Winter Is Here: Here’s How to Change Your Skincare Routine (And Why You Should)

Don't give up your amazing glow during the dead of winter!

BY Sarah Lim

| December, 2021

Winter Is Here: Here’s How to Change Your Skincare Routine (And Why You Should)

In many areas of the world, cold and dry weather is settling in for the next few months. And while, of course, this means pumpkin spice lattes and the smell of pine needles (mmmm!), it also means your skin is changing. So, it is a must for you to recheck your skincare routine for winter to support healthy skin!

Regardless of your skin type, cold and dry weather can exacerbate specific issues, especially if your skin is already dry. Changing your skincare routine to accommodate the colder weather can help you maintain a glowing complexion even while old man winter is knocking at your door.

What is your ideal skincare routine for winter? Here’s how and why you should change up your skincare to support healthy skin all winter long!

Why Switch Up Your Skincare in the Winter

People who live far north of the equator can experience worsening skin conditions in the winter, especially dermatitis, as well as dry and itchy skin.

As a result of lower temperatures and humidity, your skin barrier may not function like it should during these weather changes, leading to more damage, including inflammation, and more reactivity to skin irritants and allergens.

So protecting your skin in the winter is all about supporting your skin barrier. Your skin’s barrier, which includes the natural oil your skin produces, called sebum, helps protect the skin against damage. It can also help counteract signs of premature aging by preventing skin from becoming dry and damaged.

Based on your skin type, you may need to take additional protective measures in the winter to keep your skin barrier healthy.

How to Change Your Skincare Routine (According to Your Skin Type)

From normal skin to sensitive skin, here’s how to change your skincare routine to support healthy skin all winter long.

Normal Skin

If you have normal skin and are seeking a skincare routine for winter, there are a few essential swaps you can make to keep your skin looking great.

The first is changing to a more moisturizing cleanser. If you’re using a gel-based foam or soap cleanser, it could dry out your skin too much in the winter. Instead, try a cream cleanser to avoid stripping skin of its natural oils during the drier seasons.

Secondly, consider switching to a heavier moisturizer. This step may be unnecessary if your moisturizer is already sufficient and you switch to a heavier cleanser. Or, you may need to add a serum to increase the moisture your skin receives in the winter.

Consider: Tatcha the Serum Stick

With Japanese lemon balm to soothe inflammation, you can use squalene to enhance moisture. And Japanese superfoods such as green tea and red algae, this serum stick at home or on the go to help skin retain moisture. You can even wear over it makeup to add an extra glow.

Dry Skin

Dry skin types arguably suffer the most in winter. It is exacerbated by low humidity and cold temperatures, leading to a compromised skin barrier.

One of the essential changes dry skin types can make for their skincare routine for winter is to switch to a cleansing oil or balm. These heavy cleansers prevent damage to the skin barrier and keep skin smooth and supple.

Dry winter skin may necessitate the use of a moisturizing serum in addition to a heavier moisturizer. You can also consider a face oil for wintertime to lock in moisture.

Consider: John Masters Organics Cleansing Balm

With sea buckthorn oil for omega-3s, coconut oil, and cranberry seed oil, along with vitamin E and cocoa butter, this cleansing balm is designed to leave skin feeling clean, not greasy. It is particularly suited for dry skin.

Oily Skin

Oily skin types may not need to change their skincare routine as much as winter. However, if you have oily skin and you’ve gotten used to using lighter—or even harsher—products during the warm months to remove excess oil, these products may not be the right fit for your skin come wintertime.

If you’ve skipped moisturizer in the summer, you’ll want an excellent product to moisturize skin in the winter, mainly if you expose your skin to hot water in the tub or shower (and who doesn’t?). Applying a moisturizer can help prevent transepidermal water loss from the skin.

You may also want to add a toner to your skincare routine for winter. A toner can help balance your skin’s pH. It also can remove dead skin cells and prepare them to receive moisture from serums and moisturizers.

Consider: Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Toner

With beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in the form of white willow bark to soothe skin, aloe to moisturize, and green tea for antioxidants, this toner is specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin to help reduce the size of pores and control oil for a healthier complexion.

Combination Skin

Combination skin types may start experiencing more dry areas on their face than they did in months with warmer temps and high humidity. This type of skin may benefit from having two different moisturizers to use. The first one that’s heavier for particularly dry areas on the face and the other one that’s lighter for oily areas.

The right cleanser can also be a gamechanger for those with combination skin. A gentle cleanser, like a cream cleanser or cleansing oil, is a must. Following up with a serum and toner may help control oily areas while providing dry areas with the moisture they need.

Consider: Farmacy Honey Halo & Farmacy Daily Greens

Farmacy’s Honey Halo is rich with ceramides, shea butter, and Royal Jelly extract for particularly dry areas on your face. At the same time, their Daily Greens moisturizer is oil-free with niacinamide to soothe acne-prone skin and hyaluronic acid to plump skin.

Sensitive Skin

For all those of you who have sensitive skin, you’ll need to be extra careful with your skincare routine for winter. Your skin barrier is at higher risk of being damaged. It can exacerbate any skin conditions you may have and worsen dry or flaky areas.

Using an ultra-soothing yet moisturizing cleanser is essential, as is a moisturizer that will help protect and nourish the skin. Of course, sunscreen is always a wise idea no matter what time of year it is!

Consider: 100% Pure Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser

This rich cleanser contains antioxidants and nourishing argan and coconut oil to keep skin supple and protected while cleansing. Cocoa butter, honey, and green tea also appear in this gentle cleanser.