Winter Skincare Tips and Products to Keep Your Skin Glowing

When winter rolls around, your skin can feel like it’s waging a battle against the elements. Cold winds, dry indoor heating, and lower humidity levels all take a toll, leaving your face feeling dry, irritated, and just… dull. It’s the season where everything from your cheeks to your hands might need a little extra attention to stay hydrated and glowing.

But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you’re doomed to flaky skin all winter long. With the right routine and a few smart product choices, you can keep that healthy, hydrated glow all season. We’ve got tips and product recommendations to help you beat the winter blues, and yes, they’re all skin-saving heroes.

Why Winter is Tough on Your Skin

Winter is rough, especially if you live in places like North or South Carolina, where the weather can get cold and dry. The combo of harsh winds and indoor heating creates the perfect storm for moisture loss, leaving your skin parched.

One of the most common issues people face is dry, flaky patches that pop up out of nowhere. It's frustrating and often leads to irritation if left unchecked. And it’s not just your face—your entire body, including your hands and legs, can suffer. Extra hydration is non-negotiable if you want to avoid winter skin woes.

In fact, according to dermatologists, up to 60% of adults report worsening skin conditions like eczema during winter. So what can you do about it? It starts with your moisturizer.

Use a Heavier Moisturizer to Lock in Hydration

Let’s start with the most basic winter skincare rule: switch to a richer moisturizer. You need something that not only hydrates but also strengthens your skin's natural barrier, helping to lock in moisture. One of our top picks is the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer ($78). It's formulated to deeply hydrate while giving your skin that extra layer of protection it needs.

Here’s a little tip: Always apply your moisturizer to damp skin, ideally right after a shower. This technique helps trap the moisture your skin naturally absorbs from the water. Trust us, it makes a difference. Especially when the air is as dry as it gets in January.

Don’t Skip Sunscreen—Even in the Winter

It’s tempting to put that sunscreen bottle on the back shelf once summer ends, but winter UV rays can be just as damaging. And if there’s snow on the ground, those rays are bouncing back at you even more. Winter sunburns are real, and UV damage can happen even when you don’t feel it.

We recommend the All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50 ($155), which not only protects against sun damage but also soothes redness and calms irritated winter skin. So, if your skin is feeling sensitive, this product is a double-duty win. And yes, you still need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, even if you're spending more time indoors.

Exfoliate, But Be Gentle

Exfoliation is important year-round, but during winter, you’ll want to tread lightly. It’s easy to overdo it, which can lead to even more irritation and dryness. The goal here is to get rid of those dead skin cells without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Our favorite for this is the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($47). It’s gentle enough for regular use but effective enough to leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth. Just remember, less is more in winter. Exfoliating two to three times a week is plenty to avoid irritation.

Hydrate from the Inside Out

We get it—staying hydrated in the winter isn’t as appealing as it is during those hot summer months. But drinking water is just as important now, if not more so. Proper hydration helps your skin retain moisture and fend off that winter dryness.

One stat that really drives this home: 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and that takes a toll on your skin. And we all know how holiday drinks like coffee and cocktails can sneak up and dehydrate you further. Make it a habit to balance those festive sips with plenty of water.

Add a Serum for Winter Skin Concerns

If you're finding your usual routine isn’t cutting it this winter, it’s time to bring in the big guns—a serum. Serums are packed with active ingredients and can address specific winter skin concerns like breakouts, dryness, or irritation.

We highly recommend the AlphaRet Clearing Serum ($140). It works wonders for keeping your skin clear without causing irritation. Plus, it helps with those pesky winter breakouts that seem to pop up right when you least expect them.

DIY Skincare Boosters: Simple Winter Hydration Hacks

Not everything needs to come from a store-bought bottle. Sometimes, the best skincare treatments are already sitting in your kitchen. DIY masks can be a great, budget-friendly way to add some extra moisture to your winter routine.

One of our go-to recipes is a honey and yogurt mask. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, while yogurt gently exfoliates and soothes. Here’s a quick recipe you can whip up in under 5 minutes:

• 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Mix them together, apply to your face, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. It’s that simple, and your skin will feel instantly softer.

Keep Holiday Stress in Check for Healthy Skin

Winter isn’t just hard on your skin because of the weather. Holiday stress can also wreak havoc on your complexion, leading to breakouts, dullness, and irritation. Whether it’s the rush of shopping, family gatherings, or just the end-of-year hustle, stress takes its toll.

To counteract this, we recommend incorporating calming products into your routine. Think of it as a little moment of self-care. Focus on moisturizing, gentle cleansers, and a relaxing evening routine that helps you unwind. And remember—healthy skin isn’t just about what you put on it. Your lifestyle matters too.

Keep Your Skin Glowing All Winter

Winter might bring some harsh weather, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer. With the right products and a few simple changes to your routine, you can keep your skin glowing all season long. 

Whether you’re dealing with dryness, irritation, or just looking for ways to give your skin a boost, we’ve got you covered.

Looking to revamp your winter skincare routine? We recommend visiting one of our Physician’s Plan locations across North and South Carolina for a personalized skincare consultation. Our team can help you find the right products and treatments tailored to your skin type and concerns. Let’s make this your best winter yet—your skin will thank you!