How to Take Care of Your Skin in the Winter

Today I am sharing how to take care of your skin in the winter, along with the best winter skincare products.

If you live in a place with cold winters, and if even thinking about that cold winter makes your skin start to feel dry, read on. From the best way to hydrate your skin, to some of my hero products - use this as your guide for creating your own winter skincare routine.

As the temperature drops and the air becomes dry, your skin requires extra care to stay healthy and hydrated. The harsh winter weather can strip away your skin's natural moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and dullness.

Here’s how you can protect and nourish your skin during this time.

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How can I take care of my skin in winter?

Hydrate from within.

Winter air lacks moisture, which can make your skin dry and flaky. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain hydration from within, preventing your skin from becoming dehydrated. You can also include herbal teas or warm lemon water if plain water feels too cold during the season.

Change up your cleanser.

Your usual foaming or exfoliating cleanser might be too harsh during winter. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Cream or oil-based cleansers work best as they provide moisture while cleansing your skin.

Use a rich moisturizer.

In winter, your skin needs more intense hydration. Switch to a thicker, richer moisturizer to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. Look for products containing humectants (like hyaluronic acid), emollients (like shea butter or squalane), and occlusives (like petrolatum or lanolin) to seal in moisture.

Incorporate a hydrating serum.

Consider adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine to provide an extra layer of hydration. Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a great ingredient to help your skin retain moisture.

Exfoliate gently.

Exfoliating in winter is important to remove dead skin cells, but over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier and worsen dryness. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week, and avoid harsh scrubs.

Use sunscreen.

Yes, even in winter! UV rays are still present, and they can cause skin damage and aging year-round. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, especially if you spend a lot of time outside, where snow can reflect and intensify UV rays.

Use a humidifier.

Indoor heating can significantly dry out the air in your home, contributing to skin dehydration. Using a humidifier helps add moisture back into the air, which can keep your skin hydrated. Aim to use a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, like your bedroom or office.

Protect your skin from the cold.

Cold winds and low temperatures can strip moisture from your skin. Wear scarves, gloves, and hats to shield your skin from harsh weather conditions. Don't forget to apply lip balm to protect your lips from cracking and chapping.

Avoid too-hot showers.

Hot showers feel great in the winter, but they can strip your skin of essential oils. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and limit your shower time to prevent your skin from drying out. After your shower, apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

The Best Winter Skincare Products

Skincare for Winter Weather

Some of my favorite soothing, hydrating products.

e.l.f. Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. This makeup removing balm is affordable, effective and very moisturizing. I use it every night, but especially during the cold weather. It is excellent for gently taking off your makeup.

Naturium Multi-Calm Cream Cleanser. Switching from a gel based cleanser to a cream cleanser can be more soothing and hydrating during the cold winter months. I like this one from Naturium.

Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream. This is an uber-moisturizing cream, perfect for those with very dry skin. I like to slather it on at night after my serum. This Intense Overnight Sleeping Cream is also great for dry skin.

Tula Skincare 24/7 Moisturizer. I really love this rich moisturizer. It's a bit pricier, but a little goes a long way.

Body Care for Winter Weather

Feel good products that are perfect when your skin needs some extra TLC.

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash. I love so many products from this clean brand (can you tell?), but this body wash is one of my favorites. It's unscented and super hydrating, perfect for winter.

Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub. I absolutely LOVE this body scrub. It is gentle, moisturizing, and it leaves your skin smelling amazing. Trust me, you'll love this. It also makes a great gift.

Cerave Moisturizing Creme. After showering, it's best to moisturize your skin right away, while it's still slightly damp. My son's dermatologist recommended this cream for his eczema and now my whole family uses it all winter long. We have one in every bathroom.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment. This ride-or-die is a winter staple. You can use this over the Cerave if you have eczema or dry, itchy skin. You can also use it on extra-dry heels, elbows, or cuticles, on cuts and scrapes, and my favorite - as lip balm at night. You'll need one in every bag.

Lip Care for Winter Weather

Don't forget your lips - which can get especially dry during the cold winter months.

Revlon Lip Scrub Balm. This drugstore buy is one I've bought on repeat. It's an exfoliator and lip balm in one, with sugar crystals that exfoliate and melt into your lips. For super hydration, use this and then follow with a layer of Aquaphor or a lip mask.

Laneige Lip Mask. This is a cult-favorite lip mask/balm for good reason. It is thick, nourishing, and comes in delicious flavors. I am partial to the berry.

e.l.f. Hydrating Lip Mask. This lip mask is less expensive than Laneige, but just as effective. It doesn't come in all the fun flavors, but it leaves your lips super soft and moisturized.

Keep your skin hydrated and happy all winter long.

That is how to take care of your skin in the winter, and some of my favorite products to add to your winter skincare routine.

Winter skincare is all about maintaining moisture, protecting your skin from the elements, and using gentle, hydrating products. By adjusting your skincare routine and being mindful of environmental factors, you can keep your skin looking healthy, radiant, and comfortable throughout the winter months.

For more of my favorite skincare products, check out this post with my favorite drugstore skin care products and this post about the importance of a nighttime skincare routine.

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