Winter brings holidays, snacking, and dry air – all of which love to send my semi-sensitive skin in to a tailspin. I am not getting any younger, but my skin sometimes forgets that we have aged and throws me into a breakout the likes of which I didn’t even see in high school. Even when it isn’t full of blemishes, winter seems to help it stay uneven, dry, and uncomfortable. Whether it’s all of the (sugary) food, (staying up all night to wrap gifts) sleep routine that’s off, or the frigid, dry winter air, I am never quite sure. However, after years of trial and error, this is the skin care routine keeps my skin in check for the entire season.
For the winter I try to focus on soothing and calming products that really pack in the hydration. The links are affiliate links, and I will receive a small commission if you click and shop at no cost to you. But if you aren’t into the exact products, the tips are tried and true and you’re sure to find one to help you with your skin this winter.
1. Choose a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Use a milky or oil-based cleanser to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils. Avoid the fun, but harsh foaming or gel cleansers – they can make dryness worse. Though this is an important tip, I admit I actually do not change my cleanser for winter! I use the same one year-round, and I’m in love with it. It’s the Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser (found here in a mini set), and it is the stuff DREAMS are made of. It removes make up without drying out your skin, it is what I’d consider a mix between a milky and gentle gel cleanser and if you trust me on nothing else, trust me on this one! I’ve tried so many cleansers over the years, and this is the first and only cleanser I’ve both used to empty and repurchased. I can’t say enough good things about it.
2. Add a Hydrating Serum
I’m not going to pretend I’m not lazy when it comes to skin care. It’s a battle with myself to ensure I wash my face every evening, even if I did wear makeup that day. So adding a step wasn’t on my radar. Even though I don’t want the fine lines and wrinkles, I’m much more likely to let a product sit and go bad before I use it up. That’s just my nature. However, in the winter, adding a hydrating serum has been a must. Does the extra step only add 10 seconds? Yes. Do I still not like that? Yes. Do I force myself to do it anyway so I’m not flaky and dry? Usually. Haha.
Since I’m clearly not the biggest fan of extra steps, I am being super careful when recommending my favorite hydrating serum. I’ve tried a handful, and was never impressed until I tried this one. What is it? Yet another Herbivore product from the same line as my “can’t live without” cleanser – Herbivore Cloud Jelly Plumping Hydration Face Serum. Also found here in the mini kit. It’s one of the only serums I have ever noticed a difference when using. My skin may not be plump in my late 30’s, but I’m not a prune all winter long either. I can see, and more importantly, feel a difference in my skin when I add this step, and that to me makes it a product worth using (even if it adds 10 extra seconds to my routine).
3. Opt for a Moisturizer Built for the Harshness of Winter
There are a bunch of moisturizers out there touting they are made for winter with ingredients that sound like they were plucked directly from a tree in the Arctic circle. I don’t know about all of the hype, but I agree that you need more than a gel or lightweight moisturizer if your skin is faced with dry winter air. Choosing a cream-based moisturizer with ceramides, squalane, or peptides will help a lot, and so many moisturizers out there already have these as ingredients. You don’t have to spend the extra money on the fancy “winter only” moisturizer that you see advertised.
Unlike cleansers and serums, I have used quite a few moisturizers that I like. However, since my skin is happy with the other two Herbivore products, I’m sure you’re not surprised to know that I use the Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream in the winter as well. It’s packed with good stuff, it’s easy because I don’t have to think about it, and I can wear it under make up with no issues. But if you’re tired of that line or looking for other recommendations, I have also really liked and loved both Earth Harbor Siren Silk and Fitglow Beauty Cloud Comfort Cream. They pack in the moisture without an overly thick product which leaves your skin greasy or unfit for makeup afterwards.
If you’re looking for a great body lotion, I haven’t found one I love more than the Acure 24 hr Body Lotion. I keep a full bottle of it in my bag all winter long and I have no regrets.
4. Use a Nourishing Eye Cream
Our delicate under-eye skin is more prone to dryness in winter. Using an eye cream with ingredients like caffeine or vitamin C to brighten and hydrate can make a world of difference in looks and comfort. This is something that I’m still perfecting in my winter skincare routine. I LOVE the new Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Brightening Sleeping Mask for night, but haven’t found one that I’m obsessed with for under makeup. Who has a good eye cream they want to recommend? I’d love to try something new out.
