When you think of winter, you probably picture frosty temps, steaming mugs of cocoa, and your coziest sweaters. But for your skin, winter might mean flaky patches, redness and irritation, and dull complexion. Chilly breezes, freezing temps, and indoor heat team up to zap moisture from the air, leading to dry skin in winter.
But no worries — glowing skin doesn’t have to hibernate! There are plenty of ways to soothe irritation and keep dryness at bay, so your skin looks and feels its very best all year round.
Let’s talk about:
- The causes of dry skin in winter
- How to hydrate skin
- Six tips for winter skincare
- The best way to hydrate skin with specific products
What causes dry skin in winter?
Knowing the anatomy of your skin can help you understand how to keep skin moisturized.
Your skin’s like an onion — layered and complex. At its core, there are three main layers: the epidermis (outer shield), the dermis (the middleman), and the subcutaneous (base) layer below. When colder air and lower humidity levels roll in during the winter months, it becomes harder for the epidermis to retain moisture. Increased use of indoor heat can also dry out the air around you.
The results of decreased humidity are often dryness, itchiness, redness, and irritation, especially for the sensitive skin on your face.
How to keep your skin hydrated in the winter
While there isn’t a “best” way to hydrate skin, there are ways to fight back against the harsh effects of winter dryness. Start by upping the moisture levels in your space (hello, humidifier!) and staying hydrated from the inside out (water, anyone?)
Here are six more tips for how to hydrate skin.
6 winter skincare tips
- Take shorter showers (and turn the heat down). We know — a steamy shower on a cold winter day feels like a dream, but it could actually be making your skin drier. Instead, stick to a 10-minute shower with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry afterward to retain moisture and avoid irritation.
- Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air in your home makes it easier for your skin to stay hydrated — and your sinuses will thank you, too.
- Keep harsh soaps and skincare products out of your cabinets. Harsh soaps, lotions, and skincare products with ingredients like alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can dry your skin out faster than you can say, “winter windburn.” Swap them for fragrance-free options when you can.
- Turn down the heat. Not just in the shower — on your thermostat, too! Overheating your home can dry out the air, so keep it cozy but not Sahara-level warm.
- Drink plenty of water. Good skin starts from within! Staying hydrated is essential to skin health, and can also help your skin stay elastic and balanced — and bounce back from dryness.
- Protect exposed skin in cold weather. When temps feel arctic, make scarves and hats your go-to accessories. Protecting your skin from the elements can keep redness and irritation at bay.
Oils, lotions, and treatments for winter skincare
Controlling your environment and sticking to healthy habits is a great start, but let’s take it a step further. Your skin’s needs shift with the season, and your skincare routine should follow suit. Think of it as swapping your summer sandals for winter boots — essential for keeping everything protected and preventing dry skin in winter.
If you’re wondering how to keep your skin hydrated in the winter, the right products and treatments are your secret weapons. Here’s what makes them a must, and how to work them into your winter skincare routine.
Retinol or bakuchiol
Retinol is a skincare superstar for smoothing fine lines and improving texture, but here’s the catch: it doesn’t always play nice with waxing. Retinol increases skin sensitivity, which can make your waxing experience uncomfortable and potentially lead to irritation. If retinol is already part of your routine, it’s best to pause use at least a week before your wax to avoid any post-wax surprises.
Enter: bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that delivers similar results — like reducing fine lines and boosting your glow — without the harsh side effects and risk of irritation. Even better? Bakuchiol is gentle enough to pair beautifully with your waxing routine, so you can keep your skin smooth and radiant without compromising on care.
Apply bakuchiol after cleansing and before moisturizing to let its magic work overnight. It’s the perfect partner for healthy, hydrated, and wax-ready skin!
Moisturizer
If there’s one non-negotiable in your skincare routine, it’s moisturizer — especially if you experience dry skin in winter. After cleansing and toning, slather on that hydration hero morning and night. Bonus points for applying it right after your shower to seal in every last drop of moisture.
Pro tip: In addition to moisturizer, SPF is a skincare non-negotiable — even in the winter!
Hydrating oils and serums
Want to give your skin an extra hydration hug? Look for products with hydrating ingredients like humectants (ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid) and petroleum or mineral oil to seal moisture in. Squalene, jojoba oil, and lactic acid (AHA) and serums with vitamins A, C, and D can also pack a hydrating punch.
Apply oils and serums at the end of your skincare routine, after you’ve cleansed, toned, and moisturized.
Facial treatments
Here’s your permission to indulge. Many at-home and spa-based facial treatments include hydration-boosting steps like steaming, exfoliation, masks, and serums.
A final word on how to keep skin moisturized
Ultimately, the best way to hydrate skin in the winter months is the method that keeps you consistent. The truth is, glowing skin doesn’t happen overnight — it takes time for your skin to adjust to new routines and chilly environments. So, give yourself (and your skin) some grace as you figure out how to treat dry skin in winter.
Whether it’s hydrating serums and moisturizers, a humidifier, or swapping out harsh products, stick with the steps that make sense for you. Your skin’s unique, and so is your glow. Keep showing it some love, and you’ll be rocking that radiant, hydrated look all year long!
More tips for how to hydrate skin
Need help planning your winter skincare routine? Our expert Cerologists can offer specific product recommendations depending on your skin type and your unique needs. Find a studio near you to get started.
