Your summer skincare routine won't cut it in January. The cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating that come with winter create a completely different environment for your skin—one that demands adjustments if you want to avoid dryness, sensitivity, and barrier breakdown. Here's what actually needs to change when the temperature drops, and why.
Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. When humidity drops below 50% (which it often does in winter), the air starts pulling water out of your skin. Indoor heating makes this worse by creating an even drier environment. The result? Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increases, your skin gets dehydrated, and your barrier weakens.
Your skin's barrier is made up of lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) that lock in moisture and keep irritants out. In winter, the combination of cold air, low humidity, and harsh indoor heat depletes these lipids faster than your skin can replace them. When your barrier is compromised, everything gets worse—dryness, sensitivity, redness, breakouts, and accelerated aging.
Cold weather slows down your skin's natural exfoliation process. Dead skin cells build up, pores get clogged, and your skin looks dull and congested. This is why winter skin often feels rough and looks lackluster, even if you're using the same products that worked great in summer.
When your barrier is weak, your skin becomes more reactive. Products that didn't bother you in summer might suddenly sting or cause redness. This is a sign that your skin needs more support, not more actives.
If you're using a foaming or gel cleanser, it might be too stripping for winter. Cold weather already compromises your barrier, and using a harsh cleanser on top of that will leave your skin tight, dry, and irritated.
The SkinOS System Note: Switch to a cream or oil-based cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without stripping your skin's natural oils. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.
Avoid: Sulfates, high-pH cleansers, and anything that leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean (that tight feeling is actually damage).
In winter, your moisturizer alone might not be enough. Adding a hydrating serum underneath helps your skin hold onto moisture more effectively.
Look for products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or peptides. These ingredients pull water into your skin and help your moisturizer work better.
The SkinOS System Note: Apply your serum to damp skin (right after cleansing) to lock in that extra hydration.
Your lightweight summer moisturizer won't hold up in winter. You need something richer that provides more occlusive protection—a barrier that locks in moisture and shields your skin from the elements.
The SkinOS System Note: Look for moisturizers with ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and occlusive ingredients like squalane or shea butter. These create a protective layer that prevents water loss and supports barrier repair. If your skin is very dry, layer a facial oil over your moisturizer at night for extra protection.
Exfoliation is still important in winter (you need to clear away those dead skin cells), but you need to be gentler about it. Over-exfoliating when your barrier is already compromised will make things worse—more sensitivity, more dryness, more irritation.
The SkinOS System Note: Cut back to 2-3 times per week instead of daily. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or a low-percentage glycolic acid) instead of harsh physical scrubs, or talk to your esthetician about what pro-grade products can be used in the treatment room to support gentle desquamation.
If your skin is feeling sensitive, tight, or reactive, it's time to add a dedicated barrier-repair product to your routine. These formulas are specifically designed to replenish the lipids your skin needs to function properly.
Look for barrier-repair formulas with ceramides, fatty acids, and soothing lipids like squalane. Use them at night, after serum. If your skin is stable, follow with moisturizer. If the barrier feels compromised, let the barrier-repair product be the final layer.
The SkinOS System Note: Zinc oxide, like in Desitin—yep, the diaper rash cream—can be incredibly effective for barrier repair. It calms inflammation, reduces moisture loss, and creates a protective seal while the skin recovers. A thin layer all over the face overnight can work wonders when skin is irritated or over-sensitized.
Yes, even in winter. UV rays are still strong enough to cause damage, and they penetrate through clouds and windows. Plus, if you're doing any exfoliation or professional treatments (like peels or microchanneling), your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage.
The SkinOS System Note: Stick with a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) if your skin is feeling sensitive. These sit on top of your skin instead of absorbing into it, which makes them less irritating.
This isn't a skincare product, but it makes a huge difference. Running a humidifier in your bedroom at night adds moisture back into the air, which helps your skin retain hydration while you sleep.
The SkinOS System Note: Aim for 40-50% humidity. This is enough to support your skin without creating a breeding ground for mold or dust mites.
Cold wind is one of the most damaging things for your skin in winter. It strips moisture, irritates your barrier, and can cause redness and chapping—especially on exposed areas like your face, lips, and hands.
The SkinOS System Note: When heading out in harsh winter weather, protect exposed skin with a scarf or face covering. If facing prolonged time in freezing temperatures, seal moisture in with a thick balm or rich face oil to protect the barrier.
Winter skin is unpredictable. What worked last week might not work this week, depending on the weather, your stress levels, and how your barrier is holding up. If your skin starts feeling tight, stinging, or looking red, that's a sign to dial back on actives and focus on hydration and barrier support.
The SkinOS System Note: If retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliants are new to your routine and your skin reacts, the goal is not to stop altogether. Reduce frequency first and support the barrier with hydration and lipid-rich products. Once the skin feels calm and stable again, reintroduce actives intentionally at the right strength and cadence. Results come from consistency and control, not pushing through irritation or abandoning actives at the first sign of feedback.
Winter skincare isn't about adding a bunch of new products—it's about adjusting what you're already doing to meet your skin's changing needs. Gentler cleansing, heavier moisture, scaled-back exfoliation, and barrier support are the keys to keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and resilient through the coldest months.
Your summer routine served you well, but it's not built for winter. Make the switch now, and your barrier will stay strong.
Need help adjusting your winter routine? Book a consultation at SkinOS and we'll customize a plan that works for your skin—and the season.