Winter Skincare Tips

Woman in winter coat and knit accessories warming hands outdoors.

Quick Summary

  • Winter weather and indoor heating can dry out skin, so prioritize hydration and barrier support.
  • Avoid long, hot showers or baths; use warm water to reduce stripping natural oils.
  • Switch to a mild cleanser if your skin feels tight or “squeaky clean” after washing, which can signal dehydration.
  • Consider gentle options like Cetaphil or Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser to help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier near your bed to add moisture back into the air while you sleep.

Winter Skincare Tips – Between the cold temperatures and dry, indoor heating, winter can really take a toll on your skin. Here’s how to make sure you maintain healthy and hydrated skin throughout the season:
  1. Go easy on the hot showers and baths. It may feel relaxing to take a long, hot shower or bath to warm up from winter weather, but this can actually dry out your skin even more. The higher temperatures can cause your skin to shed its natural oils. Follow the Goldilocks rule: “not too hot, not too cold.”
  2. Switch up your cleanser. The cleanser you used in summer may be too harsh during the drier months. Your skin shouldn’t feel tight or squeaky clean after you cleanse. That’s a sign that your skin is dehydrated. Help your skin maintain a natural moisture barrier by using a mild cleanser like Cetaphil or Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser.
  3. Use a humidifier. Hydrate while you sleep! A cool-mist humidifier helps replace moisture lost due to indoor heating and frequently closed doors. A humidifier near your bed is an easy way to aid skin hydration while you sleep.

As always, you can schedule a consultation with our Master Aesthetician Holly to learn more about how to keep your skin happy and hydrated during the winter.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my skin get so dry and irritated in the winter?
Cold outdoor air holds less moisture, and indoor heating further dries the air out. That combination increases water loss from the skin and weakens the moisture barrier, which can lead to tightness, flaking, and sensitivity. Wind and frequent temperature changes can add extra irritation.
Aim for lukewarm water—warm enough to be comfortable, but not steamy hot. Keep showers on the shorter side and apply moisturizer right after you pat dry to lock in water. If you love baths, limit soak time and avoid harsh, heavily fragranced bath products.
If your skin feels tight, squeaky-clean, or stings right after washing, your cleanser may be stripping too much oil. In winter, many people do better with a mild, non-stripping cleanser that supports the skin barrier. If you’re acne-prone, you can still use active ingredients—just consider reducing frequency or alternating with a gentler cleanser.
Yes—adding moisture back into dry indoor air can reduce overnight dehydration and help your skin feel less tight by morning. A cool-mist humidifier is a common choice, and the most important factor is consistent cleaning to prevent buildup. Place it near (not directly next to) your bed and run it during the hours you’re sleeping.
Consider a consultation if you have persistent redness, cracking, eczema flares, or burning that doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks of gentler cleansing and consistent moisturizing. It’s also a good idea if you’re unsure whether dryness is from irritation, over-exfoliation, or an underlying condition. Consultation fees vary by practice and what’s included, but many offices apply the visit toward a treatment plan if you move forward.

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