As the seasons seem to blur—I’m writing this on a surprisingly warm 78-degree November day in New York—I’m already prepping my skin for winter by making adjustments to my skincare routine. Each year, I make these seasonal swaps to keep my combination skin balanced and healthy. After all, it’s easier to prevent skin issues than to deal with them once they’ve taken a toll.
To ensure I’m on the right track and not leading you astray, I consulted two board-certified dermatologists about the changes I’m making to my winter skincare routine. Here are the key swaps I recommend:
Swap Gel Cleanser for Cream Cleanser
I always double-cleanse at night—first using an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm to remove makeup, followed by a gel, foam, or cream cleanser to tackle any remaining impurities. In winter, I’m switching my second gel cleanser for a cream formula, which is more hydrating for my skin. Dry winter air can strip moisture, and a cream cleanser helps me retain as much hydration as possible.
Dr. Jessie Cheung explains that cream cleansers contain emulsified surfactants and emollients that moisturize while cleansing. On the other hand, gel cleansers, which are water-based and formulated with surfactants, don’t add moisture to the skin. If you prefer gel cleansers, Dr. David Kim advises that while some are gentle, foam cleansers can be drying and should be avoided.
Add a Hydrating Serum
After washing my face, I add a hydrating serum—something I skip during warmer months but find essential during fall and winter. Hydrating serums typically contain humectants, which draw moisture into the skin, improving hydration and supporting the skin barrier. Dr. Kim recommends looking for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for optimal hydration.
Combat Redness with Calming Ingredients
As someone with combination skin, I often notice my cheeks becoming dry and flaky in winter, sometimes accompanied by redness. Redness and dryness can indicate a compromised skin barrier. To help calm and soothe these areas, I use ingredients like centella asiatica and ceramides, which have anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting properties. Dr. Cheung describes centella asiatica as an herb that contains soothing compounds, while Dr. Kim adds that ceramides restore the skin barrier, reducing irritation and damage.
Swap Lightweight Moisturizer for Rich Face Cream
During winter, I replace my lightweight gel moisturizer with a richer, thicker cream. But there’s a fine balance between a nourishing formula and one that feels too heavy. Dr. Cheung suggests looking for moisturizers that combine humectants (like hyaluronic acid), occlusives (such as lanolin or shea butter) to lock in moisture, and emollients (like ceramides) to soften the skin. Dr. Kim also recommends sticking to a simple formula to restore the skin barrier, rather than using moisturizers with added actives like vitamin C or peptides.
Seal in Hydration with Facial Oil
Facial oils are a great final step in my skincare routine, as they lock in hydration. Oils are emollients that help fill in the cracks of the skin barrier, creating a protective layer that prevents water loss. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Kim advises avoiding oils or using noncomedogenic options like jojoba or argan oil. Since my skin can be oily in some spots, I apply oil only to the drier areas of my face, such as my cheeks.
Use a Chemical Exfoliant Instead of an Exfoliating Scrub
While my skin can usually tolerate physical exfoliants, I opt for chemical exfoliants in winter when my skin barrier may be compromised. Dr. Cheung and Dr. Kim both agree that chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs and BHAs, are gentler on the skin compared to physical scrubs, which can cause micro-tears and inflammation. Chemical exfoliants break down dead skin cells without the risk of irritation. Just be sure to use them sparingly—once or twice a week—so you don’t damage your skin barrier.
Use a Humidifier
Winter air is notoriously dry, which can leave skin feeling parched. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps prevent your skin from losing hydration. Dr. Cheung explains that humidifiers can help maintain a healthy skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss, while Dr. Kim points out that they keep the air—and your skin—more moisturized.
Opt for a Moisturizing SPF
SPF is essential year-round, even in winter. UV rays can still damage the skin, and if you’re participating in winter sports, snow and ice reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure. Dr. Cheung emphasizes the importance of sunscreen during the colder months, as it protects against both skin aging and skin cancer. Dr. Kim agrees, recommending daily use of SPF to safeguard your skin.
These swaps help keep my skin hydrated, calm, and protected as the temperatures drop, ensuring it’s ready for the colder months ahead.
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