During the winter months, the air turns cold and dry. Temperatures drop, and depending on where you live, rain and snow may become part of daily life. With these seasonal shifts, staying on top of your skincare routine is essential for getting through the holidays looking—and feeling—your best.

Skin can easily become chapped, red, flaky, dehydrated, and dull as we move from outdoor time to cozy indoor living. The good news? A few simple adjustments can make a big difference. Here are my top tips for winter skin wellness.

 

1. Start with the inside: nourish your skin from within

Internal health matters all year, but winter (and the holidays!) can be especially challenging. With comfort foods, sugar cravings, travel, and packed schedules, it’s easy to drift away from healthy habits. Supporting your skin from the inside out will help you stay balanced and glowing.

Focus on skin-nourishing foods like:

• Avocados
• Almonds
• Bone broth
• Blueberries

Try to keep added sugars to a minimum—excess sugar can lead to glycation, which breaks down collagen and contributes to premature aging.

Hydration is key.

Cold air + indoor heat = faster dehydration. Aim for plenty of water and consider adding electrolytes to help your body retain hydration more efficiently.

 

2. Keep moving (even when it’s cold)

Don’t skip exercise in winter. Sweating and getting your heart rate up supports circulation, reduces stress, and gives your skin that extra glow.

Between holiday events, travel, and a busy schedule, your body, mind, and skin can take a beating. Even a short daily workout or walk can help reset your energy and keep your complexion bright.

 

3. Breathe for a natural glow

Stress shows up on the skin quickly—especially in winter. One of the simplest ways to calm your nervous system (and improve your complexion) is intentional breathing.

Slowing down your breath for just a few minutes a day can relieve tension, lower cortisol, and boost circulation, which often translates to healthier-looking skin.

Simple breathing technique:

• Sit comfortably and breathe in slowly through your nose.
• Exhale slowly through your nose.
• Continue for 5–10 minutes.
• To finish, take one last breath in through your nose, pause briefly, then release slowly through your mouth.

 

4. Adjust your skincare routine for winter

When the temperature shifts, your skin’s balance shifts too. Winter skin often needs more hydration, gentler exfoliation, facial massage, and extra TLC.

This is usually the time to:

• Swap a gel cleanser for a cream cleanser
• Trade your light moisturizer for a heavier cream
• Add in barrier-supporting products (like oils, ceramides, and antioxidants)

It’s also a great season to start a retinol protocol or schedule a facial treatment. Sometimes a professional “reset” with your trusted esthetician is the perfect way to kickstart your winter wellness routine.

By listening to what your skin needs during seasonal changes, you can avoid dryness and discomfort before they take hold.

 

A simple winter skin protocol anyone can follow

1. Cleanse gently

Use a less harsh cleanser. Consider starting with an oil cleanse for a double-cleanse approach, then follow with a cream-based cleanser to support fragile winter skin.

2. Hydrate throughout the day

Apply a hydrating toner, mist, hydrosol, or essence after cleansing—and feel free to reapply as needed:

• Post-makeup application
• Mid-day pick-me-up
• Evening routine staple

3. Mask weekly

Use a mask rich in antioxidants to help keep the skin barrier protected and strong.

4. Targeted serum

Choose a restorative or rejuvenating serum based on what your skin is showing you—pigmentation, dryness, fine lines, or loss of firmness. 

5. Moisturize and seal it in

Lock in hydration with a nourishing moisturizer to keep skin plump and protected against winter elements.

 

My winter product picks

Here are a few options I love from Modern Radiance and Lake Oswego Health Center to keep winter skin healthy and glowing:

Inside skin wellness:

• Nutrafol
• Vitamins C and D

Topical favorites:

• Luminar UltraRenew AHA
• Luminar Glow & Hydrate Serum
• Luminar O3 Evening Reset

 

Keep your winter routine glowing and find all of these in our store.