Best Winter Skincare Tips
- Anjana Rajbhandary
- Nov 23
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The Simple Night Routine That Transformed My Skin
In my 40s, winter does funny things to my skin. Most of the year, I am the person whose face gets shiny by lunchtime, but once the temperatures drop, the area around my mouth gets tight and uncomfortable after cleansing, while the rest of my face feels surprisingly great.
In a perfect world, a single product would fix everything. Anyone with winter dryness knows this is not reality. Healthy, balanced skin takes a little effort, especially when the weather is cold and the air is dry. Here are my realistic, glow-boosting (best) nighttime winter skincare tips that keep my skin hydrated, smooth, and bright.
1. The Unspoken Power of a Cleansing Balm
I wear sunscreen every single day, which means I always start my nighttime routine with a cleansing balm. Even if you do not wear makeup, most regular face washes struggle to fully remove sunscreen. Leftover SPF can lead to clogged pores and dullness.
A cleansing balm changed everything for me. My skin looked clearer, felt less stripped, and I finally stopped over-washing without realizing it.
My favorites:
Both melt makeup and sunscreen effortlessly, rinse clean, and leave my skin feeling soft before I even move to the next step.
2. How to Actually Benefit From Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid can absolutely help with winter dryness, but only if you use it correctly. If you apply it on dry skin, the surrounding air can pull moisture away from your face and leave you even drier. In winter, the air is already moisture-hungry, so I skip standalone HA serums.
Instead, I prefer moisturizers that already contain hyaluronic acid. I apply them on slightly damp skin so they can lock hydration in.
My go-to options:
Both keep my skin plump and relieved from that tight post-wash feeling.
3. Make Your Skin More Radiant During Winter
Winter gets a bad reputation for making skin flaky, but it is actually the best time to work on hyperpigmentation and sun spots. UV rays are weaker, which means you can focus on brightening without as much risk of undoing your progress.
If you want visible results, prescription hydroquinone is the strongest option for dark spots. Tretinoin is another powerhouse because it brightens, firms, and boosts cell turnover.
Here is how I use them together without irritation:
Apply hydroquinone or tretinoin only at night.
Start with two to three nights a week until your skin adjusts.
If your skin feels dry, apply them after your moisturizer to buffer the strength.
Used consistently, they make my skin clearer, brighter, and more even throughout winter.
4. Seal It All With a Face Oil
Heard of slugging? Face oils are occlusives, which means they create a protective layer that keeps hydration from evaporating overnight. When I use an oil as my final step, I wake up feeling moisturized instead of tight.
My favorite winter options:
If you are nervous about face oils because of breakouts, there is an alternative that hydrates without clogging.
It keeps my skin calm, moisturized, and smooth without congestion so no clogged pores or breakouts.
Winter skincare does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. These four steps help my skin stay hydrated, bright, and comfortable even on the coldest nights. With the right products and a little consistency, you can wake up to skin that feels calm, moisturized, and winter-proof.
Comments