How to Transition Your Skincare from Fall to Winter
When autumn leaves begin to fall and winter breezes start to chill the air, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs updating—your skincare routine deserves a cold-weather upgrade too.
While we’re pulling out our chunky sweaters and sipping on warm drinks, our skin starts to feel the seasonal shift more than we may realize—and it needs some extra attention.
Cold temperatures, harsh winds, central heating, and low humidity work together to strip the skin of moisture, leaving it dry, irritated, and more prone to sensitivity and flaking.
These seasonal elements can wreak havoc on all skin types, but for people with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, flare-ups tend to increase and become more difficult to manage.
So, if your skin feels tighter, looks duller, or becomes itchy during the winter months, it’s time to introduce some strategic changes to your skincare regimen for long-lasting comfort.
How can I change my skincare routine in winter?
Transitioning to a winter-ready skincare routine isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t mean replacing your entire lineup—small, intentional changes can make a huge difference in skin health.
By making a few seasonal swaps, you can protect your skin from moisture loss and irritation while keeping your complexion soft, hydrated, and radiant throughout the colder months.
1. Choose a Richer Cleanser
Lightweight foaming cleansers work well in summer when sweat and oil production are high, but they can be too stripping for winter skin that needs a gentler, more hydrating touch.
Swap your gel or foaming cleanser for a cream or milk-based one that’s infused with nourishing ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or avocado oil to cleanse without over-drying.
These richer formulas help maintain your skin’s natural barrier by gently removing dirt and makeup while replenishing essential lipids and preventing that tight, uncomfortable feeling.
2. Use a Gentle Exfoliant
Exfoliating your skin during winter is crucial to remove buildup of dead skin cells that can cause flakiness, dullness, and make it harder for your moisturizers to penetrate effectively.
Instead of physical scrubs that can be harsh on sensitive, dry skin, opt for chemical exfoliants with AHAs like glycolic acid or lactic acid, which work without causing micro-tears.
Using a mild liquid exfoliant one to three times a week can leave your skin smoother, softer, and more luminous, especially when followed by a hydrating serum and moisturizer.
3. Apply a Hydrating Serum
Hydrating serums are your secret weapon against cold weather—especially those containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or panthenol to deeply replenish moisture.
These water-binding ingredients help attract and retain hydration in the skin, leaving it visibly plumper, calmer, and more resilient to dryness and environmental stress.
Apply your serum to slightly damp skin after cleansing and before moisturizing to boost absorption and lock in hydration for glowing skin that lasts all day.
4. Don’t Forget Vitamin C
Even though the sun might not feel as strong in winter, environmental aggressors are still present, and vitamin C is key for maintaining skin brightness and protecting against free radicals.
This potent antioxidant defends against pollution and UV damage, supports collagen production, and helps reduce signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines, and uneven tone.
Layer a vitamin C serum under your moisturizer in the morning, then follow with SPF to ensure maximum protection and skin vitality throughout the day.
5. Introduce an Overnight Mask
Nighttime is when your skin repairs and regenerates, making it the perfect opportunity to add extra nourishment using an overnight mask or sleeping pack once or twice a week.
Look for masks enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, squalane, and natural butters such as shea or mango to deeply hydrate and comfort dry, winter-stressed skin.
Apply the mask as the final step of your evening routine and allow the ingredients to work while you sleep—waking up to smooth, supple, and more balanced skin.
6. Switch to a Richer Moisturizer
Your lightweight summer moisturizer may not provide enough protection in winter, so consider switching to a richer cream that can shield your skin from harsh elements and dehydration.
Choose a formula with emollients like jojoba oil, ceramides, or glycerin, which help restore the lipid barrier and keep your skin soft, nourished, and better able to retain moisture.
Make sure to apply your moisturizer both morning and night for best results, and always layer it over your serums to seal in all the benefits.
How do I prepare my skin for winter?
Beyond adjusting your skincare products, certain lifestyle habits can significantly improve your skin’s ability to stay balanced and healthy through the colder, drier months.
1. Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
While a steaming shower might feel heavenly on a frosty morning, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness, irritation, and itchiness.
Instead, use lukewarm water and limit your shower time to avoid compromising your skin’s moisture barrier—then follow up immediately with body lotion to lock in hydration.
2. Don’t Forget Your Lips
Lips are especially vulnerable to winter damage, so apply a thick, hydrating lip balm with ingredients like lanolin or beeswax every morning and evening—and reapply frequently throughout the day.
Consider layering a balm over a lip serum at night to deeply repair cracked lips while you sleep, and remember to exfoliate gently if you’re experiencing flaking or peeling.
3. Always Wear Sunscreen
It’s a common myth that SPF isn’t necessary in winter, but UVA rays—responsible for premature aging and collagen breakdown—are present year-round, even on cloudy or snowy days.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 as the final step in your morning routine to protect your skin and prevent long-term damage, regardless of the season.
4. Stay Hydrated from Within
Winter dehydration isn’t just caused by the weather—indoor heating and lower humidity levels also contribute to your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable if you’re not drinking enough water.
Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day and consider adding hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens to your diet for added skin support.
How long does it take for your skin to adjust to a new routine?
Skin typically takes between 2 to 6 weeks to fully adapt to a new skincare routine, depending on your skin type, the products introduced, and whether any active ingredients are included.
If you’re adding familiar ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, your skin may adjust quickly with minimal irritation or changes to its appearance and texture.
However, if you’re introducing actives like exfoliating acids or retinol, a slower, more gradual approach is best to avoid sensitivity, redness, or breakouts during the adjustment phase.
The key to a successful transition is consistency—give your skin time to respond, and be sure to stick with your new routine long enough to see lasting results.
Should you use retinol in the winter?
Absolutely! Winter can be an ideal time to use retinol, since sun exposure tends to be lower and your skin is more protected from UV damage, which retinol can increase sensitivity to.
Retinol is a powerful ingredient that accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, reduces fine lines, and improves overall skin texture and tone when used consistently.
If you’re new to retinol, start by using it once or twice a week, and be sure to follow with a nourishing moisturizer to counteract dryness or flakiness that may occur.
And remember—SPF is non-negotiable when using retinol, no matter what time of year it is, since your skin will be more vulnerable to sun damage even in winter.
How can I protect my oily skin in winter?
Oily skin still needs moisture, especially in winter—dehydrated skin can actually produce more oil as a defense mechanism, leading to congestion, shine, and breakouts.
Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores—look for formulas containing hyaluronic acid, squalane, or gel-based textures.
Avoid overly rich creams with heavy oils or butters that can trap bacteria or block pores, and continue regular exfoliation to keep your skin clear and balanced.
Stick to gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and continue cleansing morning and night to remove excess sebum and keep breakouts at bay during the colder months.
Also consider switching your body care products to those containing glycerin or natural oils to support overall hydration without causing irritation.
Final Thoughts
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about making smart swaps and listening to what your skin truly needs to stay nourished and comfortable all season long.
Much like pulling out your scarves and gloves, updating your skincare for the season will soon feel like second nature and help you avoid dry, flaky, and irritated skin.
By following these practical tips, your skin will stay strong, radiant, and resilient no matter how cold it gets—and that glow will carry you confidently into spring.
And for an added boost of hydration and protection, try the Intensive Skin Defence Balm—it’s the winter skincare hero your skin will thank you for.
