Winter Skincare Guide: how to Protect your Skin from the Cold

Winter is the season for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and a festive vibe. But for our skin, dropping temperatures and low humidity can cause all sorts of issues—from dryness and flaking to redness and irritation. Cold air can strip the skin’s natural moisture, leaving it tight and uncomfortable.

If you want to keep your skin healthy and hydrated all season long, this winter skincare guide will help you keep your glow, no matter what the weather is like outside.

How does winter affect your skin?

Common winter-skin symptoms include:

• Dehydration
• Redness
• Tightness
• Flaking
• Persistent discomfort

1. Use a richer moisturizer

One of the most important steps in winter skincare is keeping your skin well moisturized. Cold outdoor air and indoor heating can leave skin dry, so it’s essential to switch to a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer.

Look for products with:

• Humectants: Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid help draw moisture into the skin and keep it there.
• Occlusives: Ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, and ceramides create a barrier on the skin that helps lock in hydration.
• Emollients: Ingredients like argan, jojoba, and squalane oils deeply nourish the skin.

Tips:

• Apply moisturizer right after bathing or washing your face, while your skin is still damp, to trap as much moisture as possible.
• Consider using a thicker, more hydrating night cream to replenish moisture while you sleep.

2. Use a humidifier

Indoor heating systems, while necessary in winter, can drastically reduce air humidity, leaving skin dry and flaky. To counter this, consider using a humidifier at home or in your bedroom.

Benefits:

• Helps maintain skin’s hydration levels.
• Reduces the chances of developing dry patches or cracks.
• Improves breathing comfort by balancing ambient humidity.

3. Exfoliate carefully

Exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells, but in winter it should be done more gently. Harsh exfoliants can irritate the skin and strip moisture, so it’s better to opt for milder products. Look for exfoliants with gentler ingredients like lactic acid or fruit enzymes, AHA or BHA. Our cleansing mousse The Gentle Renewing is an excellent option because, beyond cleansing, when left on the skin it acts as a peeling and exfoliant thanks to the presence of 5 fruit-derived AHAs.

How to exfoliate in winter:

• Use exfoliating products no more than once a week.
• Consider hydrating exfoliants to remove dead cells without drying out the skin.
• Avoid physical scrubs with large, rough grains—go for chemical exfoliants, which are gentler.

4. Protect your skin from the elements

Winter weather can be harsh, with wind, low temperatures, and even snow or rain. These elements can damage the skin, especially on exposed areas like the face, hands, and lips.

Key protection steps:

• Face: Apply a generous layer of sunscreen (yes, even in winter!) and a protective moisturizer to shield your skin from dryness and UV damage. UV rays can still be strong in winter, especially in snowy areas where light reflects.
• Lips: Lips are especially prone to chapping in winter, so use a hydrating lip balm with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E.
• Hands: Hands can crack and get sore in the cold. Wear gloves when you go out and hydrate your hands with a thick cream that contains nourishing oils or ceramides.

5. Avoid hot baths and showers

While it’s tempting to take a hot bath or spend a long time in a hot shower during the winter months, hot water can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Tips:

• Go for warm water instead of hot.
• Limit your bath/shower time to avoid excessive moisture loss from the skin.
• Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t dry your skin out further.

6. Hydrate from the inside out

Winter can also cause dehydration, along with drying out the skin. Cold air and indoor heating can make you less thirsty, but dehydration can harm your skin’s health, leaving it dull.

Hydration tips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses (1.5L–2L).
• Eat water-rich foods.
• Include healthy fats in your diet—avocados, nuts, and seeds can help support the skin’s moisture barrier.

7. Adjust your skincare routine

Your routine may need tweaks in winter to adapt to changing temperatures and other environmental factors. If you’re using very harsh or drying products, consider switching to gentler alternatives.

Consider:

• Using a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils.
• Adding an oil or serum to your routine to boost hydration. Our serum The Dream Glow is a great ally for maintaining skin hydration.
• Watch out for products with very astringent ingredients (like alcohol), which can leave skin even drier.

8. Don’t forget sunscreen

Many people think they don’t need sunscreen in winter, but UV rays are just as harmful during the colder months. Snow, ice, and even cloudy days can reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure.

Sunscreen tips:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.
• Apply sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days.
• Don’t forget to protect areas like the ears, neck, and the backs of your hands, which are also susceptible to sun damage.

9. Consider using a face mask

Winter is a great time to indulge in hydrating face masks that can give your skin an extra moisture boost. Look for masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, aloe vera, or moisturizing oils.

Types of masks to try:

• Hydrating sheet masks: Infused with ingredients that promote hydration, like hyaluronic acid.
• Cream masks: Help restore moisture and soften dry skin.
• Overnight masks: Perfect for deep treatment while you sleep, leaving skin nourished by morning.

Conclusion

Winter skincare comes down to keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and nourished. By switching to richer moisturizers, avoiding harsh products, and shielding your skin from the elements, you can keep it looking healthy all season long. Don’t forget to hydrate from the inside out and keep using sunscreen, even on chilly days! With a few simple changes, you can enjoy radiant, healthy skin all winter.