What’s the Best Skin Care Routine for Winter

Cold weather has its advantages. Sipping hot drinks, wearing cozy sweaters, puffer coats, and enjoying the sight of freshly fallen snow are just a few perks of winter. However, lower temperatures can also take a toll, particularly on your skin, which often becomes dry, cracked, red, or generally unhealthy during this season.

The good news is that there are ways to protect your skin and maintain its appearance. Recently, Dr. Stephen Finical joined FOX 46 in Charlotte to discuss his tips for an effective winter skincare routine. Here’s a summary of his key points.

Developing the Best Skin Care Routine for Winter

As Dr. Finical confirms, the biggest issue with winter weather is that the brisk air tends to be quite dry. It depletes our skin of the moisture it requires to look and feel its best. The guiding principle of any winter skincare routine should be preserving that moisture. This is complicated by the fact that, indoors, you’re likely to encounter forced air heat, which accelerates the drying of your skin.

It’s critical to note that your skincare routine for winter may be quite a bit different than your skincare routine for spring or fall. As Dr. Finical notes, we all change our wardrobe according to the seasons; what we wear in summer’s heat wouldn’t make sense in the dead of winter, and vice versa. It’s only logical that we vary our skincare routine, as well.

One of the challenges is that, in places like Charlotte, the weather can fluctuate quite a bit, even within a season. Winter weather may bring some bitingly cold days, but also some days where the temperature climbs and the sun is shining. A good skincare routine for winter must accommodate these ebbs and flows.

Start with a Gentle Cleanser to Combat Winter Dryness

When winter rolls around, your skin needs extra care, and it all starts with a gentle cleanser. Cold air, indoor heating, and the lack of moisture in the environment can all lead to dry, irritated skin, so the last thing you want to do is use a harsh cleanser that strips away even more moisture. Instead, opt for a hydrating, cream-based cleanser that cleanses without disrupting your skin’s natural protective barrier.

Look for cleansers that are rich in nourishing ingredients like ceramides, which help restore the skin’s moisture barrier, or glycerin and aloe vera, which attract and lock in hydration. These ingredients will cleanse your skin of dirt, oils, and makeup while leaving it feeling soft and hydrated, not tight or dry.

Using a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening helps maintain a healthy skin balance, prepping your face perfectly for the next steps in your routine—whether that’s a hydrating toner, serum, or choosing between a moisturizer or a hydrator, which will Dr. Finical explain further in the text below!

Choosing the Best Chemical Peel for Effective Winter Skincare and Gentle Exfoliation

The Illuminize Peel from the SkinMedica family is an excellent option for winter skincare, as Dr. Finical suggests. This gentle chemical peel provides a mild treatment with minimal visible peeling, making it perfect for the colder months when the skin is more sensitive and prone to dryness. It addresses sun damage, fine lines, and pigment irregularities without irritating. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or looking to brighten dull winter skin, the Illuminize Peel helps restore youthful luminosity.

For those dealing with more severe sun damage, acne, or melasma, Dr. Finical also recommends the ZO® Stimulator Chemical Peel. Suitable for all skin types, this peel stimulates cell turnover and helps slough off dead skin cells, offering a refreshing surface renewal without the intense peeling of deeper treatments. It’s ideal for maintaining healthy skin during winter while gently exfoliating and rejuvenating.

Both peels provide effective yet gentle exfoliation, helping to protect your skin from the harsher winter elements and plus the added benefit of helping your skincare products penetrate deeper for optimal repair.

Is Winter the Best Time to Use Retinol? Here’s What You Need to Know

First of all, waiting 2 weeks after a chemical peel before applying retinol is perfectly safe and often recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin or if you’ve had a stronger peel. This allows your skin to fully recover from the exfoliation and ensures that it’s not overly irritated when you introduce retinol, which can also be strong for some skin types.

During the 2 weeks, focus on gentle hydration and barrier repair with calming moisturizers and soothing serums. After the weeks have passed, you can gradually (re)introduce retinol into your routine. So, let’s get back to our first question – is winter the best time to use retinol? The answer is yes, winter can be the perfect time to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine. 

With shorter days and less direct sun exposure, there’s a lower risk of UV rays breaking down the retinol and causing irritation. Plus, the colder months often bring drier skin, making it an ideal time to boost your skincare routine with an ingredient that promotes cell turnover, reduces fine lines, and helps tackle blemishes or pigmentation issues.

Dr. Finical recommends Renewal Retinol by Alastin Skincare for its ability to provide the benefits of retinol while minimizing irritation. This formula is designed to gradually release its active ingredients, making it gentler on the skin, which is especially important during the winter months when your skin can be more sensitive.

However, while winter provides a safer environment for using retinol, it’s important to keep in mind that your skin can still become more sensitive, especially when incorporating strong active ingredients like retinol. To get the most out of it, start slow, use it at night, and always follow with a nourishing moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Moisturizers vs. Hydrators: Which is Best for Your Skin’s Hydration Needs This Winter?

As for the specifics of a winter skincare routine, Dr. Finical says moisturizers are essential. A moisturizer is essentially a barrier, helping you to maintain your skin’s natural moisture. This is an important layer of protection against harsh weather and forced air heating.

