Dewy skin can be tough to maintain in the winter—cold, dry air can really take a toll. Adjusting your skincare routine or the products you use is paramount when it comes to keeping a glowing, healthy complexion.

Gentle Cleansers
When cleansing, opt for an oil-based cleanser to avoid stripping the skin during this important step. If you absolutely need to deep clean your skin, try a double-cleansing routine with gentle cleansers. It’s best to avoid fragrances, essential oils and alcohol in your cleanser and, well, pretty much anything going on your face.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Why we love it: This oil-based cleanser is a godsend for dry and combo skin. It gets anything and everything off effortlessly, without that drying feeling.
Why we love it: Ideal for oily skin, this gentle cleanser is slightly acidic but not stripping. It’s a great option for a double-cleansing routine or as a standalone.
Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash
Why we love it: A must-have for those with oily skin. It contains niacinamide and a ceramide — both of which will help boost moisture in the skin.
Extra Hydration
When was the last time you drank water? Do it now. Keeping up with your water intake in the winter is harder than normal; I mean, who wants to chug cold water when it’s sub-freezing temps out there?
Water is great for your health and also your skin, so consistent hydration is a must for winter skincare. There are, however, other ways you need to keep your skin hydrated that don’t include drinking water. A good lotion for the face is the backbone of a good moisturizing routine, but there are other, more subtle ways you might be drying your skin out.

Why we love it: Milky toners are everywhere right now, from Rhode to Ilia. We love this one from Byoma since it’s non-comedogenic. Using a hydrating toner is an easy way to get extra moisture in the colder months.
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
Why we love it: Not heavy or overly oily, this is a good option for those who need a lighter moisturizing texture on their skin. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate, which is the salt form of hyaluronic acid and great at locking in moisture.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Why we love it: It’s more than an excellent moisturizer; it contains anti-aging and brightening agents, such as Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and glycerin.
Why we love it: The dry skin-havers will love this one. It’s thick and intensely moisturizing. Ingredients like Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil reduce redness and are ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Serums
When it comes to anti-aging ingredients, retinol is a very popular option, but it has a drying effect. Anti-aging is really all about maintaining and producing moisture in the skin while minimizing damage, so consider using alternative anti-aging ingredients instead such as Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and red ginseng.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why we love it: The city girl’s serum. Containing Vitamin E and antioxidants, this will help with pollution exposure concerns. Not to mention, it’s a hyaluronic acid serum and will lock in the moisture.
Celimax Noni Ampoule Calming + Radiance
Why we love it: Super gentle ampoule (more concentrated than a serum) that targets redness and irritation, which is rampant in the biting winter air.
Slugs, Snails and Masks
The word “slugging” has been slung around internet beauty spaces for some time, but what does it mean? It’s quite simple: adding an “occlusive” layer on top of your moisturizer. “Occlusives” are things like Vaseline. They help hold in the moisturizer you’ve slathered on underneath, not allowing it to evaporate overnight. Before you head out into the harsh temps, you can apply an occlusive to problem areas or spots that get dry.
Because of this, it’s not recommended to use very active ingredients when you slug, such as retinoids. They’ll be in contact with the skin far longer than they’re formulated to be.

For those with dry skin, this can be great nightly in the winter, but those with more oily or combination skin types that are prone to breakouts or pore clogging, it’s better to be sparing with slugging.
To get hydrated and shiny skin, we’re not just channeling slugs, but also snails. Snail mucin has exploded in popularity in the last decade and it is literally snail slime. It sounds crazy, but this ingredient is a game-changer, especially in serums.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Why we love it: Leaves the skin hydrated, firm and bouncy with a pleasing glow. Great for those with hydration or redness concerns. Remember to patch test before using on your face, especially if you’re new to this ingredient.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
The sun may be down and the sky may be gray in winter, but that is NOT an excuse to skip sunscreen. In fact, there’s never an excuse. Your skin can still be damaged by the sun in the winter, regardless of how gloomy it seems, so slather up and never go a day without the ultimate anti-aging tool: sunscreen.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum (SPF 50+ PA+++)
Why we love it: The Relief Sun sunscreen from BOJ is already a cult favorite and a great option, but this one is great for winter since it’s more of a serum with great coverage. It contains Panax Ginseng Extract which acts as an antioxidant and is great for anti-aging.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Why we love it: A favorite in the oily skin community, this is a lightweight sunscreen with mineral and chemical UV filters. It also contains niacinamide, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
Extremities in Extreme Temps
Don’t forget about your hands and your lips, as they are extra susceptible to dryness in the winter. Colds are going around, so we wash our hands a lot more often and that is very harsh on the skin of the hands. Make sure to carry around a hand cream with you—bonus points if you really get in those cuticles (another good spot to put an occlusive).
As for the lips, adding an overnight lip mask might be a good choice, as well as switching to gentler moisturizers
Why we love it: Formulated with PHAs instead of AHAs and BHAs, it exfoliates the lips less harshly.
Why we love it: A holy grail for a reason. It’s EU-allergy safe, chock-full of antioxidants and contains Vitamin C.