Winter Is Coming: How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for the Cold Months.

As the seasons shift and summer fades, your skin needs different care. Winter brings cold air, low humidity, harsh winds, and indoor heating all of which can strip moisture, weaken your skin barrier, and cause irritation. To keep your skin healthy, glowing, and comfortable through the colder months, here are key changes you should make to your facial skincare routine.
 

Summer often calls for gel-based or foaming cleansers that cut through sweat, sunscreen, and excess oil. In winter, however, these same cleansers may feel too harsh, leaving your skin tight or flaky.

1.  Switch your cleanser
Swap them for cream or milk cleansers, which gently remove impurities without stripping away natural oils. This small change helps maintain your skin’s barrier and keeps it comfortable through colder months.

2. Update Your Moisturizer

During hot, humid weather, lightweight lotions and gels can keep your skin hydrated without feeling heavy. But as temperatures drop, your skin may crave more nourishment. 

Consider moving to richer creams that contain ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. These not only lock in hydration but also strengthen the skin barrier, helping your skin retain moisture in dry, winter air.

3. Adjust Your SPF (But Don’t Skip It!)

Sunscreen is non-negotiable all year long. While you may prefer weightless, oil-free formulas in summer, winter calls for more hydrating versions.

Broad-spectrum SPF creams provide both protection and extra moisture, ensuring your skin stays shielded from harmful UV rays – even on overcast days. Remember: up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.

5. Exfoliate Mindfully

Exfoliation is important year-round, but the way you approach it should shift with the seasons. In summer, mild exfoliation can help manage clogged pores and sunscreen buildup.

In winter, however, over-exfoliating can compromise your skin barrier, leaving it vulnerable to dryness and redness. Opt for gentler formulas and reduce frequency if your skin feels sensitive.

4.  Add Hydrating Serums

Cold air outside and heated indoor environments can deplete your skin’s water content, leading to dullness and irritation. Incorporating serums rich in humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin helps your skin attract and retain water.

6. Don’t Forget Your Lips and Hands
Two areas often overlooked in skincare are the lips and hands both of which are highly prone to dryness in winter. A nourishing lip balm and a rich hand cream can prevent cracking, irritation, and discomfort, keeping these delicate areas protected.

Small adjustments to your skincare routine can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels throughout the year. Seasonal skincare swaps are about prevention protecting your skin before issues like dryness, irritation, or premature aging arise. By listening to your skin and giving it what it needs as the weather changes, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion no matter the season.