As the seasons change, your skin’s needs change, too. Winter is one of the trickiest times of year for skin, especially if you’re prone to acne. The cold, dry air can leave your skin feeling tight, flaky, and dehydrated—and that can lead to more breakouts, irritation, and an overall uncomfortable complexion.


But don’t worry! With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your skin hydrated, clear, and balanced all winter long.



1. Focus on Hydration, Not Just Moisture

Winter air tends to suck moisture right out of your skin, so keeping it hydrated is key. But hydration isn’t just about slathering on a thick moisturizer (though that can help!). It’s also about adding layers of moisture that your skin can lock in.


Start with a hydrating serum or essence that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe. These ingredients attract water to your skin and help it stay plump and smooth. Once you’ve layered that on, apply a richer moisturizer to seal everything in. Look for one with ceramides, squalane, or natural oils like jojoba to reinforce your skin’s barrier against the elements.


Pro Tip: If your skin feels particularly dry, adding a facial oil on top of your moisturizer at night can give your skin an extra layer of protection while you sleep.



2. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

It might be tempting to skip sunscreen in the winter, especially when the sun isn’t shining as brightly. But UV rays can still cause damage, even on cloudy days or when it’s snowing. And that damage can lead to dryness, irritation, and long-term issues like hyperpigmentation.


Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and make it part of your daily routine, no matter the season. Your skin will thank you!



3. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping your skin hydrated—especially in the winter. If your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing, it might be time to switch to a gentler formula.


Look for a non-foaming cleanser that hydrates as it cleanses, such as one containing aloe, chamomile, or oat extract. These ingredients soothe your skin and help retain moisture while still removing impurities.



4. Consider Exfoliating Less Frequently

Exfoliation is great for removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell turnover, but in the winter, it’s easy to overdo it. Cold weather can make your skin more sensitive, and too much exfoliation can strip your skin and lead to irritation.


If you normally exfoliate multiple times a week, try cutting back to once or twice during the colder months. And when you do exfoliate, opt for a gentle product, such as one with lactic acid or fruit enzymes, which are less likely to cause irritation.



5. Listen to Your Skin’s Needs

Finally, the most important winter skincare tip: listen to your skin. If you notice your skin is feeling drier or more sensitive than usual, give it what it needs. Maybe that’s switching up your products, using a hydrating mask once a week, or adding a humidifier to your bedroom to keep moisture in the air.


Each person’s skin is different, and it’s okay to adjust your routine as needed. Being mindful of how your skin reacts to the winter elements will help you avoid dryness, redness, and those frustrating winter breakouts.



Let’s Get Winter-Ready Together!

Winter doesn’t have to be tough on your skin. With a few small tweaks, you can keep your skin clear, healthy, and comfortable even when the weather outside is less than ideal. If you’re struggling to find the right products or routine, I’m here to help! My signature Breakthrough Acne program takes a deep dive into your skin health to help you achieve clear, balanced skin year-round.