Winter presents unique challenges for your skin. Cold air, biting winds, and indoor heating can leave it feeling dry, tight, and irritated. To maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion during the colder months, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to address these seasonal stressors. 

Why Winter Takes a Toll on Your Skin

During the winter, lower humidity levels mean there’s less moisture in the air, causing your skin to lose water more quickly—a phenomenon known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This leads to dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. Additionally, indoor heating can further dehydrate your skin by drawing moisture away.

The cold air outside slows circulation, reducing your skin’s ability to repair itself and retain nutrients. As a result, your skin barrier—the outermost protective layer—may become compromised, leading to redness, irritation, and susceptibility to environmental damage. To combat these effects, follow this step-by-step guide to creating a winter skincare routine that keeps your skin radiant and resilient.

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser

Winter calls for a shift to gentler cleansers. Traditional foaming cleansers or those with harsh surfactants can strip your skin of the natural oils that help lock in moisture. Opt for a cream or oil-based cleanser to effectively remove dirt and impurities while preserving your skin’s protective barrier. At NM Aesthetics, we recommend the Epicutis Cleansing Oil, Face Reality Barrier Balance, and the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex during the cooler months. 

Additionally, you should consider double cleansing at night if you wear makeup or SPF, starting with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve residue followed by a gentle water-based cleanser. This ensures a thorough clean without over-drying your skin. For more details on the benefits and techniques of double cleansing, check out our blog post here.

Step 2: Hydrating Toner or Essence

After cleansing, use a toner or essence to rehydrate your skin and prepare it for the next steps. Winter is the perfect time to incorporate products that balance pH levels while delivering an extra dose of moisture.

Hydrating toners or essences with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid help draw water into the skin, leaving it plump and prepped for serums and moisturizers. Some of our favorite hydrating toners include the Face Reality Moisture Balance Toner, and the Hydrinity Hyacin Active Mist. 

Step 3: Serums

Serums are a must for targeting specific winter skin concerns like dehydration, dullness, or redness.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Helps retain moisture by drawing water into the skin, counteracting dryness caused by cold air and heating.
• Antioxidants: Combat free radicals from environmental aggressors, including windburn and UV exposure (yes, even in winter!).
• Niacinamide: Strengthens the skin barrier and soothes inflammation, which can be exacerbated by winter weather.

Layering hydrating and reparative serums in the winter helps keep your skin balanced and healthy. Some popular serum choices at NM Aesthetics include Alastin HA Immerse, Alastin Restorative Skin Complex, Epicutis Lipid Serum, Hydrinity Restorative HA, Hydrinity Sheet Masks, and Epicutis Sheet Masks. 

Step 4: Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to dryness during winter. Incorporate an eye cream to keep this area hydrated and protected. Look for products with ingredients that reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, and lock in moisture.

Applying an eye cream gently with your ring finger ensures you don’t tug on this delicate area, minimizing irritation. For our selection of eye creams and treatments, visit here. 

Step 5: Rich Moisturizer

A heavier moisturizer is essential in winter to lock in hydration and protect against moisture loss. Look for creams with ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or squalane, which work to reinforce your skin barrier and prevent water from evaporating.

If your skin tends to be very dry or sensitive, consider using an occlusive layer like a balm at night to seal in your moisturizer and provide additional protection. Some of our favorite moisturizers include the Skinbetter Trio Luxe, as well as Epicutis Hyvia Cream, Face Reality Cran-Peptide, Alastin Ultra Nourishing, Hydrinity Hyri-C, and iS Clinical Sheald. 

Step 6: Sunscreen

Don’t skip sunscreen just because it’s cold or cloudy! UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and reflect off snow, causing skin damage. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step in your morning routine to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For our selection of sun protection products, visit here. Please note that Clear Cell Acne Lotion and SHEALD are not SPF's.

Step 7: Weekly Treatments

Incorporate weekly treatments into your winter skincare routine to address specific needs:

• Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells that can accumulate and cause dullness. Avoid harsh scrubs, as they can worsen sensitivity. Our favorite exfoliators include Face Reality Antioxidant Scrub, Face Reality Mandelic Scrub, and the Epicutis Cleansing Essentials Kit. 
• Masks: Hydrating masks with ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid can soothe and replenish your skin. Look for ones that provide deep hydration and nourishment. Our favorite masks include Epicutis Sheet Masks (Face + Neck and Decolette), Hydrinity Sheet Masks, and Image Sheet Masks. 

Extra Winter Skincare Tips

Give your skin an extra boost this winter with these simple yet effective tips:

• Humidifier Help: Combat indoor dryness by using a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air and prevents your skin from drying out.
• Avoid Hot Showers: While tempting, hot showers can strip your skin of natural oils. Stick to lukewarm water and keep your showers short.
• Layer Wisely: When heading outside, protect your skin with scarves or hats to shield against wind and cold.

At NM Aesthetics in Arlington, VA, we’re here to help you build a skincare routine tailored to your needs as the seasons change.  If you're ready to explore a personalized approach to skincare, contact us today at (571) 310-3223 or request an appointment here. Let us help you unlock your skin’s potential with expert guidance and top-tier products designed to enhance and reveal your natural beauty.