Winter Skincare Routine That Actually Works

Winter can feel like a personal attack on your skin. The dry air outside, the relentless heating indoors, and the constant battle to stay hydrated—it’s enough to leave anyone looking a little worse for wear. This year, I decided to put an end to my annual struggle with winter skincare woes. I swapped trial and error for intention, replacing bad habits with mindful practices that actually worked.

This wasn’t about buying into every trend or slathering on an overwhelming number of products. It was about listening to my skin’s needs and sticking with simple yet effective strategies. The results have been softer, more hydrated, and healthier-looking skin. Below, I’m sharing exactly what I did, breaking it down step by step to help you tweak your own routine and face winter with confidence.

Swapped Lightweight Products for Heavier Ones

When temperatures drop, your skin’s needs change. Lightweight moisturizers and gels might be fine for summer, but they don’t stand a chance against winter’s harsh conditions. I swapped mine for a rich, creamy moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. For particularly dry areas, like my hands and elbows, I added a layer of an occlusive balm, which locked in hydration and acted as a barrier against the cold.

The timing was everything, too. Right after showering (when my skin was still damp), I slathered on my moisturizer to seal in every bit of hydration. For my body, I traded thin lotions for thick creams that felt like a hug for my skin. Those tiny tweaks made a massive difference, leaving my skin noticeably softer and more resilient throughout the day.

Pressed Pause on Over-Cleansing

This might sound counterintuitive, but I stopped washing my face in the morning. Instead, I used a splash of lukewarm water or a gentle micellar water to freshen up. Over-cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils, which are already in short supply during winter. By cleansing just once a day – at night – I allowed my skin to retain its moisture barrier and stay balanced.

It wasn’t just my face that needed a break—my body did too. Hot showers are tempting when it’s freezing outside, but they’re like kryptonite for your skin’s moisture barrier. So, I shortened my shower time, turned the water to a warm (not scalding) temperature, and switched to a soap-free, hydrating body wash. These simple changes stopped my skin from feeling tight and itchy, giving it the chance to retain its natural oils.

Added a Humidifier to My Space

This was a game-changer. I hadn’t realized how much the dry indoor air was affecting my skin until I started using a humidifier. Running it overnight in my bedroom created a more hydrating environment, which benefited both my skin and my overall comfort.

If you’ve ever woken up with dry, itchy skin (or even a scratchy throat), a humidifier might be your answer. It helped me maintain my skin’s natural moisture levels, especially during nights when my heater was running full blast.

Stopped Overdoing Exfoliation

Exfoliation gets a lot of hype, and for good reason—it helps with dullness, uneven texture, and breakouts. But winter isn’t the time to go overboard. I learned this the hard way after noticing that too much exfoliation left my skin red and sensitive.

This season, I kept it simple: once a week, I used a gentle chemical exfoliant with ingredients like lactic acid or PHA. These work to lift away dead skin without causing micro-tears or irritation. I also ditched physical scrubs entirely. Following up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer was the finishing touch which left my skin smooth, refreshed, and not the least bit dry.

Adopted Targeted Treatments

Winter tends to bring out specific skin concerns, like redness, irritation, and even breakouts. Instead of panicking, I focused on targeted treatments that addressed these issues without overwhelming my skin. For example:

Redness: I used a calming serum with ingredients like centella asiatica and niacinamide to soothe my skin.

Dry patches: A lightweight facial oil worked wonders for smoothing out flaky areas without feeling greasy.

Breakouts: I relied on gentle spot treatment and made sure to moisturize afterward to prevent further dryness.

Protected My Skin Outdoors

Cold, windy days can be brutal on your skin, so I took extra steps to protect mine when venturing outside. Sunscreen became a non-negotiable step in my routine – yes, even in winter. The UV rays might not feel as strong, but they’re still there, and they can cause damage to your skin year-round.

On particularly windy days, I also made sure to bundle up with scarves and gloves, which acted as physical barriers against the elements. For my lips, a nourishing balm with SPF kept them from chapping or cracking.

Kept Myself Hydrated Inside Out

This part often gets overlooked, but staying hydrated internally can have a big impact on your skin. I made a conscious effort to drink more water and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, to support my skin’s health from within.

Herbal teas also became my go-to, especially on cold evenings. Not only did they help me meet my hydration goals, but they also felt like a little self-care ritual – a win-win for my skin and my mood.