Keeping Your Glow When the Temperature Drops
Winter is coming—and while that might mean cozy scarves and peppermint lattes, it also means your skin is about to face some challenges. Cold air, dry heat, wind, and constant temperature changes can leave your complexion feeling tight, flaky, or dull. But it doesn’t have to.
The secret to luminous winter skin isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing smarter.
In our SKIN+ Clinical Esthetics program, we talk a lot about skin health as a journey, not a product. Your skin is constantly communicating with you, and the change of seasons is its way of saying, “I need something different now.”
Step 1: Rebuild Your Barrier
Think of your skin barrier as a cozy winter coat—it keeps the good stuff in (hydration) and the bad stuff out (irritants and dryness). When temperatures drop, switch to a cream cleanser that comforts instead of strips, and reach for a ceramide-rich moisturizer that strengthens your barrier.
Bonus tip from our esthetics instructors: layer a hydrating essence or mist before moisturizing. It helps your skin absorb more product and keeps it supple longer.
Our picks:
Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser
fresh Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Murad Renewing Cream Cleanser with Peptides
The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin and Makeup Removal
Step 2: Hydrate From the Inside Out
It’s easy to forget water when you’re not sweating, but hydration is still non-negotiable. Pair your internal hydration with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin in your routine. These ingredients pull moisture from the air into your skin—a lifesaver when you’re surrounded by heaters and cold air.
Our picks:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides
MERIT Great Skin Instant Glow Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
ILIA The Base Face Milk Essence & Lightweight Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Step 3: Don’t Ditch SPF
The sun might be hiding, but UV rays aren’t on vacation. Daily SPF is essential year-round—especially in winter when reflective surfaces like snow can double exposure. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic SPF 30+ to finish your morning routine.
Our picks:
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Face Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Tower 28 Beauty SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Moisturizer and Primer
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Paula's Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Step 4: Exfoliate—Gently
Over-exfoliating in winter is a one-way ticket to irritation. Trade harsh scrubs for enzyme exfoliants or lactic acid toners, which dissolve dull surface cells without damaging your barrier. Once or twice a week is plenty.
Our picks:
Dermalogica Mini Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
Youth To The People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Vitamin C + Papaya
innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening + Exfoliating Toner Pads
Summer Fridays Gentle Reset Daily Exfoliating Pads to Smooth + Minimize Pores with AHAs
Step 5: Add a Little Luxury
With more time cozied up at home, lean into ritual. Warm your hands before applying products. Use a jade roller straight from the fridge. Light a candle and make it a moment. Practice grounding your nervous system while you take care of your skin.
Our picks:
SEPHORA COLLECTION Rose Quartz Facial Roller
maude burn - jojoba oil massage candle
Flamingo Estate Heirloom Tomato Candle
Step 6: Ask the Experts
If your skin feels off no matter what you try, it might be time for a professional touch. Our esthetics students and alumni are trained to assess skin conditions and create personalized care plans that evolve with the seasons. Sometimes, what your skin needs most is a trained eye—and a little human connection.
The Glow Isn’t Gone—It’s Just Evolving
Winter doesn’t have to mean dullness. With a few mindful shifts, your skin can stay radiant, hydrated, and healthy all season long. So wrap up, slow down, and listen. Your skin’s story is still unfolding, and it deserves a little extra care this season.