How to Do Winter Skincare Right

Winter skincare for all skin types

Winter can be harsh on your skin; it’s the season of chapped lips, dull skin, and that tight, uncomfortable feeling no one likes. With a little adjustment to your routine, you can come out of these colder months with healthy, glowing skin.

Re-Asses Your Skin Type

Your skin type can change with the seasons, so it’s important to assess its current needs. I have oily skin, but this winter, my skin has been dryer than usual. If your skin has changed too, don’t worry. You don’t have to navigate these changes alone. Use these tips to help identify your winter skincare needs:

• If your skin feels dry and cracked...

  • Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and avoid foaming cleansers and harsh exfoliants.

  • Add hydrating serums and oils to protect your skin barrier.

• If your skin looks dull and lackluster...

  • Incorporate ceramides and peptides for a plump, hydrated appearance.

  • Explore resurfacing treatments like dermaplaning or chemical peels.

  • Add brightening ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide to even out your skin tone.

• If your skin is irritated and acne-prone...

  • Simplify your routine and cut back on active ingredients.

  • Exfoliate gently, no more than 1–2 times per week, with a lactic acid-based exfoliator.

  • Focus on hydrating ingredients to repair your skin barrier.

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Hydration Heroes

Hydration isn’t just about slapping on moisturizer—it’s about incorporating the right ingredients throughout your routine.

• Ingredients to Look For

  • Hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, marula oil, glycerin.

• Serum Recommendations

  • Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

  • The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

  • Byoma Hydrating Serum

  • Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule

  • Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum

• Hydrating Cleansers to Try

  • Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

  • Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

  • Murad Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser

  • Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

• Moisturizers to Protect Your Barrier

  • Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

  • Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

  • Medicube Triple Collagen Boost Cream

  • Skinfix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream

  • Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

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Nourish from Within

What you eat impacts your skin’s hydration levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids and water rich foods are excellent for winter hydration and skin health because they help maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing dryness and inflammation. Here are some omega-3-rich foods to incorporate into your diet for hydrated skin during winter:

Seafood

• Salmon – Great source of omega-3s, plus it’s rich in vitamin D and protein for skin repair.

• Mackerel – Packed with healthy fats and vitamin B12.

• Sardines – Full of omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D.

• Tuna – Fresh or canned in water.

• Herring –  A fatty fish that's great for the skin.

Plant-Based Sources

• Chia Seeds – High in omega-3s and fiber

• Flaxseeds – Ground flaxseeds are easier to digest.

• Walnuts – High in omega-3s, fiber, and protein.

• Hemp Seeds – High in omega-3s and fiber

• Brussels Sprouts – Contain ALA omega-3s, along with vitamins C and K.

Oils

• Flaxseed Oil 

• Walnut Oil

• Algal Oil – A vegan omega-3 source derived from algae, often used in supplements but also available as a cooking oil.

Other Sources

• Eggs – Look for omega-3 enriched eggs.

• Edamame – Contains small amounts of ALA.

• Seaweed and Algae – Rich in nutrients and omega-3s
  

Water-rich foods:

Fruits

• Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Grapefruits, Mandarins)

• Pomegranates

• Apples

• Pears

• Cranberries

Vegetables

• Cucumbers

• Celery

• Carrots

• Spinach

• Zucchini

Soups and Broths

• Bone Broth

• Vegetable Broth

• Miso Soup

Dairy and Alternatives

• Yogurt

  • Contains water and probiotics for gut health, which also affects skin hydration.

• Coconut Water

  • Excellent for hydration and electrolytes, even in winter.

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Rapid Fire Winter Skincare Tips

• If your skin feels tight after cleansing, swap to a gentler product.

• Apply serums and moisturizers while your skin is slightly damp for better absorption.

• Invest in a humidifier to combat dry indoor air.

• Treat your skin to an overnight mask once or twice a week.

• Drink more water! Hydration starts from the inside.

• Don’t skip sunscreen—UV rays don’t hibernate! Use SPF 30 or higher.

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It’s going to take some extra care and attention to keep your skin hydrated, glowing throughout this icy season. Good luck and stay warm!