When the temperature drops and the air turns crisp, skincare becomes an entirely different challenge. Many people spend their summers avoiding heavy creams or shunning face oils to prevent breakouts, but beauty experts suggest that winter is the time to toss those rules out the window. The goal shifts from lightweight maintenance to intense hydration, moving away from harsh exfoliants that strip the skin and instead focusing on layering moisture to maintain a healthy glow despite the freezing wind.
For many professionals in the beauty industry, a nighttime routine serves as the primary defense against seasonal dryness. Some lean into high performance regimens involving multiple serums and retinols topped with rich barriers like Rhode Barrier Butter or La Mer. Others prefer a simpler approach, utilizing occlusives such as Aquaphor or botanical balms that seal in hydration overnight. From hydrating sprays used between serums to specialized masks that leave the skin feeling bouncy and rosy by morning, these strategies aim to eliminate flaking and redness before they start.
The battle against winter weather extends far beyond the face. Lips often bear the brunt of the cold, requiring targeted exfoliation followed by thick protective layers of healing creams. Similarly, those prone to eczema find that their hands and bodies require a multi step shielding process. This might involve applying lipid replenishing balms immediately after showering or stacking hand creams over a base of Aquaphor to create an impenetrable barrier against the biting outdoor air.
Even those with naturally oily or combination skin are finding that their usual preferences must evolve during December and January. While face oils may feel too heavy in July, incorporating them into a winter ritual helps lock in moisture and prevents the skin from becoming parched. Whether it is through luxury cleansing balms or intensive eye creams designed for sensitive lids, the consensus among editors is clear: when it comes to surviving the freeze, you can never have too much moisturizer.
