What is the best skincare routine for winter?
The best winter skincare routine focuses on hydration, nourishment, and protection. As seasons change, the air becomes colder and drier, which can lead to moisture loss, sensitivity, and irritation. Layering your skincare—starting with a gentle cleanser and ending with a rich moisturizer—can help protect your skin and keep it healthy.
Choose products that hydrate skin deeply and support the skin barrier. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or nourishing oils like squalene to lock in moisture and prevent dryness throughout the day.
A basic winter routine may look like this:
- Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin. This helps remove buildup without leaving your skin feeling tight or exposed.
- Hydrating serum: Apply a serum with hyaluronic acid to attract moisture and keep skin hydrated, even in low humidity.
- Moisturizer: Switch to a cream-based moisturizer to seal in hydration. Ingredients like squalene and jojoba oil can also support the skin barrier and help prevent moisture loss.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget SPF—UV rays are still present, even in cold weather, and protection is key year-round.
- Targeted care: Use treatments for dry lips and delicate areas that are easily exposed to cold, dry air.
Which products are best for winter?
Winter skin care products should focus on hydration, skin barrier support, and soothing benefits, especially as your skin adjusts from summer to cold winter weather. Dry air, low humidity, and frequent indoor heating can trigger irritation, flaky skin, and increased sensitivity, so switching to seasonally appropriate formulas is essential.
Look for:
- Hydrating cleansers: Cleanse Glycolic Gel gently exfoliates and clears away dead skin cells without stripping moisture — great for dull or rough winter skin.
- Hydrating serums: Ultra-Hydration Serum uses squalane, ceramides, and botanical oils to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated and plump, even in dry winter air.
- Moisturizers with barrier support: Orange You Peppy provides antioxidant-rich hydration, while Neck and Body Firming Cream helps improve the appearance of crepey or cold-weather–exposed skin.
- Exfoliants with gentle acids: Advanced TX Lightening Gel Elixir and Pearls of Retinol help improve skin tone, texture, and discoloration without harshness—ideal for winter when skin can be more reactive.
- Soothing masks and treatments: 24K Gold + Collagen Facial Masks and 24K Gold + Snail Growth Factor Serum offer soothing, replenishing care that supports skin renewal and calms visible dryness or tightness.
- Targeted care: Use brightening formulas like Advanced TX Lightening Gel Elixir on stubborn dark spots, and apply Pearls of Retinol at night for gentle, skin-smoothing support throughout the winter.
These winter skincare essentials help you fight dry winter skin and keep your skin soft and resilient. For tailored advice — especially if you’re dealing with irritation, blemishes, or compromised skin — consulting a board-certified dermatologist can help you choose the best routine for your skin type and concerns.
How can I keep my face glowing during the winter?
Glowing skin in winter starts with extra hydration and smart exfoliation. Cold temperatures, dry air, and low humidity can lead to a dull complexion and a buildup of dead skin cells, especially if your routine isn’t adjusted for the season.
For a simple winter glow-up, try pairing:
- C Antioxidant Gel 20%: A vitamin C serum that brightens dull skin and helps even out tone
- Ultra-Hydration Serum: Powered by squalane and ceramides to deeply moisturize and keep skin hydrated
- C Skin Brightening Pads: Vitamin C-infused pads that gently exfoliate and smooth texture without irritating sensitive skin
- C Glow Moisturizer: A lightweight but nourishing cream that supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture
This combination helps restore radiance and softness — even in the middle of winter.
Do I need vitamin C serum in winter?
Yes — vitamin C serum is a year-round essential, including in winter. It helps defend against UV rays, brightens dull winter skin, and supports collagen production. The A Method’s C Antioxidant Gel 20% is a lightweight, medical-grade skincare product that pairs well with thicker moisturizers and winter-friendly serums.
Use it in the morning before applying sunscreen for antioxidant protection throughout the day.
How do I layer skincare in winter?
