8 Ways to Tweak Your Skincare Routine for Winter

With winter on the horizon and cooler temperatures setting in, it’s time to switch up more than just your wardrobe. Your skincare routine also needs a seasonal swap. Winter’s crisp, chilly, and windy climate can make your skin feel dry and itchy. Add indoor heating into the mix, and your skin’s moisture can quickly deplete, leaving it more vulnerable than ever.

According to Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, during cold weather, there’s a significant drop in moisture content in the air (a.k.a. low humidity). The skin’s surface holds a certain amount of water. With reduced moisture in the air, skin hydration decreases, leaving it parched, inflamed, itchy, and uncomfortable—a phenomenon often called “winter skin,” “winter dryness,” or “winter itch.” She explains that furnace-heated air can bring humidity levels down to 10% or less, whereas 30-40% is ideal for skin moisture. This low humidity can pull moisture from the air, our skin, and our hair. Long, hot showers—which may feel comforting—can dry out skin further, making it more irritated and uncomfortable. Overheating, sweating, and contact with triggers like wool can make skin scratchy and inflamed.

So, what can you do about it? We asked two skincare experts for their tried-and-true tips for tweaking your winter skincare routine. Below, find eight derm-approved tips to ensure calm, hydrated skin all season.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

“Keep your skin well-lubricated with lotions and creams, especially during outdoor activities in the winter,” Dr. LoGerfo advises. Apply moisturizer daily—twice a day if needed. She recommends using moisturizers that contain occlusive agents, particularly for the body. These occlusives, like petroleum jelly, squalane, shea butter, beeswax, and dimethicone, help trap moisture within the skin. Humectants, such as glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid, are also beneficial as they pull moisture from the environment into the skin, boosting hydration levels.

Use a Thicker Moisturizer

Dr. Kate Edwards suggests swapping out your moisturizer in the fall and winter as the weather changes. “While lightweight moisturizers are great in the summer heat to avoid feeling greasy and sweaty, they often don’t cut it when changing weather leads to dry, sensitive skin,” Dr. Edwards explains. She recommends opting for creams over lotions and looking for ingredients like ceramides, which help restore the skin barrier. For those with extremely sensitive skin, fragrance-free formulas are always best.

Switch to Gentler Products

“While your skin may tolerate stronger exfoliating acids and retinoids in summer, you might need to dial it back as fall weather sets in to avoid unhappy skin,” Dr. Edwards says. She cautions that using too many active ingredients in your routine can be overly harsh when the skin barrier is more sensitive due to the dry, cool air. Limit exfoliation to a few times a week and consider switching to a lower-strength retinoid. Instead, try incorporating hydrating facial masks or a hyaluronic acid serum.

Apply Moisturizer Immediately After Bathing

“When applying moisturizer to the body, it’s helpful to lubricate the skin immediately after bathing—especially when your skin is still damp from the shower,” Dr. LoGerfo says. Here’s how: Pat your skin with a towel until damp, then apply moisturizer immediately. This technique helps trap water in the skin, effectively locking in moisture to protect your skin.

Continue to Wear Sunscreen

A common misconception is that UV radiation decreases in the winter. In reality, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, increasing the risk of sunburn and photoaging, especially for those engaging in outdoor activities, Dr. LoGerfo says. “Even though it may seem less sunny, you should still wear sunscreen daily throughout the fall and winter,” Dr. Edwards says. Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your face, neck, and hands every morning. 

Add a Humidifier to Your Bedroom

“In fall and winter, humidity levels are much lower, leading to increased transepidermal water loss in the skin,” Dr. Edwards says. She recommends adding a humidifier to your bedroom at night to help prevent excess water loss while you sleep, keeping your skin hydrated and rejuvenated rather than tight and dry. “This is especially helpful for eczema-prone skin, which loses water more quickly than normal skin.”

Take an Oatmeal Bath

According to Dr. LoGerfo, oatmeal has skin-soothing properties, making it a great addition to bath time. A product like Aveeno’s Oatmeal Bath Treatment works well. “If your skin is very dry, taking a bath with the Oatmeal Bath Treatment two to three times a week can be soothing and help rehydrate the skin.” The oatmeal used is colloidal, meaning it’s ground into a fine powder that stays suspended in water.

Wear Comfortable, Breathable Clothing

Dr. LoGerfo recommends starting with a good base layer and adding more depending on the conditions. Your outer layers should protect against winter elements like cold and wind, while your base layer should prevent perspiration from irritating the skin. “The base layer should be comfortable and wick moisture away from the skin. Avoid anything that might cause excessive friction, like wool,” she advises.