:
- Dryness and flaking
- Tightness and discomfort
- Redness and irritation
- Cracked skin, especially on hands and feet
- Worsening of certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
Learn more about how weather affects your skin from the American Academy of Dermatology
Who Needs Winter Skincare?
Everyone can benefit from adjusting their skincare routine for winter, but some people may need extra attention:
- People with naturally dry skin
- Those with existing skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, etc.)
- Older adults (skin becomes drier with age)
- People living in extremely cold climates
- Those who spend a lot of time outdoors in winter
Building Your Winter Skincare Routine
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing
In winter, switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Tips:
- Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers with alcohol
- Look for creamy or oil-based cleansers
- Use lukewarm water (not hot) when washing your face
- Cleanse no more than twice a day
Recommended products:
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Step 2: Exfoliation (But Not Too Much!)
Dead skin cells can build up in winter, making your skin look dull. Gentle exfoliation helps remove these cells, but be careful not to overdo it.
Tips:
- Exfoliate 1-2 times per week maximum
- Choose gentle chemical exfoliants over harsh physical scrubs
- Look for lactic acid or mandelic acid, which are gentler than other exfoliants
- Stop if your skin becomes red or irritated
Recommended products:
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Step 3: Hydration is Key
Winter is all about hydration! Your skin needs extra moisture to combat the dry air.
Tips:
- Use a hydrating toner or essence after cleansing
- Look for products with hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds moisture
- Apply to damp skin for better absorption
- Layer products if needed (serum first, then moisturizer)
Recommended products:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence
Step 4: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
A good moisturizer creates a protective barrier that locks in hydration and protects your skin from harsh winter elements.
Tips:
- Choose a richer, creamier moisturizer than you’d use in summer
- Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter
- Apply moisturizer to damp skin for maximum absorption
- Don’t forget your neck and chest!
Recommended products:
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment (for very dry areas)
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
- Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Find the right moisturizer for your skin type with this guide from Good Housekeeping
Step 5: Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Yes, you still need sunscreen in winter! The sun’s UV rays can be just as damaging when reflected off snow.
Tips:
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
- Apply to all exposed skin, including face, neck, and hands
- Reapply every 2 hours if spending time outdoors
- Look for moisturizing sunscreens to avoid extra dryness
Recommended products:
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30
Special Care for Different Body Parts
Facial Winter Skincare
Your face is often the most exposed area in winter and needs special attention.
Tips:
- Consider using a facial oil in your routine for extra moisture
- Use a hydrating face mask 1-2 times per week
- Be gentle with the skin around your eyes, which is thinner and more delicate
- Avoid products with alcohol or fragrances that can be drying
Recommended products:
- Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
- Fresh Rose Face Mask
- Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Hand and Foot Care
Hands and feet often suffer the most in winter, becoming dry, cracked, and painful.
Tips:
- Wash hands with lukewarm water and a gentle soap
- Apply hand cream after every hand washing
- Wear gloves when outdoors
- Use a thick foot cream at night and cover with cotton socks
- For very dry hands, apply a thick ointment like Aquaphor before bed
Recommended products:
- O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
- Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
- Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme
Lip Care
Chapped lips are a common winter complaint. Keep them soft and smooth with proper care.
Tips:
- Apply lip balm regularly throughout the day
- Look for ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, or coconut oil
- Avoid licking your lips, which makes them drier
- Exfoliate lips gently with a soft toothbrush or lip scrub if needed
Recommended products:
- Aquaphor Lip Repair
- Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
- Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
- Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Winter Skin
Hydration from Within
What you put into your body matters just as much as what you put on your skin.
Tips:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
- Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can be dehydrating
- Consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air
Recommended humidifiers:
- Levoit Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
- Honeywell HCM-350 Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Diet and Nutrition
Certain foods can help support your skin’s health from the inside out.
Tips:
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds)
- Include antioxidant-rich foods (berries, leafy greens, green tea)
- Get enough vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli)
- Consider a supplement like fish oil or vitamin D after consulting with your doctor
Learn more about skin-healthy foods from Healthline
Clothing Choices
What you wear can affect your skin’s health in winter.
Tips:
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton against your skin
- Avoid wool directly on the skin if you’re sensitive
- Dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes
- Protect exposed skin with scarves, hats, and gloves
Addressing Specific Winter Skin Concerns
Dealing with Dry, Itchy Skin
If your skin becomes extremely dry and itchy in winter, you may need to take extra steps.
Tips:
- Take shorter, lukewarm showers (not hot baths)
- Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing
- Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for very itchy areas
- Consider adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath for relief
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics
Managing Eczema and Psoriasis in Winter
Winter can trigger flare-ups of chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Tips:
- Stick to your prescribed treatment plan
- Moisturize frequently with fragrance-free products
- Avoid known triggers (stress, certain foods, harsh soaps)
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom
- Consider light therapy if recommended by your dermatologist
Find more information about managing eczema in winter from the National Eczema Association
Preventing Windburn
Windburn occurs when cold wind damages your skin’s protective barrier, causing redness and irritation.
Tips:
- Apply a rich moisturizer before going outside
- Use a physical barrier like a scarf to protect exposed skin
- Avoid products with alcohol or fragrances before going out
- Treat windburn with gentle, hydrating products
- Avoid exfoliating until the skin has healed
DIY Winter Skincare Remedies
Simple Homemade Face Masks
You can create effective winter skincare treatments with ingredients from your kitchen.
Honey and Oatmeal Mask:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of honey
- Add a little warm water to form a paste
- Apply to clean skin and leave for 15 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
Avocado Mask:
- Mash half a ripe avocado
- Mix with 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
- Apply to clean skin and leave for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
Natural Body Scrubs
Gently exfoliate dry skin with these simple DIY scrubs.
Sugar and Oil Scrub:
- Mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of coconut or olive oil
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
- Gently massage onto damp skin in the shower
- Rinse well
Oatmeal Bath:
- Place 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal (or regular oatmeal blended into a fine powder) in a muslin bag or cheesecloth
- Hang under the faucet as you run a warm bath
- Soak for 15-20 minutes
When to See a Dermatologist
While most winter skin issues can be managed at home, sometimes professional help is needed.
See a dermatologist if:
- Your skin is severely dry, cracked, or bleeding
- You have signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus)
- Over-the-counter products aren’t helping
- You have a chronic skin condition that’s worsening
- You’re experiencing unusual pain or discomfort
Conclusion: Embrace Healthy Winter Skin
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your skin’s needs in cold weather and making a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and glowing all season long.
Remember these key points:
- Moisturize regularly with rich, protective products
- Be gentle with your skin—avoid harsh soaps and hot water
- Protect your skin from the elements, including winter sun
- Stay hydrated and eat a skin-healthy diet
- Address specific concerns promptly before they worsen
With the right care and attention, you can enjoy all that winter has to offer without worrying about your skin. Stay warm, stay hydrated, and enjoy your healthy, happy winter skin!
Do you have any favorite winter skincare tips or products? Share them in the comments below!
