Winter always tests my skin.

Between the cold air outside and the dry heat inside, my face can feel tight, dull, and a little bit tired — like it’s begging for hydration. Every January, I take time to reset my skincare routine. It’s part self-care, part survival, and completely essential if you want that soft, glowy winter skin.

If you’ve ever felt like your skincare just stops working this time of year, here’s a peek at what I do differently when the temperature drops. Think of this as a cozy, simplified skincare reset that your skin will actually thank you for.

🌿 Step 1: A Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Winter isn’t the season for harsh cleansers or foamy washes that strip your skin. I always switch to something creamy and hydrating — a cleanser that feels more like a moisturizer than soap.

Right now, I’m loving ones with ingredients like:

Ceramides (to strengthen the skin barrier) Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid (for hydration) Oat Extract or Aloe (for calm, happy skin)

Tip: Wash your face with lukewarm water, not hot. I know it’s tempting when you’re freezing, but hot water just dries you out more.

💧 Step 2: Layer on a Hydrating Toner or Essence

This step makes a big difference for me. Instead of going straight from cleansing to moisturizer, I pat on a hydrating toner — the kind that feels like water but gives your skin a big drink.

Some of my favorites have ingredients like green tea, rice extract, or snail mucin (yes, really — it works!). I like to pat it in with my hands, not a cotton pad, to make sure I’m not wasting any product.

🌸 Step 3: Serums That Nourish

Winter is serum season. Your skin is craving nourishment, not exfoliation. I usually skip my strong actives in January (like retinol or acids) and focus on soothing and repairing ingredients instead:

Niacinamide: Calms redness and boosts glow Hyaluronic Acid: Keeps your skin hydrated all day Vitamin C (gentle version): Brightens dullness without irritation

If my skin feels extra dry, I even mix a drop of facial oil into my serum — it helps seal in the moisture and gives me that healthy, “I drink enough water” kind of glow.

🧴 Step 4: Rich Moisturizer = Non-Negotiable

This is where the magic happens.

Find a moisturizer that feels like a hug for your face. I look for ones with ceramides, peptides, or shea butter — something that locks in hydration but doesn’t feel heavy.

My tip: Apply moisturizer while your face is still slightly damp from toner or serum. It seals in all that moisture you just layered on.

Some of my favorites:

And if you’re dealing with flaky patches, don’t be afraid to “slug” — meaning, apply a thin layer of something like Vaseline or a balm as your last step at night. It keeps your skin protected while you sleep.

☀️ Step 5: Sunscreen, Always

Even though the sun feels weaker in winter, UV rays are still out there — especially if you live somewhere with snow (which reflects sunlight). A lightweight, non-greasy SPF keeps your skin protected and helps prevent dullness and fine lines.

If you want that glowy look, try a dewy sunscreen instead of matte. It doubles as the perfect base for makeup.

💤 Bonus: Weekly Self-Care Treatments

Once or twice a week, I like to do something extra — not because I have to, but because it makes the season feel special.

A honey mask for soothing hydration A steamy shower facial (stand in the steam for a minute, then apply a mask) A lip scrub and balm combo to fight winter chapping

And always — drink water. Hydration starts from the inside, no matter how much skincare you use.

🌙 Final Thoughts

Your winter skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be kind. Think gentle textures, nourishing ingredients, and a few mindful minutes of care every morning and night.

For me, it’s not just about looking glowy (though that’s a perk). It’s about creating a small, consistent ritual — one that helps me feel grounded in the middle of winter’s stillness.

So light a candle, put on some soft music, and take care of your skin like it’s something you love — because it is. ✨