Skincare Habits to Stay Glowing Through Winter
Hey girl heyyy!
Look, cooler weather does NOT play fair with anybody’s skin. One day you’re glowy, hydrated, and moisturized, the next, your face feels tight before noon, your setting powder has got you looking a bit TOO matte, and your body lotion might as well be water. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror mid-winter and thought, “Why do I look so DRY even when I KNOW I put lotion on earlier??!”. You’re not alone! Cold air, indoor heat, and low humidity team up to pull moisture out of your skin, not put it in. But the good news? I’ve got a few intentional habits that can keep you radiant all winter long!
Let’s break down the changes that actually make a difference:
1. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is basically your winter bodyguard. When it’s strong, your skin stays soft, smooth, and irritation-free. When it’s weak? Dryness, flakes, tightness, and that “I just moisturized… why am I dry again?!” feeling. Focus on products that rebuild and protect such as ceramides, peptides, and fatty-acid rich creams. This is the season to swap your lightweight moisturizer for something richer. And if your skin’s feeling extra sensitive, a barrier balm in your nighttime routine can be a game-changer.
For your face products, try: Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer
For your body products, try: Naturium Urea 5% Body Serum OR Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion
2. Upgrade Your Cleanser
A lot of winter dryness starts with your cleanser. Foaming, stripping washes can make your skin feel squeaky-clean… but also tight, irritated, and dehydrated. That’s not gonna fly in the colder weather. During colder months, go for hydrating cleansers that keep moisture in while still getting the job done. Look for formulas with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help your skin feel comfortable before you even reach for moisturizer.
For your face: CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Facial Cleanser
For your body: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash OR Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
3. Layer Moisture Like It Matters
One moisturizer is not always enough in winter. Especially if you want glow that lasts all day. Here’s the simple layering order that actually works:
Start with a hydrating toner (like: Byoma Milky Toner)
Follow with a rich cream (like: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream +)
For the body, try a heavier lotion + a body oil if you want extra protection (like: Keri Lotion + Neutrogena body oil)
This combo traps hydration, keeps dry patches away, and gives your skin a healthy, plump look. It’s also the secret to why some people still look radiant even when it’s freezing.
4. Prep Your Skin for Makeup
A lot of winter makeup problems aren’t makeup problems, they’re actually moisture problems. If your foundation is creasing, looking patchy, or uneven, your base needs more hydration. Using a moisturizing primer or a winter-friendly cream can make your makeup blend smoother and last longer. Cream blushes and dewy complexion products also play much nicer with dry winter skin than powders. In the summer I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water gel but in the winter, I switch to Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream + which is the same product, full of hyaluronic acid BUT slightly heavier for the cold weather.
5. Don’t Forget Your Body
Winter body dryness is its own villain. Shins? Ashy. Elbows? Rough. Hands? Dry five minutes after washing. A thick body cream or body butter will save you. Bonus points if it includes shea butter, cocoa butter, or oils that lock moisture in like BodyVibez. And the timing mattersapply right after your shower while your skin is still slightly damp to seal everything in.
For the body, try a heavier lotion/body butter + a body oil if you want extra protection (like: Keri Lotion or BodVibez Body Butter + Neutrogena body oil).
6. Add Moisture to Your Environment
Sometimes your routine is perfect but it’s your environment that’s the problem.
A humidifier can make a huge difference, especially overnight. And while hot showers feel heavenly in winter, they strip your skin like crazy, so try warm instead of scalding hot. Lastly, we naturally drink less water when it’s cold, but your skin still needs it. Hydration starts from the inside out so fill up that water bottle girl! And chug it down!
The Bottom Line
Winter doesn’t have to be the season where your glow goes into hibernation. With a few simple tweaks, stronger barrier support, gentler cleansing, intentional moisture layering, and better body care, you can stay soft, hydrated, and radiant from December through March! Once you pick the right products, it becomes way easier. Start with one or two of these tweaks, then build from there.
Your glow can absolutely survive winter, you just need the right habits on your side! Check out the skincare routines on TikTok/IG to see skincare in action! You can do this! Let’s get glowing!
xo,
Keri
