Winter is approaching, and while it brings cozy sweaters and holiday cheer, it can also bring dull, dry, and flaky skin…no thank you! As the air gets colder and drier, so does our skin, which calls for some seasonal tweaks to our skincare routine. Here’s what you need to know to keep your skin comfortable, hydrated, and glowing all winter long.

Why Winter Skin Needs Special Care

When temperatures drop, humidity levels also drop—both indoors (hello, heating!) and outdoors. This lack of moisture means your skin barrier needs extra support to stay hydrated and protected. Winter skin often feels tight, looks red or flaky, and is more prone to irritation. To prevent this, I like to think of my skincare routine as a cozy sweater for my skin—something soft, soothing, and protective that helps keep all the dryness and discomfort at bay!

1) Start with a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Your usual gel or foaming cleanser might work great in the summer, but winter skin care calls for something gentler and more nourishing. Look for a cream-based or hydrating cleanser that won’t strip away your skin's natural oils. I recommend products like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. These keep your skin clean without leaving it feeling tight and parched.

Pro Tip: For those with sensitive skin, Vanicream Gentle Cleanser is a great option. Remember, your skin doesn’t need to feel squeaky clean, just comfortable and refreshed!

2) Switch to a Richer Moisturizer for Winter Skin

Your lightweight summer moisturizer likely won’t cut it during winter. You’ll want something richer, like a cream or ointment-based moisturizer, to lock in all that moisture and create a protective barrier. A winter favorite of mine is the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, which offers a luxe, nourishing feel. For more affordable options, consider La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 or even good ol’ Vaseline for targeted areas like lips and hands.

Pro Tip: If your skin is very dry, consider layering a hydrating serum under your moisturizer for extra hydration.

3) Sunscreen: Yes, Even in Winter!

It’s tempting to skip SPF when the days are short and cloudy, but UV rays can still penetrate and cause skin damage. Go for a moisturizing SPF that hydrates, especially if traditional sunscreens leave your skin feeling dry. I love tinted sunscreens like EltaMD UV Daily or Colorscience Total Protection—they not only protect your skin but give you a healthy, glowing finish too!

4) Humidify Your Space for Hydrated Skin

If you’re following all the right steps and your skin still feels dry, it could be the environment at fault. Indoor heating tends to suck all the moisture out of the air, which leaves your skin feeling parched. A humidifier can help by restoring some of that moisture. Try placing one in your bedroom overnight to keep your skin (and sinuses) hydrated while you sleep!

5) Be Cautious with Hot Showers

There’s nothing like a hot shower on a chilly day, but too much heat can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it even drier. Stick to lukewarm showers and avoid lingering too long. As soon as you step out, apply moisturizer right away to lock in all that hydration and keep my skin feeling soft and smooth. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

6) Moisturize Your Lips, Hands, and Feet

Winter can be tough on certain spots—lips, hands, and feet always seem to get extra dry. I swear by a simple balm like Aquaphor or Vaseline to keep my lips soft, and for cracked heels, a urea-based cream or Amlactin works great. 

Pro Tip: For your hands, go for a thick moisturizing cream or ointment, and keep a small tube in your bag so you can reapply after washing.

7) Consider Gentle Exfoliation for Winter Skin

Winter skin can look dull and flaky, which is where gentle exfoliation comes in. A mild exfoliant, like lactic acid or glycolic acid, once or twice a week can help keep your skin smooth without overdoing it. Avoid physical scrubs, as these can irritate already sensitive winter skin.

8) Don’t Ditch Your Actives, But Adjust As Needed

Don’t ditch your favorite skincare actives like vitamin C or retinoids just because it's winter! If your skin’s extra dry, though, you might want to cut back on how often you use them. Retinoids, especially, can make dryness worse in the colder months, so try using them every other night. For extra protection, use the "sandwich" method: apply a light layer of moisturizer, then your retinoid, and finish with another layer of moisturizer on top. It’ll keep your skin hydrated and still get the benefits of your actives!

My Top Winter Skin Care Tips:

1) Stay Hydrated—Inside and Out

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods like fruits and veggies. Limit salty snacks, which can dehydrate your skin and leave it looking dull.

2) Go Big with the Moisturizer

Opt for a large tub of a basic, non-comedogenic moisturizer like CeraVe or Eucerin. Keeping it simple helps prevent irritation and locks in moisture all day.

3) Keep Up with Healthy Habits

I can’t stress this enough! Exercise, manage stress, and get enough sleep. Healthy habits play a huge role in how your skin looks and feels, especially in winter.

For more skin care products I love and use myself, check out my Affordable Skincare Guide.

Winter skin doesn't have to be lackluster and dry! With just a few mindful adjustments, you can help your skin not only survive but thrive through the winter months. So go ahead, enjoy the cold season—your skin has got this!

Tune into this week’s podcast with Dr. Marisa Garshick for tips on winter skincare, including what to add, avoid, and her top product picks! 

A new podcast episode drops every Monday!

For more great skin care tips, subscribe to The Skin Real Podcast.