As the chill of winter intensifies, maintaining healthy, glowing skin becomes increasingly challenging. The combination of low humidity, cold winds, and indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural moisture, often leading to dryness, flaking, and irritation. According to Danielle Tartar, associate Professor at the University of California, the skin loses up to 25% of its ability to retain moisture during colder months. Despite these challenges, it is entirely possible to maintain glowing, radiant skin throughout winter by making targeted lifestyle and skincare adjustments.

From dietary changes to proven beauty rituals, the following strategies offer effective solutions to help your skin thrive during the harshest season:

1. Nourish Skin from Within

Optimal skin health begins with beauty boosting nutrition. Consuming foods rich in essential fatty acids—particularly Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids—can significantly improve the skin’s lipid barrier and moisture retention. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts, help reduce skin inflammation and improve hydration. Additionally, drinking more water in winter is crucial to prevent dehydration. However, reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol, as both act as diuretics and contribute to dry winter skin. A colourful plate filled with berries, leafy greens, and nuts not only boosts skin health, but also strengthens your immune system during the cold season.

2. Choose Gentle, Hydrating Cleansers

Proper cleansing is essential, but harsh, soap-based products can strip the skin of essential oils. Dermatologists recommend soap-free, fragrance-free cleansers that hydrate rather than dehydrate the skin. Frequent handwashing can also exacerbate winter dryness. Try substituting handwashing with moisturising hand sanitisers occasionally, and always follow up with a nourishing hand cream. Look for ingredients like ceramides and glycerine in your cleanser, which mimic the skin’s natural moisturising factors.

3. Limit Hot Showers to Protect Skin

While a hot shower may feel soothing, it can be damaging during winter. Hot water strips away natural oils quickly. Harvard Health recommend lukewarm showers only, preferably no more than once a day – every other day if possible. Consider keeping showers under 10 minutes to prevent further moisture loss and minimise exposure to drying water. Enhance hydration by adding a few drops of natural oils like almond oil, wheat germ, or grapeseed oil to your bathwater. These oils act as emollients and help lock in moisture.

4. Moisturise Immediately After Bathing

Apply moisturiser right after bathing to seal in hydration. Switch from light lotions to richer creams in the winter. Creams offer a stronger protective barrier, reducing trans epidermal water loss and keeping the skin hydrated. For best results, use moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid or shea butter, which deeply nourish and plump the skin.

Don’t forget to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy winter days. UV rays in winter can still cause damage, contributing to premature aging and pigmentation.

5. Gentle Exfoliation and DIY Masks

Exfoliating once a week can slough off dead skin cells and improve texture. Avoid abrasive scrubs; instead, use gentle exfoliators like a mix of honey and sugar, ideal for smoothing areas such as elbows and knees. Homemade hydrating face masks using ingredients like avocado, honey, yogurt, olive oil, and banana are deeply nourishing. Honey is a natural emollient, while olive oil provides antioxidants and fatty acids essential for winter skin repair.

Actress Halle Berry combines coffee grounds with body wash as a DIY exfoliator—caffeine is known to stimulate blood flow and smooth skin. Meanwhile, Julia Roberts reportedly uses olive oil masks on her hair and nails for natural shine.

6. Adjust Haircare to Support Skin Health

Your haircare routine affects your skin too. When shampooing, the residue can trickle down and irritate the skin. Shampoo and condition before washing your face and body to prevent clogged pores and dryness.

7. Improve Indoor Air Quality with a Humidifier

Indoor heating drastically reduces air moisture, worsening dry skin conditions. In this post Cleveland Clinic suggest keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50% by using a humidifier to improve skin hydration. Adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to your humidifier can also promote relaxation and provide added skin-soothing benefits.

Conclusion

Maintaining glowing, hydrated skin during winter may seem challenging, but it is absolutely achievable with the right skincare routine and lifestyle choices. By focusing on winter skincare tips like using gentle cleansers, incorporating moisturising creams with hyaluronic acid, limiting hot showers, and nourishing your skin from the inside out with omega-rich foods, you can protect your skin against cold weather damage.

These expert-backed tips are key to achieving healthy winter skin and keeping your complexion smooth, radiant, and youthful throughout the season.

For more expert skincare advice and natural beauty solutions, explore our blog and stay informed year-round.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2024). 10 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/healthier-looking-skin
• Coons, C. (2022). Itchy, dry skin this winter? These tips from dermatologists may help. UC Davis Health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/itchy-dry-skin-this-winter-these-tips-from-dermatologists-may-help-/2022/12
• Fedhealth. (2023). Beauty boosting foods. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/beauty-boosting-foods/
• Good Face Project. (n.d.). How coffee, alcohol and water affect your skin. https://thegoodfaceproject.com/articles/coffee_alcohol_water_skin
• Jaquet, J. (2010, August). Julia Roberts’s beauty secrets. Vogue Italia. https://www.vogue.it/en/beauty/beauty-news/2010/08/il-beauty-secret-di-julia-roberts-#:~:text=It%20appears%20that%2C%20lately%2C%20the,for%20about%20half%20an%20hour.
• Salamon, M. (2025). Winter skin woes. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/winter-skin-woes#:~:text=Use%20a%20humidifier%20to%20pump,softening%20emollients%20than%20bar%20soap.
• Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). All about sunscreen: When you need it. How it works for you. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/#:~:text=Every%20day!,UV%20radiation%20reaches%20the%20earth.
• Twitter. (2024). How dry winter air can have many effects on our body [Tweet]. X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/ClevelandClinic/status/1864677859769634873