Winter weather can be seriously brutal on your skin, leaving it feeling tight and dry, not to mention dull. But with the right approach, you can keep your skin glowing all season long. Whether you’re bundled up on a ski trip or braving the city streets, winter skincare requires a few must-haves that go beyond your usual routine. Here’s your ultimate guide to non-negotiable winter skincare so you can keep your skin happy and healthy until spring rolls back around.
Hydration is the Name of the Game
One of the first things winter does is suck the moisture right out of your skin. Cold air, indoor heating, and less humidity all contribute to this major skin challenge. That’s why hydrating your skin from both the inside and outside is an absolute must.
Start by switching to a thicker, more nourishing moisturizer during winter. Look for formulas that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which pulls moisture into the skin, or ceramides that help strengthen your skin barrier. Drinking plenty of water is also a no-brainer—your skin can’t glow if you’re dehydrated.
If you really want to lock in moisture, you should add a facial oil to your routine. Oils not only help seal in the benefits of your moisturizer, but they also give your skin a gorgeous, dewy look that’s hard to come by in the winter months. Hydration is key to preventing the dreaded winter flake-off.
The Power of Exfoliation (But Make it Gentle)
Exfoliation is one of the most misunderstood steps in winter skincare. While you might think scrubbing your skin in winter will make it even drier, that’s not the case if you do it right. The truth is that a gentle exfoliator is the golden key to keeping your skin smooth and free of dead cells that can clog pores and dull your complexion.
You’ll want to avoid harsh scrubs that could cause micro-tears in your skin. Instead, opt for an exfoliator with enzymes or lactic acid, which can buff away dead skin without stripping away moisture. Your skin will feel fresh, smooth, and ready to absorb all the hydrating products you apply afterward.
Consistency is key here, but don’t overdo it. Once or twice a week is more than enough to keep your skin glowing without causing irritation. This gentle exfoliation will allow your moisturizers and serums to penetrate better, making your skin look more radiant in the cold, harsh weather.
SPF Is Still a Must
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should put away your sunscreen. UV rays are present year-round, and they can even be stronger when reflected off the snow. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just taking a stroll through the city, you need protection from those invisible rays.
Go for a broad-spectrum SPF that shields against both UVA and UVB rays, and make sure it’s at least SPF 30. Your skin will thank you later. Many winter moisturizers come with built-in SPF, but layering on a separate sunscreen gives you added protection. Trust us, your future self will appreciate that you didn’t slack on sunscreen during the colder months.
Collagen-Boosting Additions
If winter is doing a number on your skin, it might be time to focus on building it up from within. Enter collagen and other skin-loving supplements. Collagen, a protein found naturally in the body, plays a huge role in keeping skin firm, plump, and elastic. Unfortunately, as we age (and during the harsh winter months), our collagen production slows down.
Adding gelatin for skin health to your daily routine, whether through powders, bone broth, or supplements, can make a big difference in how your skin feels and looks. These additions help support your skin’s structure from the inside out, leaving you with a more youthful, bouncy complexion. It’s like giving your skin the backup it needs to fight the winter elements.
Protect Your Lips
Lips are often the first part of your face to show signs of winter wear and tear. The skin on your lips is thinner than the rest of your face, making them more susceptible to cracking, drying, and peeling. To combat this, you need a reliable lip balm—preferably one packed with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin.
Look for lip balms that have SPF, too. Yes, your lips need protection from the sun’s rays, even in winter. Keep your lip balm handy and apply it throughout the day, especially before heading outside to avoid chapped lips. At night, consider slathering on a thicker balm or even a lip mask to give your lips an extra dose of moisture while you sleep.
Overnight Masks for Maximum Impact
Winter skin thrives on a little extra love, and that’s where overnight masks come in. These heavy-duty skincare heroes do their magic while you sleep, allowing ingredients to sink in deeply without any interruptions.
You can find overnight masks for any skin type or concern, but in winter, focus on hydration and nourishment. Look for masks that contain ingredients like glycerin, peptides, or antioxidants to keep your skin looking fresh and plump. Once or twice a week is all you need to wake up with skin that feels rejuvenated and ready to face the cold.
An overnight mask is like wrapping your skin in a cozy blanket, giving it time to repair and recharge while you rest. By morning, your skin will be more resilient and better equipped to handle the next day’s chilly temperatures.
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little extra attention. The key to glowing skin in winter is consistency. Stick to these non-negotiables, and your skin will thank you long after the snow melts away.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