Layering your winter skincare routine correctly helps lock in moisture, support the skin barrier, and protect against dryness and sensitivity caused by cold air and low humidity.
Here’s a simple winter layering guide:
- Gentle cleanser to remove buildup without stripping your skin
- Hydrating toner or essence (optional) to prep your skin
- Vitamin C serum to brighten and protect against environmental stressors
- Hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, or ceramides to keep skin hydrated
- Moisturizer—preferably cream-based—for nourishment and barrier support
- Sunscreen to guard against UV rays, even in winter
- Lip balm and eye cream to protect delicate, exposed areas
At night, skip the sunscreen and consider a richer cream or a gentle retinoid to help smooth and renew your skin while you sleep.
What should I apply on your face during winter?
When building a winter skincare routine, focus on products that cleanse gently, hydrate deeply, and support the skin barrier. Start with clean skincare that won’t strip your skin—Cleanse Glycolic Gel offers mild exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and prep your skin for moisture.
Layer your products in this order:
- Hydrating serums like Ultra-Hydration Serum, which contains squalane, ceramides, and nourishing botanical oils to keep skin hydrated
- Moisturizers with barrier-reinforcing ingredients like Orange You Peppy and Neck and Body Firming Cream, which offer antioxidant-rich hydration and nourishing oils to help soften and support dry, tight, or rough skin during winter
- Brightening treatments like Advanced TX Lightening Gel Elixir, which features tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and arbutin to help even skin tone and target visible discoloration
Apply sunscreen each morning to shield against UV rays, even on cloudy days. To boost hydration, use 24K Gold + Collagen Facial Masks once or twice a week for extra moisture and glow during the colder months.
Does winter skincare differ by skin type?
Yes—winter skincare routines should be adjusted based on your skin type, since cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating affect each skin type differently.
Oily or blemish-prone skin
Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and hydrating serums that won’t clog pores. Look for gentle exfoliation and oil-balancing products for blemish-prone or oily skin.
Check out The A Method's blemish control collection.
Dry skin
Reach for thicker creams with occlusive ingredients like squalane or shea butter to seal in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Look for deeply hydrating treatments that help combat tightness and flaking.
Explore The A Method's dry to normal skincare collection.
Sensitive skin
Stick to fragrance-free, soothing ingredients like ceramides, oat protein, and hyaluronic acid. Avoid harsh scrubs or over-exfoliating, which can increase redness or discomfort.
Browse The A Method's sensitive skin collection.
Combination skin
Use targeted serums for drier areas and lightweight hydrators for oilier zones to stay balanced. This flexible approach helps your skin adjust to changes in weather and environment.
Shop The A Method's combination skin collection.
Customizing your winter routine helps maintain balance, prevent irritation, and keep your skin looking healthy, no matter your skin type.
Can cold weather cause skin conditions?
Yes—cold weather and indoor heating can contribute to dryness and general skin irritation. Low humidity and frequent hand washing can also worsen flaky skin, cracked lips, and overall discomfort.
To avoid winter skin issues:
- Use lukewarm (not hot) water for bath time
- Apply body lotion after bathing
- Wear gloves when outside
- Use a humidifier to counteract dry indoor air
What are some dermatologist-recommended winter skincare tips?
Many dermatologists recommend simple, practical winter skincare tips to support healthy skin through the colder months:
- Use a humidifier to combat dry indoor air
- Avoid long, hot showers that can strip moisture
- Reapply moisturizer after handwashing
- Stick with fragrance-free, gentle products to reduce sensitivity
- Don’t skip SPF—even in overcast or snowy conditions
Small changes can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels all season long.
Have more questions about your winter skincare routine?
Not sure which winter skin care products are best for your skin type? We’re here to help. Whether you're dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or just need a winter skincare routine that fits the season, our team can guide you to the right clean skincare solutions.
Email us at info@theamethod.com or fill out this contact form to get personalized recommendations.
