Essential Winter Skincare Routine: Tips for Combatting Dry Winter Skin

The winter glow-up is centered around clean beauty tips and skin care that actually work despite the cold winter weather.

Winter is here, and while cozy sweaters and hot chocolate make it a vibe, the season, and more specifically the winter air, can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry patches, dull tones, eczema flare ups, and that dreaded ashy look? Nope, not on our watch. For women of color, especially those over 40, your winter skincare routine isn’t just about slathering on more lotion to replenish your skin.

This season, let’s lean into an array of clean beauty tips and winter skincare tips that work wonders, inspired by the beauty traditions of the Latina cultures that celebrate resilience and timeless beauty.

The Season and Your Skin is Changing—So Should Your Routine

The shift from summer sun to winter chill means your skin’s moisture game changes and brings on the dry skin. Those lightweight products that kept you shining in the summer? They’re probably leaving you high and dry now. Women of color often battle trans-epidermal water loss (yup, that’s just a fancy way of saying your skin is extra prone to losing moisture).

Take a cue from Latina abuelas who’ve always sworn by thicker balms and butters when the weather turns cold to moisturize their winter skin.

Don’t Ditch Your SPF

When we think of sunscreen, our minds often drift to sunny beach days and hot summer afternoons. However, the truth is that even during the chilly months of winter, slathering on that sunscreen should be at the top of your priority list! You might wonder, “Why would I need sunscreen when it’s cold outside?” Well, the winter sun can be sneaky, and its UV rays are just as potent as they are in summer. In fact, the snow can amplify these rays, reflecting up to 80% of sunlight. That means whether you're hitting the slopes for some thrilling skiing or simply taking a stroll through your neighborhood winter wonderland, your skin is still at risk of sunburn and even premature aging.

Make it a part of your daily ritual with a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer or includes NAD+ which acts as a sun damage shield. Look for one with broad-spectrum SPF and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. The secret to bright, even-toned complexion is religious sunscreen use—even in the dead of winter.

Exfoliation, But Make It Gentle

When the air’s this dry, it’s tempting to scrub away every flake. But over-exfoliation? Hard pass. It can leave skin looking raw and dull.

So, what’s the secret to maintaining a healthy, vibrant complexion in these dry months? The answer lies in moderation and gentleness! Instead of frequent scrubbing, treat your skin to a luxurious exfoliation session just once a week. Opt for gentle exfoliants that can effectively slough away dead skin cells without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Look for products that are rich in hydrating ingredients to keep your dry winter skin healthy.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate (Inside and Out)

Don’t forget about the importance of keeping your skin hydrated from the outside! The dry air indoors can be robbing your skin of its natural moisture and leaving it feeling dry and parched. Enter the humble yet powerful humidifier—a true game-changer for your winter skincare routine! By adding a splash of humidity to your bedroom, the moisture in the air is essentially creating a mini spa environment. It’s like giving your skin a refreshing drink while you sleep, allowing it to soak up all that nourishing moisture, so you wake up with a radiant, dewy glow.

What About Sensitive Skin?

If your skin throws tantrums at the slightest chill, you’re not alone — (dry or) sensitive skin and winter often go hand-in-hand. The key is soothing, gentle ingredients that won’t trigger flare-ups, no matter the skin condition.

Many Latina beauty traditions lean on natural remedies like aloe vera and calendula (like in the Skin Diva Labs Serum & Toner), which calm redness and irritation by providing that perfect amount of skin hydration. When combating dry, sensitive skin, don’t underestimate the magic of these types of plant-based ingredients, to help to hold in moisture to the skin and attract moisture to prevent skin dryness during cold winter months. They’re lightweight, yet deeply moisturizing, helping to repair your skin barrier while keeping irritation and flaky skin at bay. With powerhouse components in your sensitive skin care routine, you have the ability to calm, hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin in the indoor heat or cold outdoors.

Your 6-Step Winter Skincare Routine for Glowy Skin

Cold weather? No problem. Here’s a simple, effective winter skincare routine to keep your skin hydrated, happy, and glowing, even on the chilliest days. This step is the ultimate glow-giver while you sleep. This simple, 7-step routine is all about hydration, nourishment, and protection—your secret weapons for keeping that radiant, healthy glow all winter long.

1. Cleanse Gently, Morning and Night

Start with a creamy, hydrating cleanser that removes impurities without stripping moisture. Look for one with ingredients like vitamin E or calendula for that extra soothing touch.

2. Tone with Hydration

Ditch the harsh astringents! Use a hydrating toner to prep your skin for the goodness coming next. Bonus if it reduces redness and inflammation with calendula or licorice extracts. Pat it on gently (your hands work better than cotton pads to avoid waste).

3. Layer a Hydrating Serum

Reach for a serum with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These work overtime to lock in moisture and give your skin a plump, youthful look. Think of it as your skin’s tall drink of water.

4. Moisturize Like You Mean It

Slather on a rich, nourishing moisturizer designed for winter weather. Ceramides creams are perfect for tackling dryness. Don’t forget your neck—it deserves some love too!

5. Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Yes, even in winter. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning to protect against those sneaky UV rays. Choose a moisturizing sunscreen to prevent dryness while keeping your skin safe.

6. Nighttime Mask Love

Give your skin some deep hydration with a face mask that is also bursting with ceramides, hyaluronic, and peptides overnight to have glowing skin by morning.

Keep Your Glow All Winter Long

Winter doesn’t stand a chance when you’ve got the right game plan. By leaning into clean beauty tips that are perfect for winter, inspired by timeless Latina beauty traditions, you can keep your skin soft and radiant.

Now go grab your favorite serum, slip into your coziest sweater, and let’s keep your skin healthy during those dry winter months. This season, let’s make it about feeling fabulous, fierce, and unapologetically radiant!

Winter Skincare Essentials

Unavailable

Repair your skin in 14 days with Skin Diva's NAD+ vegan Skincare: 5-piece power-house kit. Get ready for a simple winter skincare routine that will dazzle hydration, radiant glow & age-defying magic.