Learn how to hydrate skin overnight with winter skincare tips, ingredient spotlights, and some of my favorite products like Dime Dewy Recovery Mask, Oliveda Cleansing Balm, Counter Sugarbuff Scrub, and Dime The Glaze for the body.
Taking care of my skin has always been a combination of self-care and responding to what my body needs. While in the summer I definitely lean towards cool and hydrated, 3/4 of the time I lean dry and it looks dull, tight or a little lackluster. It is very common to notice that your skin is dry or dull this time of year. Many people feel the effects of weather, stress, hot water, and even well-meaning skincare products that can strip your skin of its moisture levels. (My esthetician advised me to skip vitamin C in the winter because box dries up.)
Of course hydrating from the inside out is a great place to start (I definitely don’t drink as much water this time of year), skincare can go a long way in improving the look of your skin. While it doesn’t happen right away, there hectare ways to hydrate skin overnight so you wake up looking more radiant and alive. Here are some tips, habits, and favorite products that have made the biggest difference for me, including a few standouts that feel as indulgent as the intense hydration masks I get at my spa appointments.
How to moisturize the skin during the night
What does hydrated skin look like?
Hydrated skin looks smooth, firm and softly radiant. It reflects light naturally without looking greasy and feels comfortable and not tight or flaky. When your skin’s moisture barrier is healthy, makeup applies better, skincare products absorb more effectively, and your skin looks more even-toned overall.
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin can be caused by many everyday factors, especially in winter:
- Cold air and low humidity
- Warm water from a shower or face wash
- Harsh or stripping skin care products
- Over-cleansing or excessive exfoliation
- Skipping moisturizer (or even waiting too long after cleansing)
- Naturally prone to dry skin types (that’s me!)
- Aging or hormonal changes
All of the above can weaken the skin’s moisture barrier and leave the skin feeling irritated or tight.
Why is skin hydration important?
Hydrating your skin leads to a strong moisture barrier, which helps protect your skin from environmental stressors and moisture loss. Hydration also helps skin look smoother and more youthful, plumping the surface and softening the appearance of fine lines. When your skin is hydrated, your skin care products work better and your skin is likely to feel more comfortable throughout the day.
The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes hydration as a cornerstone of healthy skin careespecially in the colder months when skin tends to lean dry.
What is the difference between hydration and skin hydration?
I didn’t know that myself until I researched it! Moisturizers watering on the skin, while hydration helps seal the water in. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera attract water to the skin, while moisturizers and sealers prevent moisture from escaping. For effective hydration, both steps matter.
My favorite products for dry skin
Here are some of my favorites that have worked best for me!
Cleaners
In winter, it’s recommended to use gentle, creamy cleansers that won’t strip your skin of its moisture levels. This sets the tone for the rest of your skincare routine. And cleansing balms are great for moisturizing and cleansing at the same time – I love them for my nighttime routine and for removing makeup at the same time. (And even though it’s so hard, try not to use hot water! Luke warm!)
Remedy Skin Creamy Cleanser
I got this cleanser as a sample from the brand and I really like it (especially the cool bottle!) It leaves my skin soft and I notice a difference to the cleansing cleanser I used to use in the shower. It is ideal for dry and/or sensitive skin that reacts easily, especially in winter. It also contains plant extracts for an added soothing effect.
Oliveda Corrective Cleansing Balm
This is my favorite of the cleansing balms, although I really like them both of the bench and Colleen Rothschild’s. They all smell so nice and relaxing, but Oliveda reminds me of herbal cocoa! This balm melts everything away while locking in moisture. It’s also the thickest of the bunch and is ‘hard to wash off’ which is great in the winter when you don’t want to strip! It has squalane, bisabolol and botanical extracts to support the skin.
You can use it as a traditional cleanser or apply a slightly thicker layer and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing for extra softness.
After cleansing, applying skincare products to wet skin makes a noticeable difference. Moist skin helps hydration-enhancing ingredients work more effectively before the moisture evaporates.
If you’re not sure how to layer products, I’ve shared a complete guide to the best order to apply skin care products here: How to Apply Skin Care Products in the Right Order.
