Winter is a harsh season, especially when it comes to your skin. The cold winds leave your cheeks raw, while the dry indoor air from constant heating strips away moisture, leaving your skin feeling tight and dull. Your once-radiant summer glow can feel like nothing but a distant memory.
Luckily, with the right winter skin routine, you can protect and nourish your skin, ensuring it stays hydrated and healthy no matter how chilly it gets outside. With expert tips from Massage Envy franchising employee and skin care specialist Adrianne Lackey, take some time to build up your winter skin care regimen, so that you’ll be prepared no matter how low the temps go.
Why winter skin care is different
In the summer, you may have struggled with skin that was too dewy. But dry winter skin can leave you longing for sweatier days. “The air is much drier and colder during winter than in other seasons,” notes Adrianne. Plus, constantly transitioning between indoor and outdoor temperature zones can wreak havoc on your skin.
Cold, dry winter air lowers moisture levels in the skin, while indoor heating strips away natural oils. These environmental shifts disrupt the skin's natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.[1] Without the right skin care adjustments, winter can lead to redness, flakiness, and even increased sensitivity, making a targeted winter skin care routine essential for keeping your skin healthy and resilient through the colder months.
Essential winter skin care tips
You may not be able to change the weather, but there are a few things you can do if you’re wondering how to stop dry skin in the winter.
Boost moisture levels
Winter weather can leave your skin feeling tight, rough, and uncomfortable — but boosting its moisture can make all the difference. “Adding some more oil rich products and heavier cream moisturizers into your routine in the winter helps protect the skin’s barrier and gives more nourishment,” says Adrianne. To keep your skin hydrated this season, she suggests investing in a few key products:
- • Moisturizing cleanser or cleansing oil
- • Rich moisturizer
- • Hydrating serums
- • Facial oil
Aim to add moisture at every step of your skin care routine. Start with a hydrating cleanser, and consider layering a serum under your moisturizer to lock in hydration without feeling heavy. For those prone to oily skin, Adrianne advises that it’s fine to focus on moisturizing at night to avoid any excess shine during the day.
Reduce or modify exfoliation
Your skin is bound to be more sensitive in the winter, so exfoliation is something to approach with caution. Over-exfoliating can strip away essential oils and lead to further dryness or irritation.
To prevent this, switch to mild exfoliants like lactic acid or enzymatic scrubs that slough off dead skin without being too harsh. Unlike stronger exfoliants, lactic acid gently dissolves dead skin cells while promoting moisture retention, leaving skin smoother and softer. Research also shows that lactic acid can improve skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production and enhancing the skin’s ability to retain water — both essential benefits in dry winter conditions.[2]
Instead of exfoliating daily, try doing so just once or twice a week to keep skin fresh and smooth without causing over-drying. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust accordingly — if it feels tight or sensitive, it may be time to scale back. After exfoliating, make sure to lock in moisture with your favorite serum or moisturizer.
Stay hydrated
Keeping hydrated is one of the best ways to combat dry skin, but it can be extra challenging to stay on top of your game in the winter. Plus, it’s important to stay well-hydrated from the outside-in too. Think of your skin like a plant — both inner and outer hydration are essential to avoid drying out.
With winter’s lower humidity, your skin loses moisture more easily, so aim to drink enough water throughout the day to support hydration from within. If cold water isn’t appealing, opt for herbal teas to stay warm and hydrated. Tend to your environment by adding a humidifier to your bedroom or living area, helping to maintain air moisture levels and keep your skin from feeling overly parched.
Ingredients to look for
Not all skin care products are made equal. Invest in your skin by choosing high-quality, effective products that target your needs. “Great ingredients to look for in winter products would be ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, shea butter, and humectants such as glycerin. Some oils to look for in skin care products would be jojoba, avocado, coconut, rosehip,” says Adrianne.
Hyaluronic Acid
A powerhouse for hydration, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, keeping it plump, soft, and dewy. It’s especially effective in cold weather when the air is dry and your skin is more prone to dehydration.
Try: PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
Ceramides
These lipid molecules help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and preventing harmful environmental factors from penetrating. Ceramides are vital for keeping your skin hydrated and protected against the harsh winter conditions.
Try: Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer
Squalane and Glycerin
Both are humectants, meaning they attract water to the skin. Squalane improves elasticity, while glycerin helps to maintain the skin’s moisture levels, making these ingredients excellent for combating winter dryness and ensuring a smooth, supple complexion.
Niacinamide
This multitasking ingredient helps reduce redness, irritation, and dryness, making it a great choice for sensitive winter skin. Niacinamide also helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve its overall texture.
Try: PCA SKIN Vitamin B3 Serum
Shea Butter
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter is a deeply nourishing moisturizer that helps to repair dry, cracked skin, making it ideal for winter use.
Try: PCA SKIN Collagen Hydrator
Oils like Jojoba, Avocado, Coconut, and Rosehip
These natural oils provide an extra layer of protection, offering intense moisture while also replenishing essential nutrients to keep the skin soft and healthy.
Try: PCA SKIN Daily Cleansing Oil
“Something else to be mindful of that often gets forgotten about is your lip products!” says Adrianne. Many products in the lip balm market “contain ingredients that don’t address the dryness and can make your lips even more dry, causing you to reapply often! Make sure your lip products contain ingredients that actually provide moisture and can help protect your skin with ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, and vitamin E.”
Build your winter skin care routine
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about how the cold, dry weather affects your skin, it's time to tailor your regimen to your own needs. Here are Adrianne’s recommendations for building your own winter skin care routine:
DAILY ROUTINE:
- • Gentle Cleanser
Hydrate and cleanse without stripping natural oils. - • Hydrating Serum
Address skin concerns like dryness or dullness. - • Rich Moisturizer
Seal in moisture with a nourishing cream to strengthen the barrier. - • SPF
Protect from UV damage — even on cloudy, winter days.
WEEKLY ROUTINE:
- • Exfoliation
Use mild exfoliants 2-3 times a week (e.g., retinol or gentle scrubs). - • Peel Pads
Apply once a week for a deeper exfoliation and smoother texture. - • Treatment Masks
Hydrating or clarifying masks to refresh your skin.
MONTHLY ROUTINE:
- • Professional Treatments
Get Customized Facials, Nourishing Light Treatment, or Oxygenating Treatment for optimal hydration and exfoliation.
Now that you know the essentials of building a solid winter skin care routine, why not take your skin care strategies to the next level? Become a Massage Envy member today and enjoy exclusive access to skin care services that provide deep hydration and relaxation. Visit your local franchise location to discover special promotions and to book a rejuvenating facial or skin treatment that will have you looking and feeling your best all winter long.
