If you’ve read my first few blog posts on my skincare journey and how it has changed over the years, you’ll see that I had to go through searching for the best acne products out there to finding the best moisturizer to combat dry skin in the winter. Although I’m born and raised in Canada, I should be used to our frigid winters, but I’m not (I’ll choose the beach life any day). In the past couple of winters, the cold weather has been taking a toll on my skin and I knew I had to change up my skincare routine for the winter months to combat dry and flaky skin. And it seems that every winter, different spots on my face or body get affected. The constant change in temperature with indoor heating and the cold, dry air outside seem to make it worse on the skin too because of the lack of moisture in the air during this time. Winter air can leave your skin not only red and dry, but irritated, itchy, tight, and can peel or crack. Some even get a “winter rash” and it can become a huge annoyance.
Since my skin has not been taking these cold months well, I’ve been testing out different moisturizing skincare products as well as add a few steps to my regimen. I’ve figured out a morning and evening winter skincare routine that actually works to combat dry skin overnight and help prevent further dryness during the day. Not only can this help your skin feel “normal” and more resilient to frigid temperatures, it also aids in having a smooth canvas to work with when applying makeup!
Morning Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
In the morning, I prefer to apply only the essential products since a) who has time in the morning b) I don’t want my skin to become oily with too many heavy products and c) I save my extended skincare routine for the evening when I actually have time to show my skin a little more love and need additional products to get rid of dry spots or flaky skin.
Step 1 – Hydrating/Moisturizing Cleanser
In the winter, I have to switch to a hydrating cleanser, whereas I use a gel or lighter cleanser the rest of the year. This prevents my skin from feeling tight after I wash it and helps provide additional moisture while I cleanse. My favorite cleanser to use year round, and especially during the winter is the Tatcha Rice Wash Cleanser which I’ve written a full review here. Another great option for dry and sensitive skin is the Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser.
Step 2 – Toner
In the past year, I’ve started incorporating a toner into my skincare routine on a permanent basis. A toner helps restore and balance the pH of the skin after cleansing and it gently refreshes and adds back a little of the moisture that may have been stripped away. It also prepares the skin to absorb the next steps of your skincare routines better too. For my day time toner, I’ve been liking the Fenty Skin Fat Water Niacinamide Toner Serum which is a toner and serum in 1. This definitely helps with saving time and it actually hydrates my skin very well with its unique thicker texture that targets pores and dark spots. Another toner option is the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner and the Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner that goes with the above-mentioned Kiehl’s cleanser.
Step 3 – Essence (If Skin Has Dry Patches) – Optional
I’ve only recently started adding an essence to my skincare routine as I’m testing out samples and I haven’t made this a permanent part of my regimen yet. I do however, find that an essence is a great addition to my winter skincare routine to help with my dry patches and adding extra moisture. If I’m having dry patches on my skin that are a little more stubborn, an essence really helps with quickly fixing this issue. I’ve been using the Shiseido Revitalizing Essence which delivers moisture for smooth, supple skin and responds to changes in climate to ensure consistent moisture levels. It’s also the oldest products that was introduced in 1897. I’ve also really enjoyed using the Amore Pacific Vintage Single Extract Essence and the fact that it only has 6 ingredients is amazing. It helps with boosting hydration, achieving a radiant complexion, and defending against external stressors and uses green tea (that Amore Pacific grows themselves) nutrition through 100 days of production.
Step 4 – Serum
I love using serums to target specific concerns like dark spots, acne, fine lines, texture, tone, and more. It really depends on what my skin needs at the time so I like to have a few different types on hand. A serum is made up of smaller molecules than a moisturizer and therefore can penetrate deeper into your skin. Serums are also highly concentrated and very potent so you can really see results by using them.
During the winter, I like to make sure I use a hyaluronic acid serum like the 1 I’ve mentioned in this blog post. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant which helps the skin hold on to water so this is great for your winter skincare routine. Other serums can also include hyaluronic acid such as Vitamin C serums. Another serum that I like to have in my permanent skincare rotation is the Peach And Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum.
