Winter Essential Skincare Tips for Hydration and Glow

When the weather turns colder, your skin feels the change right away. Dry air, chilly winds, and indoor heating all strip away moisture, leaving skin tight, flaky, and dull. If you’ve noticed your skin acting up as the seasons shift, you’re not alone. The good news is that with a few simple changes, you can keep your skin hydrated, resilient, and glowing throughout fall and winter.

Avoid Hot Showers to Protect Your Skin Barrier

If you are a mermaid like me and love a hot long bath, or are tempted to take long, hot showers when the temperature drops, but hot water actually harms your skin. It strips away natural oils that protect your skin’s moisture barrier, making dryness and irritation worse.

Try these tips instead:

• Use lukewarm water for showers and baths

• Limit your shower time to under 10 minutes

• Pat your skin dry gently with a towel instead of rubbing

• Apply moisturizer immediately after drying to lock in hydration

  
  

These small adjustments help preserve your skin’s natural defenses and keep it feeling soft. And you can implement one of my faves:

Dry Brush, Coconut Oil, Cool Shower - My Magic Cocktail

Benefits of dry brushing/oiling / cold showering

• Improves lymphatic circulation

• Improved circulation

• Increases immunity

• Helps weight loss/increases metabolic rate

• Great for skin & hair

• I swear I have to shave less

• Helps manage stress/mood elevator

• Strengthens the nervous system

How to:

• Dry brush in upward strokes or in the direction of the heart

• Apply oil (I use coconut, but feel free to use any)

• Shower for as long as you can, massaging the oil in and again moving toward your heart

(Each day, try to increase just a little bit to build your tolerance)

Use a Humidifier to Add Moisture Indoors

Indoor heating dries out the air, which dries out your skin, too. Using a humidifier adds moisture back into your living spaces, helping prevent dehydration from the source.

Humidifiers work best in:

• Bedrooms overnight for better skin recovery while you sleep

• Living rooms or offices where heaters run for long periods

  
  

Keeping the air moist supports your skin’s hydration and reduces tightness and flakiness.

Use a Facial Steamer Before Applying Skin Care

Facial steaming is an inexpensive yet powerful way to support hydration and improve product absorption—especially during the drier months. Gentle steam helps soften the skin, increase circulation, and prep the surface so serums and moisturizers can absorb more effectively.

This is particularly beneficial when using hyaluronic acid (HA). HA requires water to bind and form a moisture-retaining layer in the skin. Applying it after steaming ensures there is adequate hydration available, helping it work as intended rather than pulling moisture from the skin.

For best results, steam for 5–10 minutes using warm (not hot) steam, then immediately apply your serums and moisturizer to seal in hydration.

Steamer I use: https://amzn.to/4sPE7VA

Protect Your Skin from Cold Air and Wind

Cold wind and dry air can quickly damage exposed skin. Covering up is a simple way to shield your face and hands from harsh elements.

Try these protections:

• Wear scarves or hats to cover your face and neck

• Use gloves to prevent cracked, dry hands

  
  

These barriers help reduce moisture loss and protect sensitive skin areas from irritation.

Gently Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps your skincare products absorb better. But in colder months, it’s important not to overdo it.

Follow these guidelines:

• Exfoliate only 1 to 2 times per week

• Choose gentle exfoliants like enzyme-based products

• Avoid harsh scrubs that can damage your skin barrier

  
  

The goal is to support your skin, not strip it. Gentle exfoliation keeps your skin smooth without causing dryness.

Moisturize More Than You Think You Need

Winter calls for richer moisturizers to combat dryness. Applying moisturizer to slightly damp skin after cleansing or showering helps seal in hydration more effectively.

Additional tips:

• Layer facial oils over moisturizer for extra nourishment

• This is a great time to use your collagen facial masks

  
  

These steps help your skin stay plump and glowing despite the cold.

Nourish Your Skin with Facial Oils

Facial oils provide an extra layer of protection and nourishment during the colder months. They help lock in moisture and restore the skin’s natural barrier.

Look for oils rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, such as:

• Rosehip oil

• Jojoba oil

• Argan oil

  
  

Apply oils after moisturizer to seal in hydration and give your skin a healthy glow.

Protect Your Lips

Lips are especially vulnerable to dryness and cracking in cold weather. Using a balm with shea butter keeps lips soft and protected.

Apply lip balm frequently throughout the day, especially before going outside and before bed.

Adjust Your Skincare Products as Needed

Your skin’s needs change with the seasons. Pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust your products accordingly.

For example:

• Switch to a richer cleanser or start oil cleansing if your skin feels tight after washing

• Add hydrating serums if your skin looks dull or flaky

• Avoid products with alcohol or fragrances that can irritate dry skin during these winter months

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And don’t forget to open a window for ~5 minutes a day—even when it’s cold—to let fresh air circulate.During the winter, homes are often sealed tight, which can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO₂), indoor pollutants, and excess humidity. Higher indoor CO₂ levels have been linked to fatigue, brain fog, reduced concentration, and decreased motivation.

Fresh outdoor air helps dilute stagnant air and increase oxygen availability, which can support alertness, energy, and nervous system regulation. Brief ventilation has also been shown to improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne irritants, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from everyday household items.

You may notice you feel more clear-headed, energized, and grounded afterward—sometimes in just a few minutes. Try it consistently and see how your body responds.

Love your Biohacking Bestie ~ Jade

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