Winter can cause a lot of damage to your skin, making it dry, flaky, and irritated. If you notice that the makeup that you’ve been using every day is falling apart, getting loose in dry areas, and your go-to summer light moisturiser is now too much to handle, you’ve certainly felt the effects of the cold weather.
The changes in a skin care routine don’t have to be drastic during the winter: you just need to change the way you use or apply your current products and/or replace them when they are being used too much.
A softer rinse, a serum to hydrate in a way that is suitable for you, and a moisturiser to help support you throughout the season will take some of the frustration out of your beauty routine.
Read on for our favorite product recommendations and tips to create the ideal winter skin care regimen.
Why Your Skin Feels Different in Winter
Cold outdoor weather and dry indoor heating can disrupt your skin’s natural moisture in the winter. Generally, the colder the air, the less moisture it contains; and indoor heating systems will remove moisture from the air and make it even more difficult for your skin to hold onto moisture. This can cause tightness, roughness, dryness, or irritation to your skin.
These changes also can cause your skin’s barrier to be weaker and let moisture out more easily. Dry, flaking patches in and around your cheeks, nose, and forehead may be noticed, particularly when washing your face and/or applying makeup.
But if you’re dry in winter, it doesn’t mean that your skin type has changed. While you may have oily or combination skin in general, some parts of your face may feel drier or more sensitive during the colder months.
Products that you used during the summer months may also cause different reactions on your skin. For instance, the moisturiser you used to use in the summer won’t necessarily be sufficient in the winter.
Knowing about these seasonal changes can help you understand what is happening to your skin and what you might need to do to help protect and moisturise it. By practicing proper skin care, you can help your skin function better throughout the winter months, leaving your skin soft, smooth and healthy-looking.
Adjust Your Cleanser: Aim for Comfortable, Clean Skin
Check How Your Face Feels After Washing
If your face feels tight after washing it, your cleanser might be too harsh. It may be time to switch to a gentler one. Oil is very easily washed off during warm weather, but during cold weather it may be too dry.
Try to find a mint- and fragrance-free formula. Not all textures suggest mildness of a cleanser, and creamy/milky textures can be helpful for dry skin. A comfortable formulation of gel is also good.
The cold weather can make skin dry and tight, so treat it well. With Flawless Bloom Gentle Facial Cleanser as the first step in your routine you can experience a fresh, comfortable clean all season long. Light gel formula has high glycerin, panthenol, and fruit extracts that are designed to deeply cleanse and maintain moisture balance. If you’re looking for a gel-type texture and prioritise comfort during your cleansing routine, it could be a worthwhile option to consider.
Another option that can be considered is Flawless Bloom Charcoal Facial Cleanser for those who still feel they are using too much oil and getting oil build-up every day. Contains aloe vera, activated charcoal, and glycerine. The ideal one is the one that leaves your skin feeling comfortable after being applied is what it is – a charcoal formula may not be the best one for everyone. Both can be used as options for cleansing in your daily cleansing step.
At the end of the cleaning procedure, the skin should be fresh and comfortable.
Change Your Technique Before Adding Products
Rinse, rub with fingertips and cleanse with lukewarm water. It can be nice to have a hot water bath in the morning on a cold winter day, but it can also be excessive dryness.
Gently pat your face with a clean towel, rather than rub. Don’t use flaky patches to scrub or use rough cloths; it will irritate even more.
If you have make-up or waterproof sun block that won’t come off, it might be necessary to double clean. It is not about crossing off something; it has to be a job that is meaningful and purposeful. If a gentle wash was able to take off what you wear, then another one might not be necessary.
Change cleansing frequency, if needed, based on your needs and/or treatment directions. If it is very dry, discuss with your healthcare provider about having a lighter wash in the morning. Take off makeup/sunscreen at night as you do.
Adjust Your Serum: Choose Support Over Extra Strength
Decide as to whether or not a hydrating step is needed
A serum is not required even in the winter season. If you’ve been using a cleanser and a moisturiser that suits your skin and is comfortable in all seasons, there’s no need to change your skin care routine because of the change of seasons.
If there is a tightness, a hydrating serum may be beneficial. Many moisturisers contain ingredients that can bind and hold water molecules, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Before purchasing a new formula, see what you have on hand.
Apply this serum as directed and then apply a moisturiser. There are formulas that are hydrating for slightly damp skin, but this isn’t the case with every formula. Read the directions carefully – not everything labels as a serum will be effective.
If you’re looking for a product that can help you look younger and fresher, Flawless Bloom PDRN Brightening Serum is a great choice. Contains glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, and panthenol. The brand suggests applying it to clean and dry skin and then lubricating with a moisturizer. Don’t use it as more than one formula layered on your serum.
