Winter Skincare: Tips for Healthy, Hydrated Skin

Winter weather creates a tricky environment for maintaining skin's healthy appearance. Cold air, low humidity, harsh winds and indoor heating strip away moisture, sometimes leaving skin dry, sensitive and uncomfortable.  Adapting your skincare routine with the right techniques and ingredients can help your skin stay hydrated, calm and healthy throughout the season.

How Winter Affects Your Skin

Winter brings a variety of challenges that can impact all skin types:

1. Moisture Loss
   Cold air retains less moisture than warm air, creating an environment that draws hydration away from the skin. Harsh winds worsen the issue by stripping away natural oils, leaving skin feeling tight and dehydrated.
2. Sensitivity and Redness
   Fluctuations between freezing outdoor air and warm indoor environments can trigger sensitivity, redness, and irritation. These effects are particularly pronounced in those with rosacea, eczema or highly reactive skin.
3. Weakened Skin Barrier
   Cold weather and low humidity compromise the skin's natural protective barrier, reducing its ability to retain moisture and defend against environmental stressors.

Winter Skincare Tips

The key to combating winter skin woes is not a complete overhaul of your routine, but small adjustments to better support your skin.

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser
   Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, so choose a gentle formula that maintains the skin's barrier while cleansing effectively. 
2. Take Short, Lukewarm Showers
   Avoid overly hot water when washing your face or showering, as it can disrupt your skin's hydration and natural oils.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
   Be mindful of sudden changes in temperature, whether from hot water, freezing air or overheated environments, as these can stress and irritate your skin.
4. Switch to Richer Moisturizers
   Replace lightweight moisturizers with richer, more emollient options to lock in hydration and reinforce the skin barrier.

Essential Winter Skincare Ingredients

Incorporating ingredients that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier can make a noticeable difference. Here are some top picks:

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin, comprising over 50% of its outer layer. They act as the "mortar" that holds skin cells ("bricks") together, helping to lock in moisture and keep irritants out. Products with ceramides in moisturizers and serums are excellent for reinforcing the skin barrier. Read our in-depth article on ceramides to learn more about their benefits.

Hyaluronic Acid

This hydrating ingredient can attract and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping skin appear plump and smooth. If you are applying hyaluronic acid in a toner or serum, it is recommended to follow with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration. Without this step, it may draw moisture away from your skin instead of into it.

Glycerin

A humectant found in many skincare products, glycerin draws water into the skin and helps maintain hydration. It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, making it an excellent ingredient for winter care.

Beta Glucan

Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, beta glucan forms a protective barrier on the skin to help retain moisture. It’s a great addition to products aimed at calming irritation and supporting hydration.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide supports the skin’s barrier by improving moisture retention and reducing redness. It works synergistically with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Learn more about niacinamide in our recent article for a deeper dive into its benefits.

Winter Skincare Routine for Your Face

Adopting a seasonally appropriate routine can help your skin thrive during winter:

1. Cleanse Gently
   Choose a mild cleanser that respects your skin's barrier. Double cleansing is also fine, but both products should be gentle.
2. Exfoliate Wisely
   Incorporate AHAs like lactic or glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells and prepare the skin for the next steps of your skincare routine. Adjust the frequency based on your skin’s tolerance to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation.
3. Add a Hydrating Toner
   Swap lightweight toners for richer, milkier ones like Purito Oat-In Silky Toner or Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk. If your skin feels particularly tight on some days, you could consider trying the 7 skin method for an extra hydration boost with minimum irritation risk.
4. Layer a Hydrating Serum
   Add a hydrating serum like By Wishtrend Blue Oasis Aloe Hydrating Serum or Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum to address moisture loss and replenish your skin.
5. Use a Rich Moisturizer
   Opt for a thicker cream to lock in hydration. For oily skin, try Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream. Dry or combination skin may benefit from a cream like By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Balancing Cream.
6. Apply SPF
   Although UV exposure is lower in winter, sunny days and snowy conditions can increase UV intensity. Moreover, SPF is non-negotiable, if you're using AHAs, as they increase your skin's photosensitivity. If you are still on the fence, check out our article about why SPF is also important in winter for more details.
7. Weekly Hydration Boost
   Incorporate an overnight hydrating mask like COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask once or twice a week to help lock in moisture.

You can find more products ideas for your routine upgrade in our Winter Skincare essentials collection. 

Winter Skincare for Your Body

While we mostly focus on facial skincare, our body’s skin also faces the challenges of winter and needs attention to stay smooth and hydrated.

1. Exfoliate Regularly
   Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough patches.
2. Moisturize Immediately After Showering
   Apply a rich body cream or lotion while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture.
3. Keep Showers Short and Lukewarm
   Avoid long, hot showers to prevent stripping your skin of natural oils.

Conclusion

Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating a few key ingredients and slightly tweaking your routine, you can maintain hydrated, healthy skin all season long. Focus on barrier-strengthening ingredients, stay consistent with hydration, and don’t forget that even small changes — like switching to a richer moisturizer — can make a world of difference. 

References: 

Choi MJ, Maibach HI. Role of ceramides in barrier function of healthy and diseased skin. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005;6(4):215-23. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200506040-00002. PMID: 16060709.

Cleveland Clinic, Top 6 Benefits of Niacinamide