How to lock moisture in your skin during winter

Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, irritated skin. By adjusting your skincare routine to better preserve moisture, you can help keep your skin looking and feeling soft, hydrated, and healthy, no matter how harsh the cold gets. Remember that consistency is key—protect your skin from both inside and out, and your skin will thank you with a glowing, hydrated complexion throughout the season. Here’s how to lock moisture in your skin during winter:

Switch to a Hydrating Cleanser
In winter, your skin needs extra care, and this starts with your cleanser. Many traditional facial cleansers, especially foaming or astringent formulas, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling even drier. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t disrupt your skin’s moisture barrier. Look for formulas with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides that help attract and retain moisture. Choose a cream-based or oil-based cleanser for the winter months.

Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. However, over-exfoliating in the winter can leave the skin raw and more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Stick to gentle exfoliators with mild exfoliating agents like lactic acid or fruit enzymes and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week. Use a chemical exfoliant (such as AHAs or BHAs) instead of harsh scrubs to prevent microtears in the skin.

Apply Moisturizer While Skin Is Damp
To lock in moisture, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp—ideally within a few minutes after showering or washing your face. When your skin is slightly damp, it’s better able to absorb the moisture, and the moisturizer acts as a sealant, trapping water in the skin. Choose rich, occlusive moisturizers that help lock in moisture, such as creams or ointments containing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or squalane.

Layer Your Skincare Products
Layering skincare products strategically is a great way to ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the day. Start with a lightweight, hydrating serum (like one with hyaluronic acid) to draw moisture into the skin. Then, follow up with a thicker moisturizer to seal it in. Use an oil or a richer cream as the final layer to lock moisture in, especially for very dry skin.

Switch to a Heavier Night Cream
Nighttime is when your skin can regenerate, so it’s the perfect time to use a richer moisturizer. Look for ingredients like retinol (for its anti-aging benefits), peptides, or nourishing oils like argan or jojoba oil. These help to repair the skin’s barrier and promote moisture retention overnight. For extra hydration, consider sleeping masks or overnight hydrating masks that create a barrier and allow your skin to absorb moisture throughout the night.

Hydrate from the Inside Out
Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin—what you drink matters too. In winter, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, especially when you’re not feeling thirsty. But keeping your body hydrated helps support healthy skin function. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and consider herbal teas or broths to help keep your hydration levels up. Consider adding omega-3-rich foods (like salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds) to your diet to help support the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture.

Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
As tempting as it is to take a long, hot shower on a cold winter day, hot water can actually dry out your skin. Hot water strips the skin’s natural oils, leaving it more prone to moisture loss. Instead, opt for lukewarm water when showering or bathing, and keep your showers short to minimize skin dehydration. After your shower, pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing it, and apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.