Winter Skincare Routine to Combat Dryness: Tips for Glowing Skin

As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, our skin can start to show signs of dehydration, irritation, and dullness. Winter weather can leave skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable, but with the right skincare routine, you can protect your skin and keep it glowing all season long. Here’s how to combat winter dryness and maintain soft, nourished skin:

1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser

In colder months, your skin is more vulnerable to dryness, so it’s important to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils. Choose a cream-based or hydrating cleanser that helps lock in moisture. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers or products with alcohol, as they can further dry out the skin.

Recommended Products:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

2. Incorporate a Hydrating Toner

A hydrating toner helps balance the skin’s pH level after cleansing and adds an extra layer of moisture. Look for toners that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which attract and retain water, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and plump.

Recommended Products:

Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner

Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner

3. Layer on the Serums

Winter is the perfect time to amp up your skincare routine with a nourishing serum. Choose one that contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful ingredient that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, helping to deeply hydrate your skin. You might also want to include a vitamin C serum for added brightness and protection against winter skin dullness.

Recommended Products:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum

4. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise

A rich, emollient moisturizer is key to locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier against harsh winter elements. Look for a thicker cream or oil-based moisturizer that contains ceramides, fatty acids, and peptides to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. If you’re prone to extra-dry skin, you can also layer a facial oil on top of your moisturizer for an added boost of hydration.

Recommended Products:

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion

Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

5. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

While you may not feel the warmth of the sun in winter, UV rays can still damage your skin. Sunscreen is essential year-round, even in the colder months. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and consider a hydrating formula to keep your skin moisturized and protected from both UV damage and winter dryness.

Recommended Products:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

6. Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, which can accumulate more quickly in the winter months. However, it’s important not to over-exfoliate, as this can strip your skin of essential moisture. Stick to a gentle exfoliant once a week, focusing on products with mild exfoliating agents like lactic acid or fruit enzymes.

Recommended Products:

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

7. Hydrate from the Inside Out

No skincare routine can fully replace the importance of internal hydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and body hydrated. You can also include hydrating foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (like avocado and nuts), which support your skin’s moisture balance.

8. Add a Humidifier to Your Space

Indoor heating systems can dry out the air, further contributing to skin dryness. Adding a humidifier to your home or bedroom can help maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing your skin from becoming too dehydrated. A humidifier is especially beneficial at night, helping your skin retain moisture while you sleep.

9. Consider Overnight Masks

Overnight masks can give your skin an extra boost of hydration while you rest. These masks are formulated to be thicker than regular moisturizers, creating a barrier that locks in moisture and nourishes the skin throughout the night. Opt for a soothing, hydrating mask with ingredients like honey, aloe vera, or squalane for extra comfort.

Recommended Products:

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Fresh Rose Face Mask

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask

Good luck out there!

Tabitha x