Winter Skincare Tips: 6 Ways to Protect Dry Skin in Winter
Ever notice how your face pulls tight right after you wash it in winter? Your cheeks go flaky. Your lips crack. The moisturizer you loved in summer just doesn’t cut it anymore.
It’s the weather. Cold air and heaters both drain water out of your skin. A few small changes can fix a lot of it. Here are six winter skincare tips that actually help.
Why Does Winter Make Skin Dry?
Cold air has almost no moisture in it. Low humidity pulls water straight out of your skin. Then you walk inside and the heater dries you out even more. Add a long hot shower and your natural oils are gone too.
All of that wears down your skin barrier. That’s the thin outer layer that keeps water in. Once it weakens, water escapes faster. Scientists call this TEWL, or transepidermal water loss. You just feel it as dry, itchy skin.
6 Winter Skincare Tips
1. Moisturize Immediately After Cleansing
Don’t wait. Your skin soaks up moisture best while it’s still damp. So put your winter moisturizer on within a minute of washing.
If your skin is really dry, our Moisturizing Day Cream is a good place to start. Want vitamin C in your day cream? Try our Vitamin C Day Cream. It isn’t a sunscreen though. You’ll still need SPF on top.
2. Wear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen During the Day
Sunscreen in winter feels pointless. The sun isn’t hot, so why bother? But UV rays still get through on cloudy days. Snow even bounces them back at your face.
Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear it every morning. The American Academy of Dermatology has simple advice on sun protection if you want to read more. Vitamin C also sits well under sunscreen. Our guide on Vitamin C for skin shows how to use it.
3. Use a Gentle Cleanser and Lukewarm Water
If your face feels squeaky clean, that’s not a good sign. Your cleanser probably took too much oil with it. Switch to a mild, creamy one.
Lukewarm water is better too. Hot water feels amazing in winter, but it dries you out fast. Keep your showers short. Pat your face dry. Don’t rub.
4. Support Your Skin Overnight
Your skin does most of its repair work while you sleep. So give it something richer at night. Have a look at our night creams. A humidifier in your bedroom helps too, since heaters dry out the air all night.
5. Choose Hydrating and Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
Check the label before you buy. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides are the ones to look for. We explain each one below.
6. Keep Your Routine Simple and Consistent
Dry skin is already stressed. Five new products at once won’t help it. Use a few basics every day. Add one new thing at a time and give it a couple of weeks.
Not sure where to begin? Our guide to a skincare routine with serums walks you through it.
Best Ingredients for Winter Skin
Humectants pull water into your skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are the most common. Our Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is one option, and you can see more in the Hyaluronic Acid range. Put them on damp skin so they have water to grab.
Emollients make your skin feel soft. Occlusives sit on top and lock moisture in. Think balms and thick ointments. They’re great for lips, hands, and heels.
Ceramides are fats your skin already makes. They help your barrier hold up. Creams with ceramides are worth a try if your skin feels raw.
Winter Skincare by Skin Type
Dry Skin
You need the most moisture. Use a creamy cleanser, then a hydrating serum and a rich cream. Add a balm on the driest spots. Don’t skip your lips. A body moisturizer after your shower helps too.
Sensitive Skin
Skip strong fragrance. It’s a common cause of redness in winter. Try new products on a small patch first. If it stings, stop.
Oily or Combination Skin
Oily skin can still feel dry in winter. Don’t skip moisturizer. Switch to a lighter gel cream instead. Use something richer on dry cheeks.
Acne-Prone Skin
Harsh products make breakouts worse. Stick with a gentle cleanser and a light moisturizer. If your acne hurts or won’t clear, see a dermatologist.
Common Winter Skincare Mistakes
A lot of winter dryness comes from small habits.
- Taking long, hot showers
- Skipping sunscreen because it’s cold
- Scrubbing your face too much
- Using strongly scented products
- Waiting too long to moisturize
- Forgetting your lips, hand,s and body
- Trying lots of new products at once
Simple Winter Skincare Routine
Morning
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
- Pat on a hydrating serum while your skin is damp.
- Add your moisturizer.
- Finish with sunscreen.
Evening
- Cleanse off sunscreen and dirt.
- Apply a serum if you use one.
- Put on a richer night cream.
- Dab a balm on any very dry patches.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to mean tight, flaky skin. Moisturize early, wear sunscreen, and keep things simple. Ready to start? Browse our skincare products and find what suits your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my skin in winter?
Moisturize after washing, use lukewarm water, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Protect exposed skin from cold and wind.
What is the best skincare routine for winter?
Keep it simple. In the morning, cleanse gently, moisturize, and apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. At night, cleanse and apply a moisturizer suited to your skin.
How do I prevent dry skin in winter?
Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp after washing. Keep showers short and lukewarm rather than hot. A humidifier may also help if indoor air is dry.
Should I change my skincare routine in winter?
You may need to adjust your routine if colder weather makes your skin dry or irritated. Consider a richer moisturizer or gentler cleanser, but choose products based on your skin’s needs.
Do I still need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UV exposure can occur even when it’s cold or cloudy. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daytime sun protection, following the product’s application directions.
How often should I exfoliate in winter?
There is no single exfoliation schedule that works for everyone in winter. Avoid over-exfoliating, especially if your skin is dry, sensitive, or irritated. Reduce frequency or pause exfoliation if you notice redness, burning, or soreness.
Are hot showers bad for dry skin?
Hot showers can worsen dryness by removing skin-surface lipids and increasing irritation. Choose lukewarm water, keep showers short, and apply moisturizer afterward.