Serums + Masks
Oliveda Hyaluronic Vegan Serum
Hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin, helping to hydrate your skin on multiple levels. Applied to wet skin, this serum helps plump and smooth while supporting overnight hydration. I don’t use this serum year-round, but I love it this time of year and layer it with my anti-aging all-purpose serum. Contains multi-weight hyaluronic acid and botanical moisturizing agents.
For a deeper treatment, I rely on a mask that feels like a spa treatment at home.
Dime Dewy Recovery Mask
This brand new mask is now one of my favorite winter skincare products! A lot of times I feel like masks lean on the exfoliating side, but this one is deeply hydrating. It’s as wonderful and comforting as the intense hydration masks I get at my spa appointments. You can use it as a wash-off mask or apply a generous layer and leave it on overnight for overnight skin hydration. It leaves my skin feeling calm, soft and deeply nourished since the morning. If you could pick ONE product for intense overnight hydration, this is it.
Get 20% off Dime products with code katheats and my link.
Moisturizing creams
Once the moisturizer is applied, the key is sealing it in. The richer the moisturizer, the better you can prevent overnight moisture loss. This step protects your skin (like from drool lol) and supports the skin’s moisture barrier while you sleep.
Oliveda Regeneration Night Cream
This is my very favorite night cream! The creamy texture glides on beautifully over moisturisers and helps lock in all that moisture overnight – making it perfect for winter or any season if you have dry or mature skin like me. It is VERY thick – so thick that you have to warm it up a bit to spread it. This turns some people off, so if you like a more traditional texture, the Counter Supreme cream would be second favourite. It’s also a really thick, luxurious night cream.
Oliveda Neroli face oil
Adding a facial oil at night can make a huge difference in how your skin feels in the morning. Oils help seal inside hydration, preventing water loss while you sleep, and like the night cream, they add a protective layer that supports the skin’s moisture barrier. This Neroli face oil absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy after a few minutes, and its botanically invigorating scent makes nighttime skincare feel extra luxurious. I’m obsessed with the scent!!
Lips: Olive Tree Therapy Lip Balm
This is THE most moisturizing lock it in lip balm out there. It’s thick and a bit sticky (like vaseline) so I only like it at bedtime. But boy does it moisturize! It has a botanical flavor – kind of plant-based.
Taking care of the body also matters
Hydration doesn’t stop at your face. The skin of the body needs just as much attention in winter. I’ve noticed dryness more on my shoulders and upper back – probably because that’s where I get the hot water (I just can’t get lukewarm in the shower!)
Counter Sugarbuff body scrub
For the body, this is my favorite. Scrub Sugarbuff gently exfoliates while adding moisture, leaving skin smooth, soft and never stripped. It leaves a layer of oil on your skin – it’s a great way to go! (Birch loves that too 🙂 ) It’s especially great in the winter when dry patches tend to appear on hands and feet. Unfortunately, the lemongrass scent has been swapped for a sweet neroli, but it’s still delicious!
Dime The Glaze
I love a body oil because it spreads so easily over a large area. Applied immediately after showering on wet skin, this product seals in moisture and keeps skin soft all day. Using it immediately after showering prevents water loss and helps protect your skin from dryness caused by hot water and cold air. Glaze has nourishing oils and is fragrance free.
If you prefer a lightly scented oil, Bright moisturizing counter oil in Neroli it is also excellent!
Dime Biome Body Butter
If you prefer a balm or butter for your body, that’s great! It’s a rich body butter that’s almost balmy in texture that’s mostly unscented and spreads well. It also contains probiotics to help balance your skin’s natural barrier along with shea butter, niacinamide and jojoba seed oil to hydrate and soothe dry skin.
Get 20% off Dime products with code katheats and my link.
Other body moisturizers I love:
Hydration from the inside out
Regularly drinking water and eating foods that hydrate the skin can support your skin’s overall moisture balance: Foods that hydrate the skin.
And you can also add Oliveda oral skin care elixirs to support skin from the inside out.
More Winter Hydration Favorites
In addition to my top picks above, my ShopMy Favorites list includes products that shine in winter because of ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid for added moisture
- Aloe vera for soothing dry or irritated skin
- Ceramics to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier
- Botanical oils that seal in hydration and protect skin all night
Feeling more hydrated?
The right products really make a difference to how my skin feels when I wake up in the morning. Gentle cleansing, products that are applied to wet skin and the use of deep moisturizing treatments and balms have made all the difference.
