How to Transition Your Skincare for Winter
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Every December, without fail, my skin lets me know that summer is long gone—and now the real challenge of the season has arrived. Between frigid outdoor temps, highly drying indoor heat, and residual sun spots from warmer months, my cheeks feel tight, my skin looks dull, and some fine lines are more visible. That’s when I know it’s time to switch my skincare routine into full winter mode.
If your skin is feeling the shift too, you’re not alone. With just a few intentional tweaks (and not an entirely new shelf of products), you can repair the summer damage, reinforce your skin barrier, and level up your hydration game.
Why Your Skin Needs a Seasonal Reset in Winter
Winter weather brings a unique set of challenges: lower humidity, colder air, and dry indoor heating. These conditions cause more transepidermal water loss, weakening your skin barrier and leaving you susceptible to tightness and irritation. After months of sun, sweat, and summertime products, your skin may also be dealing with some leftover hyperpigmentation or UV damage. Adjusting your skincare routine helps you proactively tackle these issues instead of simply reacting.
Here are my five favorite winter skincare tips that make a huge difference:
1. Repair Sun Damage with Antioxidants
Even though summer is over, the signs of sun exposure often linger: think dark spots, dullness, or early signs of fine lines. This is where antioxidants become your skin’s best friend again. Ingredients like vitamin C and olive-derived hydroxytyrosol are especially helpful. They help brighten the skin, even out tone, and shield from environmental stressors (like winter wind and indoor heating).
Find my favorite vitamin C serum -> here
Find my favorite hydroxytyrosol based skincare -> here
2. Switch to a Richer, Barrier-Repairing Moisturizer
With the drop in humidity and the blast of central heating, your usual lightweight moisturizer probably isn’t cutting it anymore. Trade in your summer lotion for a richer cream, balm, or facial oil. These products help reinforce the skin barrier, seal in moisture, and prevent dehydration, especially overnight when your skin is more vulnerable.
My favorite facial balm for overnight -> here
My favorite oil to add to your serum or add a few drops to your moisturizer to enhance hydration -> here.
3. Exfoliate Gently to Renew
Summer can leave behind sweat, sunscreen residue, and dead skin buildup. In winter, you still want to exfoliate, but more gently: 2–3 times a week with an enzyme-based mask or a light, non-abrasive scrub. This allows your deeper hydrating products to penetrate more effectively and helps your complexion stay smooth and even! You can use an enzyme mask like this one or a light scrub like this one.
4. Don’t Ditch the SPF (yes, even in winter)
It’s tempting to retire your sunscreen once the snow starts falling, but UV rays don’t take a vacation. Snow actually reflects UV, so your exposure can be significant. Keep using a broad-spectrum SPF daily, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for preventing winter-induced pigmentation and reinforcing healthy skin over time.
5. Soothe & Balance with Hydrating Masks
Winter is the perfect time to lean into hydrating, barrier-soothing masks as part of a little ritual self-care. Try multi-masking twice a week: one mask to gently exfoliate and another to deeply hydrate and calm. This is like hitting the “reset” button on your skin and helps maintain balance, even when the air is bone-dry.
Find the perfect mask -> here
Pro Tip: You Don’t Have to Overhaul Your Entire Routine
You don’t need to toss every product. Think of this as a seasonal wardrobe swap for your skin. Keep your go-to staples, but tweak a few to match the season’s demands. Richer moisturizers, repairing ingredients, and thoughtful weekly treatments are often enough to keep your skin thriving through winter.
Read about my favorite products to repair sun damage and for aging here.
Lastly…
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, practice a little more skin self-care, and build a routine that protects and nurtures. With just a few tweaks, you’ll feel and see a difference and your skin will love you for it!