Try This 6 Step Winter Skin Care Routine For Soft, Glowing Skin

Last Updated on April 2, 2024

We love the winter season for chilly breezes and cosy sweaters, but it also brings a set of challenges to your skin care routine. While we enjoy a respite from pimples and excessive oiliness that clog our pores, the cold weather leaves our skin feeling dry, flaky, and more sensitive than ever. 

If these skin concerns are on your mind and you need a routine that doesn’t involve slathering thick creams on your face, this winter skin care guide is for you. 

While you don’t need to overhaul your entire skincare regime, a few adjustments to your current skincare routine will keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the season. Before we share some secret skincare tips, product recommendations and routines, let’s understand why our skin experiences excessive dryness during winter.

Understanding Skin Dryness In Winter

Our skin naturally produces sebum, an oily substance that serves to lubricate and moisturize the skin. The quantity of sebum released is influenced by various factors like genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental conditions, such as cold or humidity levels.

During winter, the drop in temperature and humidity levels slows down the production of sebum leading to dry skin. And without the protective layer of sebum, the cold, dry air strips away moisture from your skin, leaving it dehydrated. 

As a result, your skin may show several symptoms of dryness and dehydration, such as

• Tightness
• Dry, scaly patches
• Cracked skin
• Flaking and peeling skin
• Redness, itching and irritation
• Dull complexion

Having dry or dehydrated skin in winter is a common woe, it is just the tip of the iceberg. The cold weather can also weaken your skin barrier and increase sensitivity.

And while we desperately slather on heavy, oil-based moisturizers, it may prove too much for our skin especially if it’s of the combination, oily, or acne-prone type– cue the potential breakout drama.

Fear not, we’ve got your back with the ultimate winter skincare survival guide. Whether you’re dealing with oily, dry, or combination skin, we’ve crafted a step-by-step skin care routine and the best tips to keep your skin hydrated and happy in the chilly winter months.

6-Step Winter Skin Care Routine

Step 1: Cleanse Gently

In winter, it’s crucial to pick cleansers that don’t strip away natural moisture and sebum from your skin. So grab a mild cleanser that is gentle on your skin yet effectively removes dirt and grime from your face. 

Cleansing your skin too frequently is likely to make your skin flaky and tight, so find a balance that suits your skin’s needs. 

For dry skin, a milk-based cleanser or creamy formula that replenishes moisture while cleansing will be a perfect fit.  Even soap-free powder cleansers are a good alternative if your regular face wash seems too harsh for your winter skin care routine.

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Step 2: Hydrate With A Toner

Since our skin loves some extra TLC during winter, treat your skin with a hydrating toner post-cleansing for a hydration boost. The key is to pick alcohol-free toners loaded with moisture-binding ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

These humectants work hard to replenish and maintain healthy moisture levels, leaving your skin as supple as a marshmallow. If your skin is on the sensitive side or has a damaged skin barrier, look for toners infused with soothing ingredients like ceramides or Centella Asiatica that keep your skin calm and happy.

Step 3: Targeted Dullness With Serums

Many of us find ourselves battling not only dry skin but also the sneaky companion it brings along- dullness. Serums will be your best allies in tackling dull skin and will give your skin the glow-up it deserves.

Reach for serums infused with ingredients like Vitamin C, licorice, lactic acid or arbutin. These brightening superheroes will even out your skin tone and help banish dullness and pigmentation.

Also Read: Best Serums In India For Healthy, Glowing Skin 

Step 4: Layer Your Moisturizers

A good moisturizer can level up your winter skincare game, whether your skin is oily or dry. Applying a moisturizer will soften dry skin patches and create a protective barrier that traps moisture.

But instead of slathering thick, greasy moisturiser on your face, try layering your products to achieve ultimate hydration and glow. After applying your moisturizer, dab a few drops of nourishing facial oil on top, focusing on areas prone to dryness. This technique not only locks in moisture but also imparts that dewy glow we seek during winters.

Also Read: Best Moisturizers In India For Dry Skin

Step 5: Exfoliate To Unlock Glow

Once the temperature drops, your skin’s natural renewal processes slow down causing dead skin to accumulate on the surface. This contributes to your skin a rough, flaky texture as well as an overall dull complexion. 

So along with moisturization, exfoliation is a key step in the winter skincare regime to remove dead skin cells and allow your skin to absorb moisture better. 

So choosing gentle exfoliants is important to avoid irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive. If you have dry skin, look for a mild facial scrub infused with AHAs like lactic acid or glycolic acid to reveal softer, brighter skin.  

Step 6: Apply SPF

Sunscreens are not just summer skincare essentials. Even if the winter sun doesn’t shine bright, it is capable of inflicting UV damage on your skin and can accelerate the ageing process. So before you leave the house, apply a generous amount of sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Also Read: Best Hydrating Sunscreens In India For Dry Skin

Winter Skin Care Tips For Dry Skin

• For super dry or sensitive skin, skip the cleanser in the morning and opt for a splash of plain water. It keeps your skin feeling fresh without overdoing it.
• To remove your makeup, choose a cleansing balm or oil. They work wonders in breaking down makeup without leaving your skin feeling like a desert.
• A quick spritz of toner whenever your skin feels a bit parched can be a game-changer. It’s like a sip of water for your face, wherever you go.
• For a minimalist routine, opt for a serum or toner that not only hydrates but also brightens your skin.
• Always apply your moisturizers on slightly damp skin to boost hydration levels.
• Treat yourself to a weekly at-home facial with an exfoliating face mask. It’s the perfect way to bid adieu to dullness and welcome smooth, radiant skin.
• Don’t forget your lips! Apply a nourishing lip balm under your lipstick to keep your pout soft and avoid dry, chapped lips.
• Steer clear of long, hot water showers that can strip your skin of its moisture. Opt for lukewarm water and keep those baths short – your skin will thank you.

How To Take Care Of Skin In Winter Naturally

Building a skincare routine to tackle winter dryness thankfully doesn’t require you to go on a shopping spree. Your kitchen is a secret treasure trove of natural remedies to take care of dry skin during winter

• DIY Face Masks

When your skin craves extra nourishment, whip up a quick DIY mask using simple ingredients like honey and yoghurt. Mix 1 tsp raw honey and 1 tbsp yoghurt in a bowl to create a smooth paste.

Apply the mixture evenly to your face and neck and let it work its magic for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This effortless recipe provides a nourishing and hydrating boost, ideal for those days when your skin requires extra care.

• Natural Moisturizers To Rescue

Natural ingredients like aloe vera, olive oil, and shea butter are wonderful moisturizers that will keep your skin soft and hydrated. They also offer soothing properties for irritated winter skin. Incorporating them into your routine can enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products.

• Amp Up Hydration

When the weather gets chilly, it’s easy to forget about keeping yourself adequately hydrated. So make a conscious effort to increase your water intake to hydrate your body. Herbal teas and soups can help you meet your daily fluid intake during the colder days.

• Nourish From Within

Winter is the perfect time to upgrade your diet with skin-loving nutrients like Omega-3 fats, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants! With foods like sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, nuts, and leafy greens on the menu, your skin will thank you for the delicious nourishment from the inside out!

By understanding your skin’s unique needs during winter and following a dedicated routine, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing. Embrace the winter chill with confidence, and let your radiant winter skin shine!

Winter Skin Care FAQs