🥶 Your Skin Feels It First…

As the temperature drops, your skin is often the first to send an SOS. Tightness, flakiness, dullness, and that weird dryness around your nose? Yep. 

It’s winter, and your routine needs to adapt. ❄️

Here’s what to add to your skincare lineup now to protect your glow when it’s freezing outside.

💧 1. A Richer, Cream-Based Moisturizer

Your lightweight gel moisturizer might not cut it anymore. Swap it for something creamier and more occlusive to lock in hydration.

Try:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Cream
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream 

🌙 2. Overnight Masks = Your New Best Friend

Think of it as a heavy-duty moisturizer with benefits. Overnight masks help restore hydration while you sleep, no extra steps needed.

Try:

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
• Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Sleep Mask

💦 3. Add a Hydrating Serum Under Everything

Winter air zaps moisture fast. Layering a serum with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or panthenol under your moisturizer can make a huge difference.

Try:

• Vichy Mineral 89
• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster

💨 4. Gentle Exfoliation (But Not Too Much!)

Dead skin builds up faster in winter, but over-exfoliating will wreck your barrier. Limit chemical exfoliants to 1–2 times per week, and avoid harsh scrubs.

Try:

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• Naturium Mandelic Acid 12% Serum
• Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA

💧 5. Barrier-Boosting Ingredients

Look for moisturizers or serums with:
✅ Ceramides
✅ Fatty acids
✅ Niacinamide
✅ Squalane

These support your skin’s natural defenses and reduce sensitivity in the cold.

🔥 6. Skip Long, Hot Showers (Sorry)

Hot water strips your skin’s oils, even more so in the winter.
Keep showers short and warm, and moisturize immediately after stepping out.

☀️ 7. Don’t Ditch Your SPF

Just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean UV rays are gone. Winter sun + snow reflection = hidden UV exposure. Your skin still needs daily SPF.

Try:

• EltaMD UV Daily Tinted SPF 40
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+
• ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless

💬 FAQ: Winter Skincare Questions

Q: Should I change my entire skincare routine in winter?

Not always—but small swaps (like a richer moisturizer or a gentler cleanser) can help your skin adjust.

Q: Why does my skin feel tight even after moisturizing?

It may be dehydrated, not just dry. Add a hydrating serum or mist under your moisturizer.

Q: Can I still use retinol in winter?

Yes! Just buffer it with a thick moisturizer and use SPF daily. Your skin might even tolerate it better with less sun exposure.

With a few strategic tweaks, your skin can thrive in winter, not just survive it. 

So go ahead, cozy up your skincare routine. Your face will thank you. ❄️🧴