When the weather outside is frightful, your skin can feel… less than delightful. Knowing how to care for your skin in the harsh winter months can feel like a guessing game. We’re here to simplify winter skincare treatments — no guessing games or endless scrolling through product reviews required. Get ready to discover the best winter skincare products that’ll keep your skin hydrated, dewy, and oh-so-radiant all season long.
We’ll cover:
- The importance of a winter skincare routine
- The basics of winter skincare to keep your skin glowing in the cold
- Our favorite picks for the best winter skincare products
- Winter skincare tips to protect your glow when winter tries to dim it
Why you need a winter skincare routine
Winter is the season of cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and skin that can feel like sandpaper. Woof. When colder air temperatures, lower humidity, and dry indoor heat team up, it becomes harder for your skin to retain moisture. The results? Dryness, itchiness, redness, and irritation. All the things your glow doesn’t need.
Like swapping out your sandals for snow boots, your skincare routine needs a seasonal upgrade. By supporting your skin with the best winter skincare products (we’ve got suggestions coming up!) and plenty of hydration, you can fight back against dry air and freezing temps.
Bonus! No matter the season, you’ll feel confident, comfy, and radiant in your skin.
Winter skincare essentials
While everyone’s winter skincare routine is unique, a few must-haves will keep your skin hydrated, happy, and thriving through the coldest months. Here’s your winter skincare product starter pack:
- Cleanser: Think gentle, not harsh. In winter, cleansers that strip your skin of natural oils are a no-go. Swap them for hydrating options with superstar ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and keep it alcohol- and fragrance-free to avoid irritation.
- Moisturizer: If summer moisturizers are tank tops, winter moisturizers are cozy sweaters. Opt for a cream-based, noncomedogenic formula to lock in hydration, protect your skin barrier, and avoid clogging your pores.
- Gentle exfoliator: Is your winter skin feeling a bit reptilian? It’s time to exfoliate, but go easy! An oil-based or chemical exfoliator (think AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs) used once or twice a week can gently slough away dry, dead skin without overstripping and helps your moisturizer soak in better for maximum hydration.
- Hydrating serums and oils: Other winter skincare essentials include serums and oils with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or peptides, which not only hydrate but also calm redness and inflammation. They’re the cherry on top of your winter skincare routine.
The importance of hydration
In addition to finding the best winter skincare products for your unique needs, hydration is the MVP for keeping your skin glowing in winter. Water makes up 50% to 70% of your body, and your skin (aka your body’s largest organ) relies on it to stay smooth, hydrated, and happy. Drinking enough water doesn’t just fight off flaky, dry skin. It also boosts digestion, supports your immune system, and keeps inflammation in check.
To prevent dehydration, the Mayo Clinic recommends 11.5 cups of water per day for women and 15.5 cups for men.
The best winter skincare products from our studios
We’ve covered the basics, now it’s time for the fun part — our winter skincare faves! These essentials from our Waxing The City signature line (and a few trusted partners) are too good to keep to ourselves. Ready to meet your new winter skincare BFFs? Let’s dive in!
Exfoliating mitt and sugar scrubs
When winter leaves your skin feeling rougher than a wool sweater, our paraben-free, sulfate-free sugar scrubs are here to save the day. Packed with gentle, oil-based exfoliants, they sweep away dryness to reveal smooth, glowing skin — all without stripping away your natural moisture. Plus, they’re so gentle you can indulge in them daily.
Want to level up the luxury? Pair your favorite scrub with an exfoliating mitt for a spa-worthy experience at home.
Bakuchiol
Next up: bakuchiol, the plant-based alternative to retinol. Think of it as retinol’s gentler, friendlier cousin — perfect for sensitive skin and without harsh side effects. Here’s why Bakuchiol deserves a spot on your skincare lineup:
- Boosts collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin
- Speeds up skin cell renewal to keep your glow going strong
- Tackles acne and pimples with ease
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion
- Evens skin tone and soothes redness like a pro
Our signature line includes products with bakuchiol, like a fast-absorbing body cream and a luxurious face oil, both packed with vitamins and antioxidants. These hydrating powerhouses reduce puffiness, improve elasticity, and leave your skin feeling like a dream.
Bonus: Bakuchiol is so gentle that it pairs perfectly with your regular waxing routine. There are no disruptions, just glowing, radiant skin.
Fur products
We’ve partnered with Fur to bring you a skincare lineup that’s as thoughtful as it is effective. Fur products feature amazing all-natural formulas endorsed by Cerologists and thrilled clients alike. They expertly address winter’s toughest skin challenges, including dryness, irritation, and ingrown hairs, ensuring your skin stays healthy and radiant all season long. From exfoliants that prep your skin for a smoother wax to oils and creams that leave you glowing, Fur’s skincare solutions help you feel your best in your skin. Ask your Cerologist for recommendations and discover your new winter must-haves!
Lalicious
Discover the fabulous world of Lalicious, where luxury meets your everyday routine! With their deliciously scented body oils, scrubs, and creams, Lalicious products are an indulgent treat for dry, winter-weary skin. Plus, you can easily find them at most Waxing the City studios.
4 winter skincare tips
A solid winter skincare routine is key, but why stop there? Give your skin some extra lovin’ this season with these four winter skincare tips:
- Take shorter showers. We know — there’s nothing better than a long, steamy shower on a cold day. But all that heat may be drying out your skin! Keep showers to 10 minutes, use lukewarm water, and pat (don’t rub!) your skin dry to lock in moisture and avoid irritation.
- Turn down the heat. Cranking up the thermostat in the winter can zap the humidity levels in your home and lead to dry skin. Bundle up, turn the temp down, and save your skin and energy bill.
- Use a humidifier. Combat the effects of dry winter air with a humidifier. The increased moisture in the air protects your skin barrier and helps it stay hydrated.
- Protect exposed skin. Bundle up before braving the cold with a hat, gloves, and scarf to shield your skin from redness and irritation.
A final word on winter skincare essentials
Ultimately, the best winter skincare products are the ones that work for your unique needs. Finding the perfect routine and winter skincare treatments might take some trial and error. Be patient with your skin — it’s worth it!
Need some guidance? That’s what we’re here for. Whether it’s expert waxing services, personalized product recommendations, or self-care tips, our Cerologists are always ready to help you glow through every season.
More skincare tips for you
From upping your eyebrow game to soothing your skin, Waxing The City has the products you need to glow your way. Check out all our products.