Step 5 – Eye Cream
It’s so important to have an eye cream in your skincare routine year round to help with age prevention, combatting fine lines, and helping reduce dark circles and puffiness. I can’t go without an eye cream, and especially during the winter when it’s possible to have some dryness around the eyes. I like to rotate between the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème and the Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment but am currently trying more eye creams out and will review and recommend the best ones!
Step 6 – Moisturizer
1 of the most important steps to your winter skincare routine is a moisturizer! It basically creates a barrier between you and the climate and that’s very much needed especially in the winter cold. A moisturizer also helps rehydrate your skin and retain it. During the winter, I need to switch a heavier moisturizer whereas during the summer, I use a gel or lighter moisturizer. When I’m not testing different moisturizers or have a few different ones opened at the same time, I find that in the winter, the only moisturizers that actually gets rid of my dry patches and holds the water in my skin all day is the Wishful Honey Balm Jelly Moisturizer, the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, and Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream which I did a full review here.
Step 7 – Sunscreen
During the day, I can’t go without a sunscreen to make sure my skin is protected from sun damage. I use a sunscreen year round when I go out, even when it’s cloudy out since sun rays still penetrates through the clouds. And during the winter, the sun’s rays reflects on water or snow so it’s still important to protect your skin. Here’s A Guide To Sunscreen Use And Choosing The Safest One For You. Currently, I like the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46 (actually want to try out all their sunscreens) or the Avéne SPF 50+ Emulsion for the face.
Evening Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
My evening winter skincare routine has a couple more steps in it since I want to get rid of the day’s dead skin cells and add extra hydration while I sleep so I can wake up bright and moisturized. I love doing my evening skincare routine and going to bed knowing that I’m doing all I can for my skin to get it to a stage where I won’t need to wear makeup, and only wear it when I really want to.
Step 1 – Oil-Based Cleanser (If I Wore Makeup During The Day)
I’ve also introduced an oil-based cleanser to my skincare routine the past year and I have really liked using 1 since it melts my makeup pretty easily and is very moisturizing for my skin. An oil cleanser will do your skin wonders during the winter months and I like that it doesn’t strip my skin of its natural moisture while cleansing it. If I don’t get rid of all my makeup, I like to use my MakeUp Eraser cloth to finish the job (during the rest of the year, I tend to use the MakeUp Eraser instead of an oil cleanser). If there is still a little leftover mascara or eyeliner under my eyes that I haven’t gotten rid of, I usually take a Shiseido Facial Cotton or Q-Tip and use a makeup remover to do a little cleanup.
Step 2 – Hydrating/Moisturizing Cleanser
Whether I’ve used makeup during the day or not, I usually use the same cleanser that I used in the morning which makes things a little easier!
Step 3 – Exfoliate The Body, Face, And Lips
In the next time of my winter skincare routine, to get rid of dry skin and dead skin cells, I like to exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week. And that includes my face, lips, and body. Although I’m moving towards mainly using a chemical exfoliator for my face like the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel which I’m obsessed with and is a non-abrasive cream as opposed to a physical scrub, I still occasionally use them when I have stubborn dry and flaky patches from the winter cold. I really enjoy using the Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial or the Fresh Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash and they’re not too harsh on the skin.
During the winter, my lips definitely do get dryer and occasionally around the corners of my mouth and I need a lip scrub to get rid of the flakiness. I like using the Frank Body Lip Scrub and it has a nice coffee scent. It exfoliates all the dead skin while immediately hydrating it so it feels silky smooth.
For my body, I don’t like to over-exfoliate since it’s already so dry from the winter climate. I only use a body scrub as a “spot treatment” for parts of my body where I see really dry or flaky skin. Like the lip scrub, it immediately moisturizes my skin and allows me to apply my body cream smoothly after my shower. I’ve used the Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub and I love the Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub and it smells so good, no wonder the scent got made into a perfume!
