Winter Skincare Tips from a dermatologist

Winter can bring a unique set of challenges for our skin. One of the most common questions I receive in clinic is about the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. The two words are often used interchangeably, but they describe distinct concerns—and understanding the difference can help you better support your skin all season. Dry skin is a skin type. It naturally produces less oil (sebum), which can make it feel rough, tight, or flaky year-round. This is something you're born with. Dehydrated skin is a condition. Anyone can experience it when the skin lacks water rather than oil. Cold temperatures, indoor heating, and low humidity can pull moisture from the skin, leaving it looking dull or tired. Over-exfoliating or layering too many active ingredients (like retinoids or multiple acids) can also impact the skin’s ability to hold onto hydration. Many people experience both at the same time—especially in winter. Cold air can diminish the natural oils that support the skin barrier, while heated indoor environments can draw water from the surface. The result is skin that feels rough and looks lackluster, struggling to maintain its healthy glow.

1. The Foundation of Freshness: Skin Prep is Key

Every masterpiece begins with a well-prepped canvas—and your skin is no different. Especially in winter, hydration is essential for achieving that healthy luminosity at the heart of the Cold Girl look. Before we even think about color, we want skin that feels plump, nourished, and ready to glow. My absolute go-to for this (and truly, most days) is our Fresh Dew Snow Mushroom Gel-Cream Moisturizer. This isn’t just a moisturizer; it’s a tall drink of water for thirsty winter skin. Snow mushroom, our star ingredient, is known for its water-binding properties to help boost hydration. It melts in beautifully, cocooning skin in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. For the Cold Girl aesthetic, this gel-cream creates the ideal cushion for color, giving your complexion that naturally fresh, just-stepped-in-from-the-cold radiance. It’s lightweight enough to layer, yet potent enough to keep skin happy and hydrated all day long; crucial when dry winter air tries to steal your glow. Shirley’s Pro Tip: Don’t rush the ritual. Take a moment to gently massage the moisturizer into your skin and let it fully absorb for a few minutes. This mindful step not only preps your canvas, brings a soft, natural flush to the cheeks—before you’ve even reached for your blush.

Why Winter Has Such an Effect

Environmental shifts can influence the skin’s moisture barrier, which plays a key role in hydration. Circulation can also slow during colder months, which may reduce natural cell turnover and radiance. And even though the sun feels weaker in winter, UVA rays—the ones most associated with visible aging—remain present year-round and even penetrate clouds and glass. So how do we help the skin stay balanced, comfortable, and luminous through the season? Here is your winter skin support routine…

When Skin Looks Rough or Flaky

Plant Powderfoliant face exfoliator gently refines the skin to remove flaky buildup without disrupting natural oils. Oat and green tea powders help comfort the skin while fruit enzymes smooth the surface. Pro Tip: Use 2–3 times per week to clear away the surface layer that can block hydration.

When Skin Appears Dull or Thirsty

Bio Brightener Priming Serum combines hydrating and radiance-enhancing ingredients—plant-based squalane, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, broccoli seed oil, and jojoba. It helps restore softness and glow while boosting moisture. Pro Tip: Apply before makeup or wear alone for a fresh, healthy-looking sheen.

Don’t Skip SPF (Even in Winter!)

UVA rays are present year-round and contribute to visible aging. Daygleamer Mineral Suncreen Serum with SPF 34, a broad-spectrum mineral SPF that protects the skin while antioxidants help support against environmental stressors. Pro Tip: UVA travels through windows—important for drivers and office-window sitters alike.

When Lips Need Extra Care

Cold air and wind can be especially drying to the lips. Poutlove Lip Balm, a peptide-infused lip balm with murumuru butter and sesame seed oil, helps hydrate and support softness and smoothness. Pro Tip: Reapply throughout the day—lips have no oil glands, so they need a little extra love.

Bottom line, winter skin is all about balance. Whether your skin is naturally dry or temporarily dehydrated, plant-powered, nourishing formulas and gentle exfoliation can help maintain the look of smooth, radiant, healthy skin—even during the coldest months. Glow gently. Care consistently. And let your skin thrive this season.