5. Don’t Skip SPF
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can skip the skin protection. Even when it’s cold and cloudy, the sun’s UV rays can cause damage, aging, and even sunburn. In fact, snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays meaning your skin is getting hit from all directions. So be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
I also have found that I like many different SPF options in winter, but some of my favorites are powdered Brush on Block SPF 50, this Suntegrity Impeccable Skin which features SPF in a medium coverage tinted moisturizer/foundation, or Earth Harbor Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen which can be used alone or under makeup. BONUS on the Eclipse that it also protects against Blue Light and other types of pollution. And while I’m thinking sunscreen, I’ll also give a special mention to the Acure Seriously Soothing Day Cream. It isn’t my absolute favorite, but I do use it often. I only wear under make up (the lotion itself isn’t the most moisturizing, and it leaves a bit of a tacky residue that makes putting makeup over it perfect. It stays in place ALL day). All are great options depending on what you’re looking for!
6. Exfoliate Gently
No harsh exfoliation in winter! It’s only a few months out of the year so leave the peels, serious scrubs, and extra gritty physical exfoliators for the other months. Yes, it’s still important to exfoliate a few times per week to slough the dead skin cells, prevent dry, uneven patches, and to ensure that your skin care penetrates & can do its thing. But choosing a gentle exfoliant is so important. Earth Harbor Glow Juice Refining Enzyme Mask is the only exfoliator I’ll put near my skin during winter. It is gentle and doesn’t irritate skin, yet does a great job at keeping my face exfoliated. It’s the best, and no one will ever convince me to try a different exfoliant during these cold, dry months.
7. Humidify Your Environment
Keeping your home humidified in the winter is a total game-changer for your skin and overall comfort! When the air gets cold and dry, it can suck the moisture from your skin. It can leave you feeling parched and itchy. Adding a humidifier to the mix helps bring that moisture back, keeping your skin soft, your lips from cracking, and even your sinuses happier. Plus, as a bonus it can help keep your house plants a little perkier as well! With so many cute and fun diffusers out there, you can make your home smell great and keep your air comfortable all season long!
8. Focus on Lip Care
Lips have thin, sensitive skin and are very vulnerable to the elements. Having cry, cracked lips is not a fun experience! That’s where a nourishing lip balm with the right ingredients comes in. It can work wonders to keep your lips smooth and hydrated. Look for balms with natural beeswax for a protective barrier, shea butter to lock in moisture, or jojoba oil to soothe and hydrate. Vitamin E is another great ingredient to help repair and protect the skin on your lips.
I tend to misplace my lip balm often, so while I know there’s a bunch of great masks and treatments out there, I need a big collection of reasonably priced lip balms to make it through the entire season without losing them all. My favorite current favorite is the eos 24H Moisture Super Balm. It is under $10 per tube, keeps my lips moisturized and hydrated, and you can add a little hole in the top of the tube to add one to your keychain. Warning: be sure to choose the Super Balm! I do not recommend the egg-shaped or stick containers of eos balm. In the past, I’ve actually found those to be drying on my lips rather than helping any winter ailments I’m facing.
9. Choose Hydrating Facial Mists over Toner
When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated (not just moisturized – you must have both in order to keep your skin happy and healthy) in the winter, face mists are a game changer. Many toners can be too harsh. Unlike toners, which often contain alcohol or astringents that can strip your skin, face mists are packed with moisture-boosting ingredients like aloe or rose water, which replenish your skin’s moisture levels without drying it out. They’re perfect for a quick refresh throughout the day, especially when indoor heating is sucking the life out of your skin. Just spritz a few times per day and let the magic happen. You end up with plump and dewy skin. So make sure you swap a toner for a hydrating facial mist in the winter. There are tons of great options out there.
10. Nighttime Nourishment
And last but not least, choosing an overnight hydrating mask or a richer night cream to repair and replenish your skin while you sleep is a must during the cold, dry months. Unlike regular moisturizers, night masks are packed with extra hydration and nourishment. They’re designed to stay on your skin overnight and provide a deep moisture boost, leaving you with a glowy complexion by morning.
I love my nighttime masks, especially because my skin tends to get dull and dry. The extra TLC overnight does the trick, especially when I keep up with the other tips listed above. My all time favorite overnight masks are the Laneige Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask or the Kypris Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask.
BONUS: Nighttime Wrinkle Treatment
While my main focus all winter is keeping my skin as plump and hydrated as possible, I can’t pretend that I’m not trying to fend off some wrinkles and fine lines at the same time. Frownies are such a great way to lock in moisture overnight as well as train your facial muscles to make fewer expression lines. If you haven’t heard of them, they are little facial patches that adhere with water (or a facial mist, which I prefer). They quickly harden and stay on your face all night long to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. They come in various shapes and sizes to be used on your specific problem areas. I love them!
Leave a Reply