Step 4 – Toner
For the most part, I will use the same toner as I use during my daytime winter skincare routine. But around 2-3 times a week, I’ll use an Alpha Hydroxy Acid toner like the Ren Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic or the Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner for additional assistance in brightening my skin, getting rid of acne scars, and further dead skin exfoliation.
Step 5 – Essence (If Skin Has Dry Patches) – Optional
Like I mentioned in my morning skincare routine, it depends on the day and whether I have stubborn dry patches that I need more help to fight.
Step 6 – Serum
For the serums I use during my evening skincare routine, I usually use the same products as the ones I use in the morning unless it’s a serum that can only be used during the night. An example is The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA that I use to combat acne and blemishes and uneven texture.
Step 7 – Eye Cream
For my eye cream in the evening, I actually use the same 1 as I do for my morning skincare routine.
Step 8 – Moisturizer
Like I mentioned in my daytime winter skincare routine, if I’m not testing different moisturizers or have a few different ones opened at the same time, I will be using the same moisturizers at night. I find that the most important part of my evening winter skincare routine is my moisturizer and I need it to be heavy enough to keep my skin hydrated until the next morning.
Step 9 – Moisture Mask Or Facial Oil
When my skin is struggling during the winter and I have dry, flakey spots, using a moisture mask or facial oil really helps fix this issue the next morning. I like using the Avène Soothing Radiance Mask or the Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask. You will wake up with glowing, clear, and hydrated skin. Another great option if you prefer something that absorbs and is a little thinner than a mask is to use a oil. My 2 favorite oils so far are the Tarte Cosmetics Maracuja Oil and the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil. The great things about these oils is that they are multi-purpose. You can use it for your skin or your hair for intense hydration and shine.
Step 10 – Lip Mask
Applying a lip mask after a lip scrub makes your lips extra soft, smooth, and hydrated. I usually use a lip mask year round a couple times a week, but during the winter this has really been a lifesaver for dry lips. Especially when the corner of my lips are so dry that they kind of rip. Yikes. Although I used to use Vaseline for this problem, I find that the La Neige Lip Sleeping Mask gets the job done much better and faster.
Step 11 – Moisturize The Body
Especially during the winter, do not forget to moisturize your body after a shower. Hot water may feel nice when it’s cold out, but it can dry your skin out even more. My skin gets super dry in the winter and I find that sometimes I need to even apply a body lotion twice a day. My go-to body lotion is Hempz – the original scent just smells so light and luxurious and there are limited edition scents that are also great for the summer. I also really like that they use non-toxic, plant-based ingredients.
Additional Things I Do For Dry Skin Affected By Winter Weather
Although you may have your winter skincare routine down pat, there are a few other things you can do to assist in combatting dry winter skin. The cold has not affected my skin until the past couple of years, and now I’m having to pull out all the stops to fix my skin. I find that the following items can
1 – Use A Humidifier
This has actually made a huge difference in helping my skin with the winter cold. You’ll likely keep your house warm and toasty during the winter months which means that it makes your air even drier. A humidifier restores moisture levels to the air and can help keep the air warmer which means you also don’t need to turn the heat up as much.
2 – Don’t Turn Up The Heat Too Much
The first point leads into my second point. We’d like to turn up the heat during the winter to stay warm but turning it up too high can make your air even drier which in turn makes your skin more dry and we want to avoid that as much as possible. Leave your heat at a comfortable temperature, but don’t overdo it.
3 – Don’t Overuse Hot Water When Showering
I’ve mentioned this in my Ultimate Guide To Getting Healthy Hair, but don’t overuse hot water since like hot air, it can cause your skin and hair to dry out as well. I’ll admit this 1 is tough especially when it’s cold and it feels extra nice when you’re in the shower, but if we’re trying to fight winter dry skin, we have to make a compromise.