How to Transition Your Routine for Winter

As temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, your skin's needs change dramatically. That lightweight summer routine that worked perfectly in July? It's probably leaving your skin feeling tight and parched by December. Here's how to smoothly transition your skincare routine for winter without overwhelming your skin.

Why Winter Requires Different Skincare

Cold outdoor air holds less moisture, while indoor heating further depletes humidity levels. This double assault strips moisture from your skin, compromising your protective barrier. The result? Dryness, flaking, sensitivity, and that uncomfortable tight feeling. Your summer routine simply can't provide the protection and nourishment your skin needs in these harsh conditions.

When to Start Transitioning

Don't wait until your skin is already suffering. Start adjusting your routine in early fall, as soon as you notice the first temperature drops. Gradual changes allow your skin to adapt without shock or breakouts from sudden product switches.

Step-by-Step Winter Transition

1. Upgrade Your Cleanser

Summer: Foaming or gel cleansers that remove oil and sweat
Winter: Creamy, hydrating cleansers or cleansing balms that don't strip your skin

If your cleanser leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean or tight, it's too harsh for winter. Switch to a gentler formula that cleanses without compromising your moisture barrier. Consider the double cleanse method: oil-based cleanser first, then a gentle cream cleanser.

2. Layer in Hydration

Add a Hydrating Toner or Essence
After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner or essence while your skin is still damp. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or beta-glucan. This step preps your skin to absorb the products that follow.

Introduce a Hydrating Serum
Layer a serum with humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) under your moisturizer. This adds an extra boost of hydration without feeling heavy.

3. Switch to a Richer Moisturizer

Summer: Lightweight lotions or gel creams
Winter: Rich creams or balms with occlusives

Your winter moisturizer should contain both humectants (to draw in moisture) and occlusives (to seal it in). Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, squalane, and fatty acids. Don't be afraid of richer textures—your skin needs that extra protection.

4. Add a Facial Oil

If you've never used facial oil, winter is the time to try it. Apply 2-3 drops after your serum but before your moisturizer, or mix it into your moisturizer for extra nourishment. Oils like rosehip, marula, or squalane help reinforce your skin barrier and lock in hydration.

5. Adjust Your Exfoliation

Reduce Frequency
If you exfoliated 3-4 times weekly in summer, cut back to 1-2 times in winter. Over-exfoliating in dry conditions damages your already-stressed skin barrier.

Choose Gentler Methods
Switch from stronger acids to gentler options like lactic acid or PHA (polyhydroxy acids). These exfoliate without excessive irritation.

6. Don't Forget SPF

UV rays don't take a winter vacation. Continue using SPF daily, but you might switch to a more moisturizing formula. Many winter sunscreens double as hydrating day creams.

7. Protect Your Lips and Hands

These areas suffer most in winter. Keep a nourishing lip balm with you at all times, and apply hand cream after every wash. Consider wearing cotton gloves over hand cream at night for intensive treatment.

Special Winter Treatments

Overnight Masks
Use a hydrating overnight mask 2-3 times weekly. These intensive treatments work while you sleep to repair and deeply hydrate.

Humidifier
Not a skincare product, but a game-changer. A bedroom humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing your skin from drying out overnight.

Sheet Masks
Weekly hydrating sheet masks provide an instant moisture boost and feel especially soothing on winter-stressed skin.

What to Keep from Summer

Don't abandon everything from your summer routine. Active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C still work in winter—you might just need to reduce frequency or buffer them with more moisturizing products. Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.

Common Winter Skincare Mistakes

Hot Showers
We know they feel amazing, but hot water strips your skin's natural oils. Use lukewarm water and keep showers short.

Skipping Moisturizer on Oily Skin
Even oily skin gets dehydrated in winter. You might need a lighter moisturizer than dry skin types, but you still need one.

Over-Exfoliating Dry Patches
When you see flakes, the instinct is to scrub them away. Resist! Over-exfoliating makes it worse. Instead, focus on hydration and barrier repair.

Waiting Until Damage Occurs
Prevention is easier than repair. Start your winter routine before your skin starts complaining.

Transitioning Back in Spring

When winter ends, don't immediately switch back to your summer routine. Gradually lighten up your products as temperatures rise, just as you gradually enriched them in fall. Your skin will thank you for the gentle approach.

Listen to Your Skin

Everyone's skin is different, and your local climate matters too. A mild winter in California requires different adjustments than a harsh winter in Minnesota. Pay attention to how your skin feels and looks, and adjust your routine accordingly.

With these transitions, your skin can stay comfortable, hydrated, and glowing all winter long. Embrace the season and give your skin the extra care it deserves!