Keep Your Main Skin Concern in Mind
Don’t give up on goals like addressing uneven tone when it comes to hydration in the wintertime. A well-tolerated treatment can be maintained and a less harsh routine implemented around the treatment.
If you’re more interested in even-toned skin, Flawless Bloom Vitamin Glow Face Serum has a different focus. It is rich in niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and vitamin E and is designed to help maintain hydration and improve the appearance of skin. When it comes to hydration and a brighter complexion, compare PDRN Brightening Serum to other options for hydration and a brighter complexion; choose the option based on your needs and tolerance.
Test a new product first on a small area, and then expand to a larger area. Avoid starting a brightening treatment, exfoliating toner, and retinol together. When irritation occurs, it’s much more difficult to determine the source.
Keep in mind that dry, flaky skin can make skin look dull too. Before applying another product to give you a radiant look, consider if your current beauty regimen just requires enhanced hydration.
Reassess Stronger Treatments When Skin Feels Sensitive
Retinol and exfoliating acids don’t have to go away in winter. But you might find yourself needing to do it less often than you’re used to because of the dryness.
If OTC treatment irritates, follow the directions to decrease or stop use until your skin calms down. If using a prescribed treatment, please consult your Dermatologist for information on making changes to the treatment routine.
Don’t overstrengthen the skin if it’s already uncomfortable. Apply retinol at night, as directed, and continue sun protection during the day. If a burning sensation is still present after application, or if the area is red or has a rash, take notice of it, not another product.
Adjust Your Moisturiser: Match the Texture to Your Needs
Choose a Richer Formula When Necessary
In wet or humid weather, it can be used in the form of a light lotion, which is less cosy in winter. If you find that your face is drying out again shortly after you’ve applied the product, you might want to take a look at a cream that offers better power to hold moisture.
Keeping your skin hydrated requires ingredients that help attract moisture and support its natural protective barrier. Flawless Bloom Hydrating Watermelon Face Moisturiser contains ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, which work in different ways to support skin hydration. Ceramides help maintain the skin barrier, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract and retain moisture. The formula also includes soothing ingredients that may help ease dryness and keep the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, products without fragrance are a good idea to start with. A nice fragrance won’t keep the water in, and it can be sensitising for certain individuals.
Apply It Before Your Skin Feels Tight
Moisturiser should be used straight after cleansing, unless the treatment requires dry skin, in which case it is best to skip moisturiser. This will retain moisture.
People with combination skin may require a little extra cream on their face, and less on their forehead and nose. If your skin is oily/acneic, you might want to use a lighter, non-comedogenic (non-clogging) formula instead of the thickest one.
A little of an appropriate ointment can be applied to help prevent dehydration in very dry areas. It is not necessary to cover your entire face.
A Simple Morning Routine for Winter
Use a mild cleanser suitable for your skin. Dry thoroughly and, if necessary, apply a serum as directed.
Apply moisturiser, treating dry patches accordingly. Top off with a sunscreen that protects against a large range of harmful UV rays with an SPF of at least 30. Low temperatures and cloudy skies are no excuse for not using sun protection.
Apply sufficient amounts of sunscreen repeatedly (about every two hours) to exposed skin, especially after swimming, exercising, or sweating, as directed. Wear protective clothing and stay in the shade as well.
A Simple Evening Routine for Winter
Gently remove make-up and sunscreen and then cleanse without scrubbing. Use only if you are comfortable with it and need it for your skin care regimen.
Follow with moisturiser. If your face is hurting or in need of moisturization more than usual in the evenings, it may be better to have a simpler night-time regimen than to introduce exfoliation.
Build a Winter Routine Your Skin Will Love
The skin does not need a complete change of its regime in the winter. It requires some minor, delicate adjustments. Begin with feeling your face after you wash it. If it is tight, use a less abrasive soap and warm water instead. If your skin is still dry, use a hydrating serum.
When signs of inflammation occur, apply more potent products such as retinol or exfoliating acids less frequently. If your summer skin care product dries out too fast, switch to a richer moisturiser, and put it on when your skin is slightly moist. Apply sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or above daily, even on cloudy days. Don’t change more than one step at a time; see how the skin reacts, and don’t change anything that makes it feel calm and comfortable during the cold winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I change my skincare routine for winter?
A: Use a mild cleanser, moisturise if necessary, and use a moisturiser to prevent dryness.
2. Which ingredients are best for keeping skin hydrated in winter?
A: Moisture retention, skin barrier support, and reducing skin dryness are provided by hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
3. Should I use sunscreen during winter?
A: Yes, using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day will provide protection from damaging UV rays, even on winter cloudy days.
Sources :
Effects of winter indoor environment on the skin: Unveiling skin condition changes in Korea
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10264749/
Sun protection: a practical guide for health professionals
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12566446/
Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence