Back to all

Cold Weather, Hot Skin Tips

Picture of Sandra
Sandra
I have been in the beauty industry for over 12 years and I am very passionate about skincare. Expertise: Knowing how to have the best possible skincare regime and products.
View all posts by this author

When winter rolls in, your skin shouldn’t have to suffer. Between icy winds and indoor heating, hydration takes a major hit—but don’t worry, we’ve got the ultimate layering guide to keep your glow going strong.

From cleansers to creams (and everything in between), here’s how to layer your skincare for maximum hydration this Winter!

Start with a gentle cleanser:

In winter, you want to avoid stripping your skin off its natural oils. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that cleanses your skin without leaving it feeling tight. Look for formulas with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.

My tip: Avoid foaming cleansers with sulfates, they can be too harsh during colder months. Instead look for gentle and hydrating cleansers such as cream, milk, balm, or oil-based cleansers.

Cleansers to choose from:

  1. Erborian Centella Cleansing Balm
  2. Erborian Double Mousse
  3. Mary and May Cleansing Foam
  4. Laneige Water Bank HA Cleansing Foam

Apply a hydrating toner or essence

Right after cleansing, apply a toner or essence that is designed to replenish moisture. This helps to prep your skin for the next step and allows subsequent products to absorb more effectively.

My tip: Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica or Panthenol. Pat toner or essence on immediately after cleansing while your skin is sightly damp. This locks in moisture better.  Layer if needed. Apply 1-3 light layers of toner/essence, allowing each to absorb before the next.  Great for dry or dehydrated skin in cold climates.

 

Toners and Essences to choose from:

  1. Mary and May Vegan Blackberry Complex Cream Essence
  2. Laneige Water Bank Blue HA Revitalizing Toner
  3. L’occitane Immortelle Reset Tri-phase essence
  4. Laneige Cream Skin Essence

 

Use a water-based serum

Layer a hydrating serum rich in humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, or Beta-Glucan) to draw water into your skin. Serums penetrate deeper into the skin than creams, making them a crucial step in a winter skincare routine.

My tip: Apply your serum while your skin is slightly damp to maximize hydration. Do not overload, 2-3 drops or a pea sized amount is usually enough. Too much can feel sticky and may not absorb well in dry air. 

Serums to choose from:

  1. Nip + Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme 4 Concentrate 2%
  2. Mary and May Hyaluronic Serum
  3. Laneige Water Bank HA Serum
Nip_Fab_Extreme4_Concentrate_5056217808071_5
8809803517638_5

Optional step if your skin is very dry. Add an occlusive serum or ampoule

If your skin is very dry or you live in a particularly harsh climate, layer a slightly heavier serum or ampoule with nourishing ingredients like squalane, peptides, or ceramides.

My tip: Because occlusive serums tend to be thicker or oil rich, rub it between your fingers to warm it up, then gently press into the skin.

Serums to choose from:

  1. Mary & May 6 Peptide Complex Serum
  2. Medic Azulene Soothing Peptide Ampoule 100
  3. Nip + Fab Ceremide Fix Overnight Serum 12%
  4. Skin Proud 100% Squalane Ampoules

Moisturiser is your key layer to lock moisture in

Seal everything in rich, nourishing moisturiser. In winter, it’s best to switch to cream rather than a lotion. Look for moisturizers that contain nourishing ingredients like Shea butter or Jojoba Oil.

My tip: Choose barrier repair creams if you are prone to sensitivity and irritation.

Moisturisers to choose from:

  1. Nip + Fab Ceremide Fix Overnight cream 12%
  2. L’occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Comforting Cream
  3. Laneige Water Bank Cream Moisturiser
Picture 7

Do not forget eye cream

The delicate skin around your eyes can get very dry in winter. Use a hydrating eye cream with Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, or Caffeine to keep the area smooth and bright.

 

My tip: Gently tap the cream into the skin using a light patting motion. Avoid dragging or rubbing.

Eye creams to choose from:

  1. Erborian Skin Therapy Eye Cream
  2. Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask
  3. Laneige Water Bank Blue HA Eye Cream
Picture 8
Picture 9
Waterbank_Laneige_Eye_Cream_Blog

Seal it all with a facial oil (optional)

Adding a few drops of facial oil as a final step can create an extra protective barrier against the dry air. 

My tip: Warm it up first by rubbing your hands together, then gently press it onto your skin. Do not overdo it. Too much oil can clog pores, a few drops go a long way.

Oils to choose from:

  1. Erborian Skin Therapy
  2. L’occitane Immortale Reset Tri-Phase Essence
  3. Pi xi +C Vit Priming Oil
loccitane-triphase-essence

SPF is still a must

Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin and cause moisture loss. Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

SHOP SPF

My final thoughts:

Remember when layering your skincare is always to start with thinnest to thickest. Always apply light, water-based products first, and heavier, oil-based products later. Do not rush and give each layer a minute or two to absorb before moving on to the next step. Always listen to your skin. Some days you may need an extra serum and on other days, a lighter routine will do.

By thoughtfully layering your skincare you can help your skin stay soft, plump, and deeply hydrated, no matter how low the temperatures drop.

Shop Winter Skin
You might also enjoy
Share on social
Facebook
Twitter
Email
WhatsApp