Does anyone else feel like a dried out prune with this weather shift? Its the time of the year for a flare of eczema, dry skin, and cold air. Whenever winter arrives, our skin feels it first — tightness, flakiness, redness, and extra sensitivity. Cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity can strip your skin barrier, making even normal skin feel dry and irritated. What you skincare routine in summer was, might not work as you expect in the winter. If you already have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, this seasonal shift can bring on flare-ups fast.
The good news? After suffering through 2 back-to-back eczema flares, safe to say with a few intentional tweaks, your routine can help protect your barrier, lock in moisture, and keep your skin feeling comfortable all season. Below I will outline different steps to take to adjust your skincare routine for winter — focusing on gentle, hydrating changes perfect for sensitive skin.
Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser
Winter is all about preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Since the air is getting drier, we want to change our routine that can help restore more moisture. Winter calls for creamier, non-foaming cleansers that respect your skin barrier. Avoid stripping formulas that leave your skin squeaky-clean — that squeak is moisture loss.
- Choose: hydrating cream or gel cleansers
- Avoid: harsh foaming or exfoliating cleansers
The cleanser I like to use is the CerVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. It doesn’t foam up, and feels soothing to the skin – especially if you feel dry or have an eczema flare.
Layer Hydration With a Hydrating Toner, Essence, or Serum
Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help draw water into the skin — essential during dry winter air.
- Apply toner or essence to damp skin
- Layer 2–3 thin coats for extra moisture
- Look for: panthenol, glycerin, centella, rice extract
The toner I use is the Pyunkang Yul – Essence Toner. With only 7 ingredients, its one of the most basic but deeply moisturizing toners I have used. It does exacerbat any skin condition I have going on – acne, dryness, eczema.
Support Your Barrier With a Rich Moisturizer
Rich moisturizers help seal hydration and protect against winter dryness.
- Look for ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, squalane
- Try slugging with a balm or Vaseline on irritated areas
Best moisturizer I am using now, that also works well in the summer months, is Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream.
Use Actives More Carefully
Retinol and exfoliants can be more sensitizing in winter. Dial back if your skin feels irritated. For me, I was able to use Adapalene everyday during the summer, but in the winter, my skin just feels so much more sensitized. Had to cut back to every 2 – 3 days.
- Reduce frequency if peeling or redness appears
- Avoid using retinoids and AHAs/BHAs on the same night
- Focus on barrier support + hydration instead
Add a Humidifier to Your Routine
Dry indoor heating zaps moisture — a humidifier helps your skin retain hydration, especially overnight. Try to keep one near your face so you skin feels less tight.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Any type of healing or repair your trying to, while maintaining moisture, really can be improved by protecting your skin from UV rays. UV rays still damage skin in winter — especially with snow glare. Use SPF daily, even on cloudy days.
Winter Skincare FAQs
Should I exfoliate in winter?
I would avoid exfoliating often, since exfoliating can strip your skin of more moisture. Maybe once a week might be enough for someone who has sensitive and dry skin.
Can I still use retinol?
Yes! You can, but you just might need to adjust how often you use retinol. The frequency might have to change if your skin barrier is experiences TEWL.
Do I need thicker moisturizers in winter?
Most people benefit from switching to richer creams, especially if you feel tightness or flaking. As heating is turned on at night while the skin is trying to repair, you might experience more severe TEWL then winter, so sealing all your serums and moisture with a think moisturizer can really be benefical.
Best ingredient for winter skin?
Ceramides and panthenol are winter MVPs for rebuilding and soothing your barrier. The Anua face cream I mentioned above is really amazing for this.
Final Thoughts + Try This
Winter doesn’t have to equal irritated skin — with gentle tweaks and consistent barrier care, your skin can stay calm, soft, and nourished all season long. ✨ You got this!
Looking for more? Explore skincare tips, routines, and cozy lifestyle content on ChaiLife.co or follow along on Pinterest for aesthetic skin-soothing inspiration.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always patch-test and consult a dermatologist if you have concerns.
