When the air turns cold and your skin starts acting like it’s been through a drought, it’s time to switch things up. Winter has this magical way of making you crave hot cocoa, fluffy socks, and unfortunately an extra layer of moisturizer. If your skin feels tight, flaky, or just generally “blah,” you’re not imagining it. The dry air outside and the heaters inside are basically tag-teaming your hydration levels.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you. I’ve tested, tweaked, and survived enough winters to figure out a face and body routine that actually keeps skin soft, calm, and glowing (even when it’s freezing). Ready to feel like your skin just got back from a mini spa trip? Let’s go step by step.
1. Gentle Cleansing Comes First
Winter is not the time for harsh cleansers. Your skin barrier is already working overtime, so go easy. Choose something that cleans without stripping your face and body both need a little extra kindness right now.
For your face:
Go for a cream or gel cleanser that doesn’t foam too much. Think CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. They remove dirt and makeup while leaving your skin feeling comfortable, not squeaky.
For your body:
Switch from harsh bar soaps to hydrating body washes. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash or Olay Hyaluronic + Vitamin B3 Body Wash are great options that cleanse without drying.
Pro tip: If your skin feels tight after cleansing, it’s a sign your cleanser’s too strong. Ditch it. Your skin should feel fresh, not stressed.
2. Exfoliate, But Gently
Yes, even in winter. Dead skin builds up faster in cold weather, which means dullness, uneven texture, and products that don’t sink in properly. But before you reach for that gritty scrub, pause, your skin needs gentle exfoliation, not punishment.
For your face:
Use a chemical exfoliant with lactic acid or PHA instead of harsh scrubs. Try The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA for smoothness without irritation. Once or twice a week is plenty.
For your body:
You can go for something like AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion (it exfoliates and hydrates at the same time) or use a gentle salicylic acid body wash if you deal with rough spots or body acne.
Quick note: Always follow up with moisture after exfoliating. Think of exfoliation as “opening the door,” and moisturizing as “filling the room.”
3. Deep Moisture is Non-Negotiable
Here’s the truth winter skin needs more than your lightweight summer lotion. It needs something thicker, creamier, and richer to lock in hydration.
For your face:
Switch to a cream moisturizer instead of a gel. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Clinique Moisture Surge Intense are great picks that don’t clog pores. If you’re dealing with extra dryness or sensitivity, try First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
For your body:
Lotions are fine, but creams are better. Go for Nivea Essentially Enriched Lotion or Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, both are solid winter staples that keep your skin soft all day.
Pro tip: Apply your moisturizer right after you shower or wash your face. When your skin’s slightly damp, it locks in hydration better.
4. Add Body Butters and Oils (Your Skin Will Thank You)
Now for my favorite part. If you’ve never used a body butter or oil in winter, prepare to fall in love. They make your skin feel luxurious, like you just treated yourself, even if you didn’t leave your bathroom.
While lotions add hydration, body butters and oils seal it all in, acting like a barrier against cold, dry air.
Some winter all-stars:
- The Body Shop Shea Body Butter; thick, creamy, and smells warm and comforting.
- Tree Hut Shea Body Butter; affordable, smooth, and leaves your skin baby soft.
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter; a timeless classic for glowing skin.
- Neutrogena Body Oil (Light Sesame Formula); silky, absorbs fast, and never feels greasy.
- Bio-Oil; great for fading marks and keeping skin tone even.
Best time to apply: Right after your shower, when your skin’s still slightly damp. That’s when it seals in the most moisture.
Go for whipped natural butters if the regular ones are too thick for you.
If your elbows, knees, or feet are extra dry, layer a butter and a few drops of oil together. It’s the skincare version of wrapping up in your softest blanket, pure comfort.
5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen (Yes, Even in Winter)
I know, sunscreen in winter sounds unnecessary, but trust me, UV rays don’t take a vacation. They still sneak through clouds and windows, slowly causing dryness and hyperpigmentation.
Use at least SPF 30 daily, especially on your face, neck, and chest. If you spend a lot of time outside, reapply every few hours.
Some solid and safe picks:
- Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 30 Lotion for body
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ for face (super hydrating and lightweight)
Pro tip: Your winter sunscreen should also be moisturizing, so you’re protecting and hydrating at once.
6. Hydration from the Inside Out
Skincare doesn’t stop at the surface. Your skin reflects what’s happening inside, so hydration is a full-body effort.
Drink enough water (I know, cliché, but it’s true). Add foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts, to keep your skin barrier strong. If plain water bores you, herbal teas and fruit-infused water totally count.
And if your home feels dry, get a humidifier it’s one of the easiest ways to help your skin stay soft without adding another product to your shelf.
7. Keep It Cozy
Winter skincare doesn’t need to feel like a science experiment. The goal is simple: cleanse gently, exfoliate lightly, moisturize deeply, and seal everything in.
If you’re consistent, you’ll notice your skin stays soft, balanced, and way less irritated. The trick isn’t about having a hundred products, it’s about using the right ones the right way.
So, light a candle, put on your comfiest robe, and make your nightly routine something you actually look forward to. Your skin (and your mood) will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Winter skin doesn’t have to mean dull, dry, or itchy. With the right mix of hydration, protection, and self-care, your skin can glow even when the air feels like sandpaper.
Keep it simple: a gentle cleanse, a soft exfoliation, deep moisture, rich butters and oils, and SPF, that’s your winning combo.
Photo credit: All photos are from pinterest.
