Winter Skin Survival Guide ❄️✨(aka how to keep your glow when the air is doing the absolute most)
Let’s be so for real… winter gives off the coziest vibes, but winter is so BRUTAL on our skin. Cold air outside, dry heat inside, and suddenly everything feels itchy, irritated, tight, all the things. The good news? A few gentle swaps and pretty habits can make a huge difference.
Here’s your Healthy Pretty Things-approved winter skin survival guide 💗
1. Go for GENTLE cleasners (face + body)
Harsh soaps? Winter is not the season! Strong, stripping cleansers can be very irritating to your skin barrier and leave you feeling dry before the day even starts. Why? Our skin barrier is made of cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides. Those strong cleansers literally strip our skin of natural oils by dissolving them (yeah, science!).
Look for products labeled gentle or moisturizing. And remember: be cautious with heavily scented products. More fragrances = alcohol, and alcohol can be super drying.. especially in colder months. And babe, I know we LOVE to smell good. But, fragrance doesn’t always have to live in your skincare.
2. About those hot showers… 🚿
I know. A hot shower in the winter feels elite.
Unfortunately, super hot water can actually irritate and dry out your skin, especially when it’s already stressed from the cold. The fix? Try turning the temperature down just a tad, and keep showers on the shorter side if you can. Your skin will thank you later.
After you shower, pat your skin dry, and while your skin is still slightly damp, moisturize right away.
✨ Extra glow tip:
Apply a skin oil first, then layer your moisturizer on top. A nice skin oil will help lock in moisture. By using an oil first, THEN applying a thick moisturizer, we’re talking game changer for winter dryness.
3. Moisturize like it’s your job (because it literally is)
Moisturizing is non-negotiable in the winter (its a non-negotiable always, TBH).
One of my favorite habits? Keep a hand cream in your purse or bag. Dry hands sneak up fast, especially if you are like me and wash your hands a lot throughout your day. If you keep hand moisturizer in your bag, it serves as a constant reminder to use it. Consistent use of moisturizers helps prevent cracking and irritation.
4. Choose rich and creamy
When it comes to body lotion in the winter:
the thicker, the better babe.
Thick, rich moisturizers go the extra mile to protect your skin barrier. And yes, fragrance-free is usually the safer, better option, even if it’s not the most exciting. Your skin cares more about comfort than vibes (trust me).
5. Face moisturizers: day vs night
During the day, it’s okay to use a lighter, water-based moisturizer. The caveat? Ya’ll BETTER be using your SPF on top (yes, even in the winter!). Bonus points if your moisturizer already has SPF in it, we love one less step in the skincare routine.
At night, switch to a thicker facial cream. This is when your skin repairs itself, and richer products help support that process.
When choosing a nighttime moisturizer, look for keywords such as:
- Hyaluronic acid – draws moisture into the skin
- Ceramides – help repair and strengthen the skin barrier
- Glycerin – attracts and holds onto hydration
These ingredients = winter skin MVPs.
6. Humidifiers can help
Heating your home in the winter dries out the air, which can make skin more prone to dehydration. A humidifier can help add moisture back into the environment.
⚠️ Important note:
Humidifiers need to be cleaned and maintained properly. If they’re not, they can grow mold and/or bacteria (um, ew). Let me break it down – that mold and/or bacteria will live and grow in the water inside of your humidifier. What do humidifiers do? They aerosolize that water and push it into the air that we are breathing. The mold/bacterial can aggravate respiratory issues like asthma or COPD, and even cause problems for people without those conditions. If you’re going to use one, commit to cleaning it regularly.
**Healthy Pretty Things is all about feeling good and being informed – so when in doubt, checking in with a licensed medical provider is always the glow-up move.
7. Gentle exfoliation only
You can still exfoliate during the winter months, but this is not the season to go hard. Skip the rough scrubs and aggressive exfoliants. Light, gentle exfoliation helps remove dry, flaky skin so your moisturizers can actually do their job.
8. Protect your skin from the elements 🧣
Cold wind and harsh weather are tough on skin, so layer up:
- Gloves for your hands
- Scarves to protect your face
- A good coat
- A warm hat
- Lip balm before heading outside (bonus points if it has SPF)
Your lips especially need extra love in the winter.
9. SPF always ☀️
Yes, even in winter.
UV rays don’t disappear just because it’s cold or cloudy. Daily sunscreen is still a must if you’re serious about protecting your skin long-term.
10. Hydrate from the inside out
Healthy skin starts internally. Drink plenty of water, and if plain water feels boring, add orange slices, cucumber, or berries to make it more enjoyable.
Also prioritize healthy fats in your diet, like:
- Avocados
- Foods rich in omega-3s such as salmon
They support skin health in ways topical products alone can’t.
Winter skin doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs care, consistency, and a little extra softness. Slow down, be gentle, and treat your skin like it’s on your team – not something you need to fight against.
Your glow can still thrive in winter ❄️✨
— Healthy Pretty Things 💗