Winter Skin Survival Guide: Why Your Routine Needs to Change When Temperatures Drop

Winter changes more than just the weather; it changes your skin’s entire environment. Cold outdoor air combined with dry indoor heating pulls moisture from the skin, weakening its natural barrier and leaving it vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. That’s why adjusting your skincare routine in colder months isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Below are the keyways to protect, strengthen, and nourish your skin all winter long.

1. Cream Cleanser: The Unsung Heroes of Winter Skin

Starting your skin care routine with a cream cleanser can avoid stripping the skin's natural barrier oils. It will prevent the tight, dry feeling common with soapy cleansers used other times of the year. Replenishing ceramide cleansers, cream based in texture helps rebuild the barrier so skin can retain moisture and protect itself.

Our Spa Favorites: Replenishing Cleanser and Make It Melt Cleanser

2. Double Down on Hydration with Hyaluronic Acid

Cold air strips moisture from your skin, making hyaluronic acid especially important. This powerful humectant draws water into the skin and helps keep it there.

For best results, apply hyaluronic acid to slightly damp skin and follow with richer creams or oil to lock in hydration. Look for products with multi-weight hyaluronic acid. This provides the best results for hydration at difference depths to give longer lasting results.

Our Spa Favorites: Vitamin C Intense, IYF Bakuchiol Wonder Serum, and Le Mieux Hyaluronic Serum

3. Strengthen the Skin Barrier with Peptides and Essential Oils

Peptides and essential oils aren’t just about firmness—they play a critical role in repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. By supporting collagen and elastin production, peptides help skin retain moisture and defend against environmental stressors. Essential oils have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritation caused by cold, dry air.

Our Spa Favorites: Niacinamide Booster, Antioxidant Protective Serum, and EGF-DNA Serum

4. Swap Retinol for Bakuchiol in Winter

Winter isn’t the time for aggressive exfoliation. Bakuchiol offers many of the same benefits as retinol—smoother texture, improved tone, and refined pores—without the irritation or dryness.

This plant-based alternative supports gentle cell renewal while keeping the skin barrier intact, making it ideal for colder months.  Pair bakuchiol with nourishing oils or creams to maintain balance and comfort.

Our Spa Favorites: Bakuchiol Wonder Serum and Bakuchiol Booster

5. Moisturizer is a Must

After applying serums and treatments, seal everything in with rich cream or facial oil. Occlusives form a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss, especially critical in low-humidity environments.

Winter layering order:

1. Lightweight hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid)

2. Peptides or bakuchiol

3. Rich cream

4. Facial oil (like squalane or botanical oils)

This “sandwiching” technique helps maximize absorption and keeps skin hydrated longer.

Our Spa Favorites: IYF The Cream is a low-water, botanically rich formula designed specifically for dry, winter-stressed skin and SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore.

6. Relax and do a Mask!

During the winter months, using a hydration mask at least once a week helps restore lost moisture. It will soothe tight skin and keep your complexion soft and glowing despite harsh weather.

Our Spa Favorites: FHF Guac Star Mask and Super Collagen Sheet Mask