This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on April 22, 2026.
Winter blues got you down? You’re not alone. Those cold, blustering months leave us chilled-to-the-bone and wishing we were at the beach. But the worst culprit of all?
Dry, cracked winter skin.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to boost hydration and take excellent care of your complexion during those brutal months. Here are 10 winter skincare tips to help you survive the chill:
1. Feeling the heat? Use warm water instead.
That scalding hot water isn’t doing any favors for your skin. Be sure to use warm (not hot!) water to wash your face and hands. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), excessively hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it super dried out.
2. Boost moisture with a humidifier while you sleep.
Want to feel super productive while you sleep? Invest in a humidifier. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help to soothe chapped, dry skin while you snooze.
3. Ditch the moisturizer. You’re better off using a face oil.
Try using a face oil to moisturize your skin rather than a cream or lotion. Face oils penetrate much deeper than a traditional moisturizer, delivering tons of nutrients and hydration that creams and lotions often lack. Plus, they help balance the natural oils that already exist in your skin. Need a recommendation? Try our Fresh Start Face Oil.
4. Add Niacinamide to your routine.
Here at Otto Skin Goods, niacinamide is one of our all-time favorite ingredients. If you haven’t incorporated it into your skincare routine yet, it’s definitely time. Niacinamide helps to calm inflammation and redness—a problem that often becomes more severe during the winter months. It also helps to improve the moisture barrier in your skin so that it can stay healthy and hydrated.
5. Drink more water.
When it comes to winter, the tendency to drink water decreases significantly. The truth is, water is necessary every day, especially after exercising. Skin cells, just like any other cell in the body, are made up of water. Without water, the organs would not function properly. If you're not drinking enough water, dehydration will turn your skin dry, tight and flaky, leaving it prone to wrinkling.
6. Contrary to popular opinion, exfoliating is actually a good idea.
We know exfoliants have a bad rap these days, but pay no attention—you still need to exfoliate. It’s still important to turn over dead skin cells to reveal fresh and healthy skin, even when it is cold outside. But instead of using harsh chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid, try using gentler alternatives such as natural fruit acids and gluconolactone for your face. For the hands and body, use a physical exfoliant such as a sugar body scrub with a coconut oil base.
7. Love that lather? You may want to rethink that.
For many of us, washing our face after a long, winter’s day is a life-changing experience. If you’re worried it might dry out your skin, use a mild facial cleanser with minimal lather. Lathering agents can be highly allergenic and harsh on skin which may lead to dryness and irritation that only worsens with cold weather. Only wash with a cleanser at night to remove makeup, sweat and dirt from the day. In the morning, rinse your face with water, but do not use a cleanser. Cleansing once a day is plenty!
8. Two words: Hyaluronic acid.
Use a good, vegan hyaluronic acid serum daily, like this one. Plant-derived hyaluronic acid boosts moisture retention to improve dullness and dehydration for a brighter, dewier look. Just make sure it’s one of the first ingredients listed in your serum. That means it’s one of the main ingredients and at a high percentage, making it more effective.
9. Always wear sunscreen (yes, even when the sun’s not out).
Be on the defense. You should still use sunscreen even when there is no sun in sight. UVA and UVB damage can still have negative effects on your skin during the gray and gloomy winter months. Also, consider adding a serum with antioxidants to help fight free-radical damage, pollution and other environmental stressors which may be damaging to your skin.
10. Need a good scrub + mask? Check the pantry.
Want to naturally hydrate your skin without spending the big bucks? Try DIY! Ingredients found in your very own kitchen can be simple, nourishing and extremely effective in helping to soothe dry, chapped skin. Mixing coconut oil, sugar and honey is a great hand, lip and body scrub (see recipe below!). These do-it-yourself scrubs are great for removing dry skin and locking in moisture. Also, try blending avocado, olive oil, yogurt, honey and aloe for a quick, 15-30 minute face mask treatment. It’s ultra-hydrating and keeps your skin looking fresh all winter long.
Quick-and-easy lip scrub recipe:
- 2 tbsp castor sugar (fine grain sugar)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (extra virgin, unrefined)
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 splash vanilla extract
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I really switch from moisturizer to a face oil in winter?
Yes, for most skin types, face oils are a great upgrade during the colder months. Unlike creams and lotions, oils penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering more concentrated hydration and nutrients. They also help balance your skin's natural oils rather than sitting on top of the surface. If you're hesitant, try layering a face oil over a lightweight serum as a first step.
How often should I exfoliate in winter?
Once or twice a week is generally enough. The key in winter is to swap out harsh chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid for gentler options—natural fruit acids or gluconolactone work well for the face, while a sugar scrub with a coconut oil base is great for hands and body. Over-exfoliating can compromise your skin barrier, which is already under stress from the cold.
Do I really need sunscreen in winter when it's cloudy?
Absolutely. UVA and UVB rays are present year-round, even on overcast days, and can still cause skin damage and premature aging. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning as the last step in your routine, and consider pairing it with an antioxidant serum for added protection against environmental stressors.
How does Niacinamide help with winter skin specifically?
Winter tends to trigger more redness and inflammation, and Niacinamide is excellent at calming both. It also strengthens your skin's moisture barrier, which takes a beating from cold air, wind, and indoor heating. Adding it to your routine in fall before the harshest weather hits gives your skin a head start.
Is it bad to wash my face with hot water when I come in from the cold?
It's tempting, but yes, hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Stick to warm water, and keep cleansing to once a day (at night). In the morning, a simple rinse with water is all you need.
Can drinking more water actually improve my skin in winter?
Skin cells are largely made up of water, and when you're dehydrated, skin can turn dry, tight, and flaky, making it more prone to fine lines and irritation. While drinking water alone won't replace a solid topical routine, it works hand in hand with your other skincare habits, especially after exercise.
