Our Winter Skincare Routine
Winter weather can be harsh on the skin, leaving it dry, dull, and more prone to irritation. The right skincare routine is critical to keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and protected all season long. We’ve worked for years with our dermatologist to find the right mix of anti-aging, ultra-hydrating, and breakout-preventing products. We don’t gatekeep, so here is every step in our skincare routine.
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Morning Routine: Start Fresh and Protect
1. Neutrogena Cream Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
Start your day by cleansing with a salicylic acid cleanser to gently remove excess oil and any impurities that build up overnight. This keeps breakouts at bay while providing a deep clean without over-drying the skin. Our dermatologist strongly recommends cream cleansers as many products with salicylic acid can be too harsh!
2. Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Pads
After cleansing, swipe on glycolic acid pads to exfoliate and brighten your skin. Glycolic acid helps to slough off dead skin cells, preventing buildup and dullness, which is especially important during winter when skin tends to flake. You should also see a slight improvement in fine lines.
Note: We actually buy our glycolic pads directly from our dermatologist but we asked for their recommendation and they said Peter Thomas Roth was their favorite!
3. COSRX Snail Mucin
Follow exfoliation with snail mucin—yes, it sounds unconventional, but this K-beauty favorite is a hydration hero. Snail mucin deeply hydrates, repairs the skin barrier, and adds a natural glow that lasts throughout the day. This product has gone viral in the last couple of years and we 100% can see why.
4. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Never skip sunscreen, even in winter! Supergoop sunscreen offers lightweight, non-greasy protection from UV rays, which can still cause skin damage during colder months. Sunscreen is your ultimate defense against premature aging and hyperpigmentation. The Unseen Sunscreen also doubles as a great makeup primer, making it the perfect final step in your morning skincare routine.
Evening Routine: Repair and Rejuvenate
1. CeraVe Cream Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide
In the evening, switch to CeraVe’s benzoyl peroxide cleanser. This targets acne-causing bacteria and clears pores while being gentle enough to prevent irritation. We love incorporating both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide for maximum clear skin benefits.
2. Tretinoin
After cleansing, apply tretinoin—a powerful retinoid that boosts cell turnover, reduces fine lines, and helps clear acne. This is the ultimate holy grail ingredient for clear, anti-aging skincare. Be sure to apply a pea-sized amount, and if your skin is sensitive, use it every other night to avoid over-exfoliation.
Note: Talk to your dermatologist about a prescription and the right dose for your skin type. There are many products that claim to have retinol or retinoid, but there is no true substitute for a prescription.
3. CeraVe PM Moisturizer
Lock in hydration with Cerave PM moisturizer. This lightweight but nourishing formula helps restore the skin’s barrier overnight, soothing any dryness or irritation caused by tretinoin. CeraVe is one of the leading brands for skincare and we love how affordable it is.
Note: If you want a bit of an extra boost, you could consider the CeraVe Night Cream.
4. Rodan + Fields Eyelash Serum
Finish your evening routine with a swipe of Rodan + Fields Lash Boost Serum to encourage longer, thicker lashes while you sleep. It’s an easy, no-fuss step that yields impressive results over time. We 100% stand by this product.
Bonus Tips for Extra Hydration and Glow
1. Dry Your Face with Clean Skin Club Towels
Instead of a regular towel, pat your face dry with a Clean Skin Club towel—these disposable, bacteria-free towels help prevent breakouts by keeping things ultra-clean.
2. Remove Makeup with the Makeup Eraser
Use a Makeup Eraser to gently remove makeup before cleansing. This reusable cloth is eco-friendly and removes makeup with just water, making it perfect for sensitive winter skin that might react to harsh chemical removers.
3. Boost Hydration with the Rodan + Fields Hydra Mask Gel Cream
On extra dry nights, apply the Hydra Mask Gel Cream as an overnight treatment on top of your regular moisturizer. This mask locks in hydration and leaves your skin feeling plump and refreshed by morning.
4. Brighten with COSRX Sheet Masks or Eye Masks
Incorporate snail mucin sheet masks or brightening eye masks into your routine once or twice a week. These masks add an extra layer of hydration and are a great way to unwind at the end of the day.
5. Run a Humidifier over night
Combat dry indoor air by running a humidifier at night. This simple addition helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents moisture loss while you sleep. This is helpful all year round but especially so if you’re blasting either heating or air conditioning.
6. Make sure to cleanse your body
A good body wash goes a long way. There are tons of great products depending on your skin type. A few that we like to use are:
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash: A benzoyl peroxide cleanser that works for your face and body
Neutrogena Stubborn Body Acne Cleanser: Moisturizers and conditioners can clog pores all across your body, so we love to use an acne cleanser as the final step of our shower
Salt and Stone Body Wash: If you’re not looking for that extra cleanse, we love the premium smell and feel of Salt and Stone
Molton Brown Bath & Shower Gel: For an even more premium feel, we absolutely love Molton Brown
7. Hydrate Lips with Laneige Lip Mask
Don't forget your lips! Apply the Laneige Lip Mask before bed for soft, supple lips by morning. This mask is deeply hydrating and prevents the dreaded winter chapping.
Final Thoughts
Winter skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, but adding a few strategic products can make a world of difference. By combining hydration, gentle exfoliation, and protection, you can keep your skin glowing even during the coldest months. This routine covers all the essentials, ensuring your face feels refreshed, hydrated, and ready to take on winter.
