Winter weather can be harsh on your skin, but with the right routine and tips, you can keep it hydrated and healthy. Here are estheticians’ biggest winter dos and don’ts to help your skin thrive this season:
Winter skin care DOs
Hydrate inside and out - Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Rebecca's Day Spa, MO
Staying hydrated isn’t just about drinking water (though that’s crucial). Winter air is dry, so your skin needs a moisturizer with humectants like ceramides and silver ear mushroom to help draw moisture into the skin and lock it in, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Apply a facial oil after your moisturizer - Brandy Wyrick, 13 Moons Skin Studio, GA
Facial oils act as a protective seal over your moisturizer, preventing moisture from escaping the skin’s surface. This extra layer helps maintain a dewy, supple complexion even on the chilliest, driest days.
Layer skin care products correctly - Elena Lopez, Shay Salon and Spa, CO
The right product order makes all the difference. Apply your serums after cleansing and toning, allowing their active ingredients to penetrate deeply. Follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration, then finish with a facial oil or SPF to create a protective barrier. Applying your formulas in the incorrect order can compromise product effectiveness and leave your skin vulnerable.
Use a humidifier - Sunni Reynolds, Skin by Sunni, MN
Indoor heating zaps moisture from the air and can leave skin parched. A humidifier replenishes air moisture, helping your skin retain hydration while reducing the risk of dryness, tightness and even fine lines caused by dehydration.
Indulge in a weekly hydrating mask - Dawn Gantt, Bioelements Esthetic Insight Circle Member
Winter is the time to treat your skin to a hydration boost. Masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help restore lost moisture and strengthen your skin’s barrier. Regular masking can transform dull, tired skin into a healthy, glowing complexion.
Winter skin care DON’Ts
Don’t skip sunscreen - Lacey Lathrop, Oasis Salon and Spa, MI
Even in winter, UV rays can cause damage. In fact, they can be more damaging as they reflect off surfaces like snow and ice. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against sun damage and premature aging. Be sure to make sunscreen a year-round priority.
Don’t sleep with makeup on - Barbara Arnoux, Bioelements Esthetic Insight Circle Member
Going to bed without removing makeup is a fast track to clogged pores and dull skin. At night, your skin works hard to repair itself. Cleansing thoroughly before bed gives it a clean slate to work with.
Don’t use hot water on your face - Sunnie Reynolds, Skin by Sunni, MN
Hot water feels great on cold days but can strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face and apply your moisturizer immediately after to lock in hydration.
Don’t stick to your summer routine - Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements Esthetic Insight Circle Member
Winter skin has different needs. What worked for you over the summer likely won’t cut it in cooler, drier temps. Switch to richer formulations with ingredients like squalane, ceramides and vitamin E to reinforce your skin’s barrier and combat dryness.
Don’t over-exfoliate - Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements Esthetic Insight Circle Member
While exfoliation removes dead skin cells, doing it too often can weaken or damage your skin’s barrier. Winter skin can be more prone to sensitivity, so stick to exfoliating once a week to keep your complexion smooth without the risk of irritation or dryness.
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