It might sound like a cliché, but your wardrobe isn’t the only thing you should switch up come winter. Just as you need to protect your body from the wind and rain with boots and a warm coat, you’ll need to consider how to protect your skin from the drying effects of cold temperatures and indoor heaters.

The best way to do this is by rethinking your skincare routine steps, especially at night. Making sure to nourish and replenish your skin before bed offers your skin barrier a much-needed boost while also preparing it for another day of harsh weather.

But what night skincare routine steps do you need to incorporate now? Keep reading to find out!

1. Cleanse and Cleanse Again

Any step by step skincare routine needs to start with a clean base. In winter, this often means stripping off the layers of makeup we use to brighten our skin and our mood with a double cleanse.

But even if you go makeup-free, cleansing is vital for balancing your skin’s pH level and removing the SPF50 you should still be using. After all, if you’ve searched online for solar providers near me you’ll know that the sun’s still out in winter and that sunscreen is a must whatever the weather.

2. Take Time for Facial Massage

If facial massage isn’t one of your basic skincare routine steps, you need to change this – and fast. Using your fingertips, a facial roller, or a gua sha to massage your face increases blood and oxygen flow for improved circulation and healing. The result is smoother skin and a youthful glow, both of which are often in short supply during winter.

3. Use Gentle Exfoliators

As the winter sun isn’t as strong, it’s a great time to reap the benefits of regular exfoliation, including fewer visible wrinkles, less pigmentation, and a glowing complexion. Serums and creams will also penetrate your skin better, strengthening your skin barrier in the process.

Acids (aka chemical exfoliators) are the perfect way to remove dead skin in a gentle yet effective way. Go for AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) such as lactic acid if you have sensitive skin and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) such as salicylic acid if your skin is oily or spot-prone.

4. Switch to a Heavier Moisturizer

One of our top winter skincare tips is to make sure you switch to a rich cream moisturizer during the winter. While a water gel is perfect for summer, this kind of light formula won’t be enough to lock in your serums and keep your skin hydrated throughout the night.

5. Add an Oil

The last step in your winter nighttime skincare routine should be a nourishing oil. All skin types can benefit from sealing their skin with an oil before bed as a way to keep your skin’s natural oils in check and reinforce your skin barrier.

That said, try to avoid essential oils as these can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, a good quality rosehip oil is the best way to achieve plump, soft, and glowing skin, even in the dead of winter.

Essential Winter Skincare Routine Steps

As these winter skincare routine steps show, your beauty shelf doesn’t need a total overhaul when the weather changes.

Instead, your priority should be to strengthen and protect your skin barrier with the best techniques and the right products.

For more inspiring insights and helpful tips, be sure to check out our other blog posts!