How to Protect Your Skin in the Winter (Without Overcomplicating It)
- Sarah Walsh
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Winter can be brutal on skin — cold air outside, dry heat inside, and suddenly everything feels tight, flaky, or irritated. The good news? You don’t need a 12-step routine or trendy products to keep your skin healthy. A few intentional tweaks make all the difference.
Here’s how I recommend protecting your skin through winter — in a way that actually works in real life.
1. Limit Exposure to Hot Water (Yes, Even Though It Feels Amazing)
Hot showers and frequent handwashing strip your skin’s natural oils faster than almost anything else. In winter, that barrier is already compromised.
Protect your skin by:
Keep showers warm, not steaming hot
Washing your face and hands with warm, not hot, water
Limit shower length when possible
Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing (within 1–2 minutes)
Use a gentle, fragrance-free hand soap and keep a hand cream nearby
Think of hot water as a once-in-a-while indulgence, not a daily habit.
2. Seal in Hydration (Layering Matters)
Winter skin doesn’t just need moisture — it needs help holding onto it.
The winter layering formula:
Hydrating serum or essence (hyaluronic acid, glycerin)
Nourishing moisturizer
Optional facial oil or occlusive at night to seal everything in
Apply products to slightly damp skin whenever possible. This simple step alone can dramatically reduce dryness.
If you live in a super dry climate, consider a humidifier at night!
3. Don’t Skip Sunscreen — Even in Winter
Cloudy days, cold temperatures, and shorter daylight hours make sunscreen feel optional… but UV damage doesn’t take a seasonal break.
Why winter sunscreen matters:
UVA rays (responsible for aging) are present year-round
Snow can reflect UV rays
Professional treatments make skin more sun-sensitive
A daily SPF 30+ is still non-negotiable — especially for brides and anyone investing in their skin long-term.
4. Gentle Exfoliation Is Key (Less Is More)
Dry, flaky skin can be tempting to scrub — but over-exfoliating in winter often backfires.
Best winter exfoliation tips:
Stick to gentle chemical exfoliants (like lactic or mandelic acid)
Reduce frequency to 1–2x per week
Avoid harsh scrubs or aggressive tools
Healthy glow comes from a strong barrier, not raw skin.
5. Winter Is Prime Time for Professional Treatments
One of winter’s biggest skincare perks? Less sun exposure means it’s often the best time to do stronger professional treatments.
Great winter options include:
Laser treatments
Chemical peels
Corrective treatments targeting pigmentation, texture, or fine lines
These treatments can deliver incredible results when paired with proper aftercare and sun protection.
Winter Skincare Tips for Brides to Protect your skin
If you’re a winter or early spring bride, now is the time to be intentional.
My advice for brides:
Start professional treatments early (ideally 4–6 months out)
Focus on hydration and barrier repair
Avoid trying new products right before events
Remember: healthy skin photographs better than heavy makeup
Winter prep sets the foundation for glowing, natural bridal skin.
Ingredients to Be Careful With in Winter
Not “bad,” but often need less frequent use this time of year:
High-percentage AHAs/BHAs
Retinoids without proper buffering
Alcohol-heavy toners
Harsh physical scrubs
Winter skin usually responds better to repair > correction.
Bonus Tip: Soothing, Hydrating, Skin-Supporting Ingredients to Look for:
Barrier-Repair Heroes (Winter MVPs): Ceramides, Cholesterol + Fatty Acids
Calming & Anti-Redness Ingredients: Allantoin, Colloidal Oatmeal, Cica/Centella Asiatica
Deep Hydration (Without Irritation): Glycerin, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Comforting & Healing Extras: Squalane, Shea Butter
Winter skincare isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right things consistently. Protect your barrier, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and let the season work for your skin, not against it.
Shop some winter friendly products below! I do receive a small commission from products I link.