Your skincare routine is going to change as the warmth of summer turns to the cold of winter. It is essential that the skincare you use is adjusted for the winter to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. If you are like me, you’ve likely observed how sudden changes in temperature can affect your skin. It can change from glowing to dry, uncomfortable, flaky, and even irritating. However, with a few simple yet effective strategies, you can keep your skin nourished and healthy throughout every season.
In this blog, I will share the simple, calming, and healing approaches to change your skincare routine for the winter. These approaches will keep your skin radiant, soft, and moisturized for the cold months.
Your Skincare Routine Needs to Change for Winter
First, let’s understand the reasons for the change. The humidity and heat of summer often leave your skin perfectly hydrated, but the cold and dry winter air, along with central heating, can dry out the skin and strip away its natural oils.
I understand this struggle firsthand, having experienced it personally. Last winter, I attempted to follow my summer skincare routine, but it left my skin feeling flaky, dry, and uncooperative. That is when I noticed I needed to change my skincare regimen. Now, I take care to implement the same strategies to ensure my skin is hydrated, protected, and glowing.
Winter weather often brings about dryness and irritation. For more detailed tips on [dealing with dry skin in winter], check out our guide to keeping your skin healthy and moisturized in cold climates.
1. Try a Hydrating Cleanser
During the summer, your skin can handle gel-based and foamy cleansers that remove sweat and oil. However, as the temperature lowers, more gentle foam or gel cleansers may dry out your skin, so you switch to a hydrating cleanser. It is gentle on the skin and helps maintain the moisture balance, as well as the natural oils of your skin.
For a gentle and effective hydrating cleanser, try the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. It’s perfect for winter skin, keeping your skin moisturized while cleansing.”
Trust me, I learned this the hard way. I didn’t make the switch from a gel to a creamy cleanser, and my skin was parched all winter! I noticed a significant difference when I switched to a creamy cleanser that contained hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Pro tip:
Cleansers that claim to be non-stripping, hydrating, or gentle foamers should be used, and harsh stripping foamers should be avoided in winter.
2. Incorporate a Rich Moisturizer into Your Skincare Routine
While lightweight moisturizers may be all you need in the summer, winter calls for a thicker, more intensive moisturizer. Products with shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid help lock in moisture and protect your skin from the cold, dry air.
I now use a thicker, more luxurious moisturizer at night, and it has made a positive difference in my skincare routine. My skin feels plump, soft, and perfectly hydrated in the morning.
During the summer, lighter moisturizers work wonders for keeping skin hydrated. For some of the best moisturizers for summer, take a look at our top picks.
How to Use:
After cleansing, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock moisture in. This step is essential, especially as the weather cools.
3. Add a Hydrating Serum to Boost Skin’s Moisture
If you’ve never added a hydrating serum to your skincare routine, now is a good time. Although lightweight, serums contain potent, active ingredients that address specific skin issues. For added moisture before your top layer in the winter, a hydrating serum is essential.
Select serums that contain hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or peptides to achieve deep, long-lasting hydration.
My Favorite:
I find it quite fulfilling to cross hyaluronic acid serums off my nightly routine. No matter how severe the winter, my skin enjoys a beautiful, plump, and dewy look.
4. Exfoliate Gently (But Don’t Overdo It)
You still need to remove dead skin cells, and do this in a gentle manner, especially in wintry conditions. I overdid this in one severe winter, and my skin ended up raw and severely irritated. It simply goes to show how excessive daily scrubbing can result in excessive skin damage.
In winter, I primarily use lactic acid or glycolic acid family exfoliants to chemically exfoliate, keeping dead skin cells at bay without irritation.
Exfoliate:
Exfoliate once or twice a week and always follow up with a rich moisturizer.
5. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Yes, I said it. You need sunscreen in the winter. I used to skip it, and over the years, I started seeing changes I now attribute to sun damage. I’ve changed my ways and try to make it a point to preach it sun damage is a year-round problem.
Don’t forget your sunscreen even in winter! I recommend the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 to protect your skin from UV damage.
Sunscreen Tip:
Sunscreen should be applied last in your morning skincare routine, even on cloudy days. Ensure it is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30.
6. Invest in a Humidifier for Indoor Hydration
We need indoor heaters during winter, but they also remove moisture from the air and, thus, your skin. A humidifier is a great solution and helps keep the skin from drying out during the night.
Last winter, I placed a humidifier beside my bed. It was magical! Even during the coldest days, my skin was smooth and hydrated each morning.
7. Protect Your Lips and Hands
During the winter, your hands and lips are particularly prone to dryness. These areas can be painful and uncomfortable, but it is a lot easier to prevent the issue if you have the right products.
I apply a thick lip balm with shea butter throughout the day, and I keep a rich hand cream nearby at all times. The moment I feel any dryness, I apply a thick layer, and it helps keep the moisture locked in.
8. Modify Your Diet for Optimal Skin Health
When it comes to skin care in the winter months, the products used are not the only factor. What is ingested also plays a role. Proper hydration and nutrition can certainly improve one’s skin.
The addition of more skin-healthy fats to my diet has made a noticeable difference, and it shows. Skin-nourishing fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and fatty fish, support skin nutrition from within.
9. Use a Night Cream
For skin to truly enjoy the benefits of hydration, a night cream is essential. These products are specifically developed to deliver moisture and nourishment at night. They actively assist in skin repair and rejuvenation.
A rich night cream, such as Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream, works wonders overnight to restore hydration while you sleep.
Night Routine:
Apply your serum and moisturizer as usual, and then use a thick night cream to seal in all the moisture. You will wake up to hydrated, glowing skin.
10. Ensure There is a Routine in Your Skincare
Perhaps the most important lesson I can share is to simply follow your routine. Your skin will already suffer enough due to the winter, and allowing it to bear the burden of inconsistent care will only make matters worse. The steps and products need to be used in a consistent manner.
Tip:
Regardless of how hectic a day may be, make sure to follow every step of your routine. Whether it is a morning or night routine, your skin will surely reap the benefits.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Winter Skincare Routine
Adjusting your skincare routine for winter doesn’t have to be a hassle. Most importantly, your skin will retain its hydration, smoothness, and glowing appearance throughout. Remember to use a richer consistency of cleanser, add hydrating serums, and continue to use sunscreen. Remember to also hydrate your hands and lips, and to maintain a somewhat humid atmosphere to prevent moisture loss.
Protection and nourishment in the right quantities are the primary goals and purposes of winter skincare. These adjustments will keep your skin in a beautiful, glowing state.
If you have sensitive skin, winter can be particularly challenging. For tips on skincare for sensitive skin, check out our proven strategies to keep your skin calm and hydrated.”
Call to Action:
Is your winter skincare routine ready? We would be happy to hear about your winter skincare routine adjustments in the comments or learn about your favorite winter skincare products.
