As the temperatures drop and the air gets crisp, our skin starts to feel the shift too. Suddenly that glowy, hydrated summer complexion feels tighter, drier, maybe even a little dull. It’s not your imagination — the colder months truly challenge our skin barrier.
Between indoor heating, hot showers, cold air and harsh winds, our skin loses moisture faster than it can hold onto it. That’s why it’s so important to give it a little extra love (and a tweak in your routine) this time of year.
Here’s what I always recommend to my clients, and what I do myself, to keep skin healthy, radiant, and balanced all winter long.
This is your skin’s armor. When it’s compromised, everything feels off — more dryness, more redness, more sensitivity. I always suggest swapping out foamy or gel cleansers for something creamy and gentle. Look for ingredients like ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide: they help rebuild and strengthen that barrier so your skin can hold onto moisture better.
If your skin is feeling tight or flaky, it’s asking for more hydration. Layer a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid) under a richer moisturizer, and apply while your skin is still a bit damp. It makes such a difference.
This is also the time to embrace occlusive textures: creams that feel a little heavier and more comforting. Think of them as a cozy blanket for your skin.
It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold out. But your skin notices! Try keeping a water bottle nearby or sip warm herbal teas throughout the day. Internal hydration supports everything else you’re doing topically.
4. SPF Is Still Non-Negotiable
I know, it’s cloudy, maybe even snowing, but UV rays are still around and still aging your skin. They reflect off snow and clouds, so daily SPF is a must, even in winter. Your future self will thank you.
5. Exfoliate, But Gently
Exfoliation is key to keeping that glow, but too much of it or too harsh, can make dryness worse. Stick to gentle exfoliants (like lactic acid or enzymes) once or twice a week. You’ll remove dull, dead skin cells without compromising the barrier you’ve worked so hard to protect.
6. Winter Is “Repair Season”
This is actually my favorite time of year to correct summer damage. With less sun exposure, it’s the perfect window for collagen-stimulating, brightening, and resurfacing treatments, think chemical peels, microneedling, or laser.
If you’ve been wanting to tackle hyperpigmentation or texture, winter is your moment.
7. Don’t Forget Neck, Lips & Hands
They’re often the first to show dehydration. Keep a nourishing lip balm and hand cream with you, and reapply often, especially if you’re washing your hands a lot.
The Bottom Line
Winter skincare is all about protecting, replenishing, and repairing.
Listen to your skin, adjust your products, and stay consistent, because what you do now will show up in your glow come spring.
And if you’re not sure what your skin really needs right now, this is the perfect time to come in for a personalized winter facial or consultation. Together we can create a treatment plan to keep your skin calm, hydrated, and luminous all season long.
Yours truly, with love…
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Let’s find the right routine and treatments to support your skin’s glow—now and into spring.
