Winter makes me feel fresh and alive. However, our skin does not always cooperate with us during the cold months. Cold weather and low humidity levels result in dry air, which steals moisture away from the skin every second of every day. Additional moisture helps keep skin looking youthful and smooth. Here are 10 tips to keep your skin soft in winter. Follow them, and you'll fall in love with your skin all over again!
![]() |
Winter skin care |
These winter face care tips are not complicated, so don’t worry. They are everyday actions that will help your skin face the season with courage.
1. Wash in Lukewarm Water
Hot showers and baths always feel good in winter, but they can actually harm your skin. The heat breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, causing it to lose even more moisture. Whenever possible, especially when washing your face or hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping away too many oils from your skin.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
In winter, we often forget to exfoliate the dead skin cells from our hands and face. However, moisture can’t penetrate the skin if dead cells are too abundant. Use an exfoliating mask on your face, hands, and lips, and follow immediately with moisturizer to see smoother skin. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful during the winter months.
3. Choose Moisturizer Carefully
Some moisturizers contain petroleum-based ingredients that can actually dry out your skin in winter. Choose a formula with natural, nourishing ingredients. Opt for an oil-based moisturizer rather than a water-based one, as it will help your skin retain moisture better during the cold months. Moisturizers create a protective layer on your skin, keeping your complexion radiant and beautiful throughout winter.
Look for moisturizers that contain vitamin E, shea butter, or other natural moisturizing elements. These ingredients are not only affordable but also keep your skin soft and moisturized all day long. Make sure to apply moisturizer all over your body, not just your face and hands, because every part of your skin needs hydration.
4. Protect Your Skin and Don’t Skip SPF
To protect your skin from cold winds and snow, make sure to wear gloves and scarves. Don’t forget sunscreen! Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun. If you skip SPF, your skin can become dry and damaged. Use sunscreen with a broad spectrum or a BB cream with high SPF. Apply it about 30 minutes before going outside, especially to exposed areas like your hands. If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, remember to reapply every 30 minutes.
5. Use a Humidifier
Heaters can blow dry, hot air that can dry out your skin. Heating systems dry out the air, so consider installing a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom, to restore moisture to the air and prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated.
6. Drink More Water
Your skin needs hydration from the inside out, so make sure you drink plenty of water. In winter, we often turn to hot drinks like cocoa and tea, but we tend to drink less water. Try warm water with lemon, which is both refreshing and hydrating for your skin.
7. Overnight Moisturize
Thin-skinned areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees tend to lose moisture faster. To help these areas, wear cotton gloves and socks at night to seal in moisture. Apply a hydrating night cream to your face that penetrates the skin slowly while you sleep, providing deep hydration that lasts all day.
8. Avoid Toxins, Specifically Allergens and Irritants
In winter, your skin is more fragile, so avoid allergens and irritants that can trigger outbreaks. Stay away from irritating fabrics like wool, and use mild cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin. Additionally, glutathione is considered a "master antioxidant" that helps detoxify your body.
9. Hydrate From the Inside Out
Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from within. Watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwis, and watery vegetables like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots are excellent choices. Make sure you're getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support healthy collagen and elastin production. You might also consider taking an omega-3 supplement or consuming fatty fish and flaxseed to help keep your skin supple and smooth.
During winter, it's crucial to maintain your skin’s health by hydrating and protecting it from harsh conditions. However, if you've accumulated sun tan over the summer months, you might want to consider some quick remedies. You can learn effective ways to remove sun tan from your face immediately in our latest article here: How to Remove Sun Tan from Face Immediately 2025
10. Use DIY Masks
Homemade hydrating masks can provide the moisture your skin needs during the winter months. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, bananas, and aloe. Mix these ingredients together to create a paste or cream, and leave it on your skin for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration.