These esthetician-approved skin care tips will help you adapt your routine to the challenges of winter, giving your skin the hydration, protection, and care it needs to thrive in cooler months.
Lightweight lotions are perfect for summer, but they often can’t keep up with winter’s dryness. Cold air has less humidity, meaning moisture evaporates from your skin more quickly. A heavier, cream-based moisturizer will create a protective barrier to lock in hydration.
Look for products with:
Apply moisturizer twice a day (morning and night) and always after cleansing to seal in water while your skin is still slightly damp.
A steaming hot shower may feel like the perfect winter indulgence, but it can actually strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it tight and more prone to dryness. Instead, use warm water and keep showers to 10–15 minutes.
When you step out, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing, then apply your moisturizer immediately. This simple habit can make a huge difference in maintaining hydration.
Winter is not the time for harsh, foaming, or alcohol-based cleansers. These formulas can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, making dryness and irritation worse.
Choose a cream, gel-cream, or oil-based cleanser that cleans effectively without leaving your skin feeling tight. If your skin tends to get extra sensitive in winter, stick to fragrance-free products.
Yes—even in winter. UV rays don’t take the season off, and snow glare can actually intensify sun exposure. Using SPF daily is one of the most overlooked winter skin care steps, but it’s essential for preventing premature aging and protecting against sun damage.
Go for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Many moisturizers now come with built-in SPF, making it easier to keep this step part of your routine.
Indoor heating systems can suck moisture right out of the air, making it harder for your skin to stay hydrated. Using a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep helps maintain healthy moisture levels in both your environment and in your skin.
Aim for an indoor humidity level of around 40–50% for maximum comfort and skin health.
Exfoliation is still important in winter because it removes the layer of dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull and prevent moisturizers from absorbing properly. The key is to be gentle, as over-exfoliating can cause redness and irritation.
A mild exfoliant 1–2 times per week is plenty for most skin types. Opt for enzyme-based or lactic acid exfoliants instead of gritty scrubs, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Topical products are only part of the equation. Staying hydrated internally is just as important for healthy skin. Drink water throughout the day and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, which help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
Herbal teas, warm water with lemon, and broth-based soups are great winter-friendly ways to boost your fluid intake.
See what’s next for the beauty industry and explore our blog on the future of skin rejuvenation to discover the treatments, tools, and trends that will keep you ahead of the curve.
Your lips and hands are especially vulnerable to winter’s harsh conditions because they have thinner skin and fewer oil glands. Beyond being uncomfortable, chapped lips and cracked hands can also make you more prone to irritation and infection.
Keep a thick, fragrance-free balm in your bag for your lips, and apply hand cream after washing your hands. Wearing gloves outside is an easy extra step that makes a big difference.
Layering matters, especially in the winter when you’re trying to trap every bit of hydration you can. The general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest:
1. Hydrating serum (think hyaluronic acid or niacinamide)
2. Moisturizing cream
3. Sunscreen (in the morning)
This method ensures that each product can do its job without being blocked by heavier layers.
Sometimes your skin needs more than at-home care. Seasonal facials, gentle peels, or LED light therapy from a licensed esthetician can refresh your skin, target dryness, and boost circulation during the winter months.
If you’re passionate about learning these techniques yourself, training in esthetics can give you the skills to care for your own skin while building a rewarding career helping others look and feel their best.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire regimen to get results. Small, consistent changes will protect your skin all season. Here’s a sample winter routine that works for many skin types:
Morning
Evening
Adjust based on your skin type, climate, and personal preferences.
If your skin feels persistently dry, itchy, or irritated despite following these tips, it’s worth visiting a licensed esthetician or dermatologist. They can assess your skin type, recommend targeted treatments, and ensure there’s no underlying condition that needs attention.
Brillare Beauty Institute students learn how to care for their own skin and guide clients through seasonal changes. Our esthetics program covers everything from basic facials to advanced skin rejuvenation treatments, giving future beauty professionals the expertise to address skin challenges year-round.
If you’re ready for a thorough treatment that addresses your skin care issues and showcases Brillare’s finest, come visit our in-house SalonSpa.
The colder months can be harsh on your skin, but with the right winter skin care habits, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion no matter the weather. By swapping in richer products, protecting against the elements, and staying consistent, you’ll give your skin what it needs to look and feel its best all season long.
If you want to create personalized routines and deliver expert treatments, the journey starts with professional esthetics training. Brillare Beauty Institute prepares you to care for every client’s skin in winter, spring, summer, and fall. Book a tour at one of our campuses in Cleveland, Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tennessee, or St. Louis, Missouri.
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Person-laying-on-bed-with-mirror_.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Marketing https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Abstrakt Marketing2026-01-28 15:56:592026-01-28 15:57:085 Skin Care Trends Every Future Esthetician Should Know in 2026
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Woman-receiving-red-light-therapy-treatment-for-skin-rejuvenation.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Marketing https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Abstrakt Marketing2025-11-03 13:15:072026-01-28 11:23:22Comparing the Benefits of Red Light Therapy to Traditional Skin Treatment
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/How-Often-Can-You-Do-Red-Light-Therapy.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Marketing https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Abstrakt Marketing2025-08-14 14:33:372026-01-28 11:23:22How Often Can You Do Red Light Therapy?
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Portrait-of-young-happy-woman-who-is-satisfied-with-her-skin.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Marketing https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Abstrakt Marketing2025-08-01 14:06:112026-01-28 11:23:22The Future of Skin Rejuvenation
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tinted-Sunscreen-101-What-It-Is-How-It-Works-and-Why-You-Need-It.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Marketing https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Abstrakt Marketing2025-07-11 08:33:442026-01-28 11:23:22Tinted Sunscreen 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You Need It
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/detail-of-red-light-therapy-panel-for-skin-health.jpg 1250 2000 Abstrakt Marketing https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Abstrakt Marketing2025-05-15 08:05:152026-01-28 11:23:23What Is Red Light Therapy, and What Can It Do for My Skin?
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Close-up-view-of-a-woman-with-well-manicured-nails-holding-a-facial-oil-bottle.jpg 1250 2000 Paul Cook https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Paul Cook2025-01-27 19:41:452026-01-28 15:57:45Healthy Skin Care Trends We’re on the Lookout for This Year
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Beautician-spraying-tan-bodypaint-on-woman-with-airbrush.jpg 1250 2000 Paul Cook https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Paul Cook2024-10-29 15:48:352026-01-28 11:23:23Why You Should Consider a Spray Tan Certification
https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Person-at-beach-putting-on-sun-lotion.jpg 1250 2000 Paul Cook https://brillarebeautyinstitute.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BrillareLogos-092925_brillare-logo-gradient-1030x442.png Paul Cook2023-08-31 14:00:542026-01-28 11:23:25Enjoy the seasons without skin damage