Sometimes, a simple moisturizer isn’t enough to give your skin the hydration it truly craves. That’s where The Skin Center by CPS steps in with something even better—a specially formulated hydrator. Unlike a basic moisturizer that just locks in what your skin already has, our hydrator takes things to the next level. It actively pulls moisture from the air and delivers it deep into your skin, helping to replenish and enhance your natural hydration. The result? Skin that feels not just hydrated but fully refreshed, glowing, and beautifully balanced.

“As science has caught up with skincare products, we’ve gotten a lot better at being able to help skin,” affirms Dr. Finical. “A hydrator, as opposed to a moisturizer, is really what’s state of the art right now.”

Protection from the Sun is Important During Winter Too

Dr. Finical highlights an often-overlooked winter skincare concern: protecting your skin from the sun. While we typically associate sunscreen with summer, the sun’s harmful rays can still cause significant damage during the colder months. This makes it crucial to apply sunscreen year-round.

“As long as you’re exposed to solar radiation, you need protection,” explains Dr. Finical. He emphasizes that sun exposure is “the leading cause of aging in our skin.” To stay safe, he recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Repairing Sun Damage During the Winter is Key

And what about those who have already taken on some sun damage? Dr. Finical says there’s much that can be done to repair sun-depleted skin, without the need to pursue any kind of surgery. The Skin Center by CPS provides non-invasive treatments such as broadband light therapy (BBL), microneedling, topical products, non-invasive body contouring, and much more.

Find the Best Skin Care Routine for You

While these general skincare tips apply to most, everyone’s skin is unique and may need different products, treatments, or routines. So, how do you know which moisturizers, sunscreens, or non-invasive treatments will best prepare your skin for winter? The answer is simple: visit us at The Skin Center by CPS! Our skincare specialists will work with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your skin’s specific needs.

Simply put, we want to make sure we have the opportunity to evaluate each client’s skin, checking for brown spots, elasticity, and more. Once we get a good sense of your skin care needs, we can personalize our recommendations to address them.

Some clients may benefit from something as simple as a hydrating product, which we can provide right here in our center. And if we think there’s merit to something like microneedling with radiofrequency, we can walk you through the procedure and let you know what kind of outcome you might expect.

To find out more, or to get a custom skincare routine for winter, we welcome you to reach out to us at any time.

Additional Options from The Skin Center by CPS

As you consider your options for skincare, you may also be interested in something like COOLSCULPTING® or COOLTONE™, both of which can help you eliminate stubborn fat deposits and have a more contoured physical appearance.

While these are not strictly “wintertime problems,” many clients like to have these treatments done in advance of spring and summer. Body contouring can help you feel more confident as you get ready for swimwear and sleeveless shirts.

Again, if you have any questions about these treatments, we welcome you to connect with The Skin Center by CPS at your next convenience.

About The Skin Center by CPS

Charlotte Plastic Surgery has nearly 7 decades, which is an incredibly long track record providing surgical solutions for men and women alike in the Charlotte, NC area. Now, we’re proud to offer a broader range of non-invasive options through The Skin Center by CPS. We look forward to seeing you there, and to helping you determine the best way to preserve your skin from season to season.

Learn more by reaching out to The Skin Center by Charlotte Plastic Surgery.

FAQ – Developing the Best Skin Care Routine for Winter

Why does my skin get so dry in the winter?

Cold temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it dry, cracked, and irritated. The lack of moisture in the air makes it harder for your skin to retain its natural hydration. A winter skincare routine should focus on deep hydration, protection, and gentle cleansing to restore moisture.

What type of cleanser is best for winter skincare?

In winter, it’s important to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip the skin’s natural oils. Look for cream-based cleansers that contain nourishing ingredients like ceramides, aloe vera, and glycerin to replenish your skin’s moisture and maintain a healthy barrier.

Can I still use a chemical peel in winter?

Absolutely! Winter can actually be a great time to undergo a chemical peel, but it’s important to choose one that’s gentle, like the Illuminize Peel or the ZO® Stimulator Chemical Peel. These peels provide mild exfoliation, helping to brighten and smooth skin without the harsh peeling that can be more intense in the warmer months. They’re perfect for combatting dryness and improving skin texture during winter.

Is winter the best time to start using retinol?

Yes, winter is a fantastic time to add retinol to your skincare routine. The reduced sun exposure during the colder months makes it safer to use retinol, as UV rays can break down retinol and cause irritation. Dr. Finical recommends Renewal Retinol by Alastin Skincare for its gradual-release formula, which minimizes irritation and helps boost cell turnover, combat fine lines, and improve skin texture.

What’s the difference between a moisturizer and a hydrator?

A moisturizer locks in moisture, helping to protect your skin’s natural barrier, but a hydrator takes it one step further. A hydrator actively pulls moisture from the environment and delivers it deeper into the skin. If you’re experiencing especially dry winter skin, a hydrator can provide enhanced hydration, keeping your skin feeling refreshed, plump, and glowing.

How do I protect my skin from the sun in winter?

Even in the winter, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Dr. Finical emphasizes that sun exposure is the primary cause of skin aging, so applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day is a must. Even though the sun’s intensity may be lower, UVA and UVB rays can still damage the skin, making sunscreen a vital part of your winter skincare routine.