When winter arrives, the cold winds, dry indoor heat, and chilly air don’t just bite at your fingertips—they strip your skin of the moisture it craves. If you’ve been layering on creams and serums but still battling dryness, irritation, or dullness, it might be time to rethink your approach. Dermatologists know that winter isn’t about complicated routines; it’s about smart swaps and thoughtful care. Let’s dive into how you can transform your skincare, haircare, and even lip care routines this season to keep your glow intact.
Why Cleansers and Moisturisers Matter More in Winter
The foundation of winter skincare starts with your cleanser and moisturiser. Using the wrong ones could sabotage your efforts before you even start.
- Choose gentle cleansers: Harsh foaming cleansers strip away natural oils, leaving your skin dry and tight. In colder months, creamy cleansers or cleansing lotions are a better choice. They clean without compromising your skin barrier. Oily skin? Stick to lightweight gel cleansers that won’t clog pores.
- Pick moisturisers that adapt to your skin: Winter can actually change your skin type—oily skin may turn combination, and combination skin can lean dry. Ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid are essential for hydration and barrier repair. If your skin is extra dry, moisturisers with shea butter or cocoa butter can add deep nourishment. Sensitive skin? Look for colloidal oatmeal for calming relief.
- Seal it in: Apply moisturiser on damp skin and consider finishing with a nourishing face oil like squalane or rosehip to lock in hydration.
Optimising Active Ingredients During Winter
Winter’s dry air can amplify irritation, especially if you’re using strong actives like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs. That doesn’t mean you have to give them up—just adjust how you use them.
- Gentle retinoids: Instead of high-strength tretinoin, try retinol, retinal, or granactive retinoid, which are less irritating. Lower concentrations and cream-based formulas provide hydration alongside results.
- Exfoliants: Skip the harsh scrubs. Opt for lactic acid or mandelic acid—they exfoliate gently while hydrating. If your skin is sensitive, enzymatic exfoliants from fruits like papaya can be a soothing alternative.
- Frequency matters: Cut back on how often you exfoliate. Once or twice a week is plenty to avoid barrier damage.
Dermatologist’s Favorite Winter Skincare Hacks
Dermatologists often recommend two clever techniques to balance effectiveness with comfort:
- The Sandwich Method: Apply moisturiser, then your active ingredient (like retinol), then another layer of moisturiser. This cushions your skin against irritation while still delivering results.
- Short Contact Therapy: Apply actives like retinoids for a shorter time—say 30 minutes—then wash them off. It reduces irritation while still providing benefits, especially for sensitive skin types.
Video : Dermatologist’s Best Winter Skincare Routine for Healthy, Hydrated Skin
A Real Dermatologist’s Winter Skincare Routine
Dr. Manasi Shirolikar, a dermatologist with oily to combination, acne-prone skin, keeps it simple:
- Morning: Gel cleanser → Ceramide mist → Niacinamide or Vitamin C serum → Acne treatment (if needed) → Moisturiser + SPF 50 sunscreen.
- Evening: Double cleanse (oil-based + gel) → Hydrating essence → Serum (AHA, BHA, or retinoid) → Moisturiser.
Notice how sunscreen stays in the routine—even in winter. UV rays don’t take a holiday.
Hair Care Adjustments for Winter
Your hair needs love too. The cold can dry it out, leaving strands brittle and frizzy.
- Oil it up: Use coconut, almond, or olive oil massages once a week. Warm the oil slightly to boost absorption and scalp circulation.
- Gentle shampoos: Switch to sulphate-free shampoos to avoid stripping natural oils. If you battle dandruff, add an anti-dandruff shampoo weekly.
- Condition deeply: Apply rich conditioners or weekly hair masks with shea butter, keratin, or argan oil.
- Finish with serums: Lightweight serums with vitamin E or argan oil protect against static and lock in shine.
Lip Care Essentials for Winter
Did you know your lips don’t have oil glands? That’s why they crack and chap so easily.
- Avoid licking your lips—it only makes them drier when saliva evaporates.
- Exfoliate gently once a week with sugar scrubs or a soft toothbrush.
- Apply a hydrating lip balm with SPF during the day and a thick ointment at night. Natural remedies like honey or avocado work wonders too.
Beyond Skincare: Lifestyle Tweaks for Winter Glow
Glowing skin isn’t just about what you put on—it’s about how you live.
- Hydration is key: Even if you don’t feel thirsty, keep sipping water. Indoor heating and cold air sap moisture from your skin.
- Use a humidifier: Combat dry indoor air by adding moisture back. It helps your skin, lips, and even your sinuses.
- Healthy habits: Limit hot showers, cut back on alcohol, and avoid smoking—all of which dehydrate and inflame your skin.
Video : WINTER SKINCARE PRODUCT FAVORITES | DR. JOYCE DERMATOLOGIST
Conclusion: Make Winter Skincare Simple and Smart
Winter doesn’t demand a shelf full of expensive products—it asks for smarter choices. Switch to hydrating cleansers, use richer moisturisers, and tweak how you handle actives like retinol and acids. Don’t forget your hair and lips, which need extra care too. Add in lifestyle tweaks like hydration and humidifiers, and you’ve got yourself a holistic winter care routine.
Glowing skin in winter isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what works best for your skin’s unique needs. Think of it as partnering with your skin, not fighting it, through the cold months.
