As the seasons change, so does our skin. Tightness, flakiness, sensitivity are common with the cold winter weather. With a few thoughtful tweaks to your routine, you can keep your skin calm, hydrated, and glowing all season long. Here are five trusted tips from our estheticians to help you winter-proof your skin.

1. Swap to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Cold winds and indoor heating strip your skin of natural moisture — the first thing to go is often your skin’s protective oils. Harsh or foaming cleansers can make this worse. Instead, opt for a gentle, cream or lotion based cleanser (or a hydrating gel), preferably fragrance-free and free of drying ingredients.

This helps your skin maintain its natural barrier, avoiding that tight, uncomfortable winter feeling. Some of our favorites are Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel and Intensive Moisture Cleanser.

2. Reduce Exfoliation

In the warmer months, frequent exfoliation can help keep skin smooth and clear. In the winter, over-exfoliating can backfire. The dry air makes your skin barrier more vulnerable, and aggressive exfoliation can lead to irritation, redness, or flaking. Switch to a gentle exfoliant and limit it to once or twice per week. Dermalogica's Milkfoliant is a gentle chemical and physical exfoliant that will smooth the skin while soothing and providing moisture. For compromised, sensitive, or very dry skin: less may be more.

3. Switch to a Richer Moisturizer

One of the biggest changes you should make is swapping your light-weight lotion for a richer, cream moisturizer. Look for formulas with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or other emollients — these help seal in hydration and support your skin’s lipid barrier during harsh winter conditions.

Apply your moisturizer right after cleansing or bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp. Locking in that moisture before it evaporates makes a big difference.

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen — Even on Cold, Cloudy, or Snowy Days

Many people assume sunscreen is only a summer essential. But UV rays don’t take a winter vacation. In fact, snow and ice can reflect sunlight and intensify exposure. Dermatologists recommend continuing a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ routine throughout the winter — especially for exposed areas like face, hands, and neck.

It’s a small step that pays off in long-term protection and keeps your skin barrier healthier.

5. Add Environmental & Lifestyle Supports: Humidifier, Shower Habits, and Barrier Protection

Winter dryness isn’t just about cold air — indoor heating sucks moisture out of the air and your skin along with it. Running a humidifier, especially in bedrooms, can dramatically help keep skin from becoming parched.

Try to keep showers short and lukewarm rather than hot (hot water can strip away natural oils), and apply moisturizer immediately after bathing.

If your skin tends to get especially dry on hands or lips, treat them with thick creams or balms — they need protection too.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dry, or irritated skin. With a few adjustments like a gentle cleansing, less frequent exfoliation, richer moisturizer, consistent SPF, and a hydration-friendly environment, you can protect and preserve your skin barrier through the season.

Because no matter the temperature outside: healthy, glowing skin comes from consistently honoring what your skin needs.