Winter invites us to slow down — cozy sweaters, warm meals and moments with the people we love. But while you’re settling in, your skin can feel the cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity. These changes can quickly absorb moisture, leaving your skin feeling dry, tight, or more reactive than usual.
The good news? With a few careful tweaks, your winter skincare routine can do double duty: moisturizes daily while supporting the gentle restoration of photoaging. Winter is the perfect time to help your skin renew itself with hydrating heroes, preventative antioxidants and restorative ingredients at night.
Let’s get started.
How can winter weather affect my skin?
Seasonal changes naturally affect the look and feel of your skin. But winter stands out thanks to cooler temperatures and reduced humidity. These conditions can weaken your skin’s barrier, making it easier for moisture to escape.
When the skin becomes dehydrated, it signals discomfort by initiating processes that can cause inflammation. The result? Stressed skin can become even more reactive to harsh weather—and tenderness and dryness may follow. Lower humidity can also affect the balance of lipids (those natural fats that help keep moisture in).
And while summer is often blamed for photoaging, winter comes with its own set of challenges. UVA rays remain constant year-round and combined with dryness, can make fine lines stand out.
Hence the pairing deep daily hydration with targeted repair during the colder months it is an effective skin care strategy.
Your step-by-step winter skincare routine
Step 1: Use a nourishing cleanser
Cleaning sets the tone for everything that follows. And for the chill of winter, gentle, moisturizing cleansers they are perfect.
Morning: Start with a light, refreshing cleanse to remove overnight build-up without stripping the skin. A formula like the Essential Purifier delivers a gentle lather that keeps skin clean yet comfortable.
Night: At night, turn to an oil cleanser that dissolves makeup, sunscreen and impurities while respecting the skin’s natural balance. Essential Cleansing emulsifies from oil to milk to help clear the day without disrupting comfort.
Step 2: Apply a targeted eye cream
Because the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, dry winter air can accentuate the appearance of wrinkles or fatigue.
Morning: Choose invigorating hydration with Hyaluronic Eyes. The hyaluronic acid blend helps attract and retain water, softening the appearance of early fine lines.
Night: For an evening fix, turn to Vital Eyes. Gentle melatonin-based technology supports the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses, helping to reduce the appearance of signs of photoaging while you rest.
Hydration? Revitalization; Shine; Find the perfect eye cream.
Step 3: Get a winter-friendly serum
Hydration is the foundation of any winter skincare routine. But it’s also one of the best moments incorporate gentle, targeted repair.
Morning: A hyaluronic acid serum helps replenish moisture, plump skin and prepare it for the day. Peptides add a soothing effect for a fresh, comfortable start.
Night: As temperatures drop, your skin benefits from formulas that help support resilience and encourage recovery. Melatonik®—a serum in oil with melatonin, bakuchiol and vitamin C—is an ideal winter companion.
These ingredients help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven tone and other visible signs of photoaging with a soft touch suitable for colder months.
Step 4: Turn to a targeted moisturizer
Now it’s time to seal in moisture with a soothing cream. In your 20s and 30s, a lightweight hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer should do the trick, while more mature skin can benefit from richer, revitalizing creams. For the latter, consider formulas that contain carnosine to help with softness and firmness.
Find out which moisturizer is best for you.
Step 5: Don’t forget the sunscreen
Even in winter, UV radiation remains one of the main factors contributing to premature aging of the skin. UVA rays are constant throughout the year and can pass through both clouds and windows.
Choose a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect skin from both UVB and UVA rays. Choose a moisturizing sunscreen with a light feel that’s designed for comfortable, everyday wear.
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and supports a smooth, comfortable feel—especially helpful when dryness sets in. In winter, choose chemical exfoliants with AHAs.
Glycolic acid is a popular AHA with water-attracting properties, making it effective yet gentle. Choose a formula designed for regular, gentle exfoliation and remember to pair it with daily sunscreen.
Hydrate, restore, restore
Winter invites you to take care of your skin in a more intentional way—nourishing it with hydration, supporting daily comfort, and taking advantage of long evenings to gently target the signs of photoaging. With small adjustments, your routine becomes a moment of warmth and renewal, helping your skin to stay healthy, happy and beautiful.
And remember: you don’t need a complete makeover to feel the difference. Even a change or two can bring softer, more comfortable skin all season long. It’s that time of year when the little things really do go a long way.
References:
¹Data on file. ISDIN Corp. 2024. Morristown, NJ
2Draelos ZD, Gunt H, Zeichner J, Levy S. Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Dec 1;19(12):1181-1183. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2020.5522. PMID: 33346506.
3Engebretsen, K., Johansen, J., Kezic, S., Linneberg, A. and Thyssen, J. (2016), The effect of ambient humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 30: 223-249.
4Meyer K, Pappas A, Dunn K, et al. Assessment of seasonal changes in facial skin with and without acne. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD. 2015 Jun;14(6):593-601. PMID: 26091385.
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time skincare obsession into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics in Washington DC and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
