The Best Winter Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse

You may not be experiencing as much sweat and humidity as in the warmer months, but cleaning your skin is still just as essential. To avoid over-drying, you’ll want to focus on pH-balanced cleansers and hydrating face washes that won’t strip your skin. 

BLUME Daydreamer Gentle Ultra Hydrating Facial Cleanser is perfect for a hydrating cleanse during the winter. Don’t let the fact that it doesn’t lather fool you. The creamy texture gently cleanses your skin with nourishing oils.

2. Essence

Essences are often forgotten or seen as irrelevant, but this step can make all the difference when treating and hydrating your skin. Not to be confused with toners (the last step in cleansing your skin), essences help deliver ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals into your skin while prepping for the next steps. When you use an essence, your subsequent products penetrate your skin better—making serums and moisturizers more effective. 

The FRESH Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence boosts luminosity to help combat dullness experienced far too often in the winter.

3. Treat

Next comes our favorite step—treating with serums. Not only are serums a sensorial experience as you pamper yourself with a silky smooth product that you know is good for your skin, but they’re also the perfect step to get specific in targeting your skin concerns.

The FIRST AID BEAUTY Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is great for treating winter dryness. The hyaluronic acid instantly boosts hydration. Plus, it’s safe for sensitive skin and leaves your skin feeling dewy, supple, and hydrated.

TIP: If you have chronic skin conditions, be proactive about treatment during the winter. “Xerosis or dry skin, chapped lips, and flaring of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis are all more common in the winter,” says Dr. Brown. “A dry and cold environment outside, with constant heaters inside, can cause skin to become dehydrated. Ultimately, this can lead to the flaring of dermatological conditions.” Thankfully, Topicals has created trendy products that treat chronic skin conditions, making treatment much more fun and easy. Try TOPICALS Like Butter Moisturizer to fight dry, eczema-prone skin.

4. Moisturize

We’re all in search of the perfect moisturizer for winter. It should be hydrating but not greasy, protective without clogging pores, and thick enough to deliver the supple feeling we all want. Dr. Brown recommends “using unscented creams and lotions rich in ceramides.” There’s a bonus if they are “Broad spectrum SPF 30+ and non-comedogenic.”

It can be easy to think that just because you’re not hitting the beach, you don’t need sun protection, but “UV protection is a 24/7, 365 days a year thing,” Dr. Brown shares. “Even though you may not feel the heat like in the summertime, UV rays continue to reach your skin and cause damage year-round.”

The SUPERGOOP! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost SPF 40 Oil is an excellent option for winter hydration. Use it alone or layer it on a water-based moisturizer as a sealant.

5. Seal

If your moisturizer alone isn’t cutting it, consider sealing in hydration with a face oil like YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil or an ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor.

Don’t forget that many oils and petroleum jellies are emollients that create a protective barrier but don’t hydrate the skin. Dr. Brown explains, “Even though it leaves the skin shiny, Vaseline lacks ceramides. Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin that aid in moisturizing and maintaining the skin barrier. Patients should apply ointments and vaselines on top of a ceramide-rich product.” In other words, slugging is fun but doesn’t replace humectant moisturizers. Always pair these products with one that can penetrate and hydrate the skin.

6. Body Care

Don’t forget to show some love to the skin below your neck. In the winter, body care is more important than ever. Dr. Brown recommends, “After showering, leave the skin slightly damp and apply a moisturizing cream.” Winter is perfect for pulling out your body butters and thicker creams.

We can’t get enough of the SOL DE JANEIRO Brazillian Bum Cream (neither can the internet! One is sold every 8 seconds).  We love that it’s nourishing and moisturizing while tightening and firming the skin.

TIP: As tempting as they may be, Dr. Brown recommends avoiding scorching hot showers. “Even though nothing feels better than a steamy, hot shower after coming in from the cold, hot showers can strip your skin of oils and leave skin dry,” she continues, “which can, in turn, lead to itchy skin. The sweet spot is lukewarm brief showers.” 

7. Lip Care

This step needs no introduction. Dry, chapped lips can be a recurring problem during the winter. Try an overnight mask before bed like the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask and a lip balm during the day like the FEEL BEAUTY Vitamin E Balm to keep lips pucker-ready. If you are wearing a lip color for the day, prep your lips with a lip mask or balm for at least 15 minutes, and then wipe it off before applying your color.

Now that you have everything you need to fight winter dryness with an effective skincare regimen, don’t stop there! Check out the best winter nail polish colors and discover new winter makeup trends.

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