When winter arrives, our skin often pays the price. The drop in temperature, dry indoor heat, and biting winds strip away moisture, leaving skin dull, flaky, and irritated. While cozy sweaters and hot drinks make the season inviting, your skin needs a little extra care to survive — and glow — through the cold months.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to take care of your skin during winter, from effective routines and essential ingredients to product recommendations that actually work. Whether you’re dealing with dry patches, chapped lips, or rough hands, these tips will help you maintain smooth, healthy, and radiant skin all winter long.
Why Your Skin Changes in Winter
Winter brings with it a sudden change in humidity and temperature. The cold air outside and the heated indoor air both deplete the skin’s natural oils, which are crucial for locking in moisture. This leads to:
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Tightness and discomfort
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Flakiness and dullness
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Itchiness or redness
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Cracked lips and rough hands
Moreover, our skin barrier — the outermost layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out — weakens during winter. The result? Even normal skin types can start feeling dry or sensitive.
To prevent this, the key is not just moisturizing but building a winter-specific skincare routine that nourishes, protects, and repairs.
How to Take Care of Your Skin During Winter?
There are various steps or factors; following them can lead to a good skin and body care routine. Below are mentioned some point which may help you in getting to the right thing.
1. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine, but harsh cleansers can strip your skin of essential oils. During winter, opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser that purifies without over-drying.
A great example is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser, which balances cleansing and hydration perfectly. It gently removes dirt and makeup while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier, leaving your skin soft and comfortable even in the driest months.
Pro tip: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water might feel good, but it worsens dryness by breaking down your skin’s lipid layer.
2. Exfoliate — But Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that make your complexion dull and uneven. However, excessive scrubbing can irritate already dry winter skin.
Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week, using a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant with ingredients like lactic acid or glycolic acid. For body exfoliation, choose something soothing and moisturizing to avoid dryness.
After exfoliating, always follow up with a rich moisturizer or body oil to seal in hydration. One of the best post-scrub treatments is the Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Gel Oil — it locks in moisture while giving your skin a healthy glow without feeling greasy.
3. Upgrade Your Moisturizer
In winter, lightweight lotions may not be enough. You need a moisturizer that hydrates deeply and helps repair the skin barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin — they pull and trap moisture in your skin.
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a great winter-friendly choice. It restores the protective barrier and provides long-lasting hydration, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin. How to take care of your skin during winter is really a genuine question that requires proper attention.
For nighttime care, opt for a thicker formula like CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which contains peptides and hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate the skin while you sleep. So, for people who ask, how to take care of your skin during winter, the answer is simple follow the pro tips.
4. Hydrate from the Inside Out
Your skin reflects what’s going on inside your body. During winter, we tend to drink less water, which leads to dehydration and dullness. Make a conscious effort to:
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Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
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Include hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and soups in your diet.
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Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as both can dehydrate your skin.
You can even sip on herbal teas — not only do they warm you up, but they also contribute to your hydration goals.
5. Don’t Forget Your Body
It’s easy to focus on facial skincare and forget that the rest of your body also needs attention. Cold air and indoor heating can make your arms, legs, and back dry and itchy.
Start your shower with a hydrating body wash , which energizes while keeping your skin soft. Avoid long, hot showers and switch to sulfate-free shampoos — it helps your scalp stay healthy and hydrated without stripping natural oils.
Once you’re out of the shower, apply a rich body oil or lotion like the Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Gel Oil while your skin is still damp. This step locks in moisture and gives your skin a silky finish.
6. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Many people think sunscreen isn’t necessary in winter — but that’s a myth. UV rays can still damage your skin even on cloudy or snowy days. In fact, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, increasing exposure.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even if you’re indoors most of the time. Sunscreen helps prevent premature aging, pigmentation, and long-term damage.
Pro tip: Choose a moisturizer that already contains SPF for an easier routine.
7. Pamper Your Lips and Hands
Your lips and hands are often the first to show signs of dryness. The skin here is thinner and more prone to moisture loss.
For lips:
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Use a gentle lip scrub once a week to remove flakes.
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Apply a thick lip balm containing shea butter, lanolin, or petroleum jelly.
For hands:
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Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water.
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Keep a travel-sized moisturizer or hand cream with you — apply after every wash.
Before bed, massage a few drops of Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Gel Oil onto your hands and wear cotton gloves overnight for extra hydration.
8. Adjust Your Night Routine
Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself. During winter, your evening skincare should focus on restoring and nourishing the skin barrier.
A simple night routine could include:
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A gentle cleanser like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
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A hydrating toner or serum with hyaluronic acid
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A rich night cream such as CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
This combination helps your skin recover from the day’s stress, retain moisture, and wake up looking refreshed and radiant.
9. Avoid Long Hot Showers and Harsh Heating
As comforting as long, hot showers are during cold weather, they strip away your skin’s natural oils. Try to:
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Limit showers to 10–15 minutes.
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Use lukewarm water instead of hot.
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Install a humidifier in your room to counteract dry indoor air.
A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping your skin stay hydrated overnight.
10. Take Care of Your Scalp and Hair
Your scalp also suffers from dryness and flakiness during winter. Choose sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners to prevent irritation.
After washing, use a lightweight hair oil or serum to lock in moisture and keep your strands soft and manageable.
11. Add Weekly Treatments
To give your skin an extra boost, include masks or treatments once a week.
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Hydrating masks with ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid help plump and moisturize.
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Sheet masks can give instant radiance when your skin feels dull.
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Overnight sleeping masks provide intense hydration and repair while you rest.
For an at-home spa experience, light a candle, put on your favorite music, and indulge in a pampering routine — your skin will thank you.
12. Focus on Nutrition and Sleep
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants supports healthy skin from within. Include:
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Vitamin C and E for protection and repair
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Omega-3 fatty acids for maintaining moisture
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Zinc and selenium for healing and anti-aging
Getting enough sleep is equally important. During rest, your skin cells regenerate and repair damage. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep every night.
13. Maintain Oral and Overall Hygiene
Winter dryness isn’t limited to your skin — your mouth can also feel parched. Drinking enough water and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. Using a refreshing toothpaste like Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste keeps your mouth clean and fresh while giving your teeth a polished look.
14. Consistency Is Key
Skincare results don’t appear overnight, especially in harsh winter conditions. Be consistent with your routine — cleanse, moisturize, and protect daily.
Switch products only when needed and give your skin time to adjust. If you face persistent dryness, itchiness, or irritation, consult a dermatologist for tailored advice.
Conclusion: Embrace the Winter Glow
How to take care of your skin during winter? Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your skin’s needs and making small adjustments — from using gentle cleansers and rich moisturizers to staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun — you can maintain soft, supple, and glowing skin all season long.
Simple habits like using the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, massaging with Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Gel Oil, and applying CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream can make a visible difference.
So this winter, pamper your skin with love, stay hydrated, and let your natural glow shine through the frost.
