AM & PM Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

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Winter can be unforgiving, especially for those with dry skin. The cold air outside and the heated indoors create the perfect recipe for skin dehydration, leaving it flaky, tight, and irritated. To keep your skin healthy and hydrated during the colder months, a carefully curated winter skincare routine for dry skin is essential. This guide will help you navigate the best skincare practices for dry skin, ensuring your skin stays moisturised, soft, and protected all winter.

Step-by-Step Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Whether you follow a comprehensive morning and evening routine or prefer a simple guide, each step is crucial in maintaining hydrated and nourished skin. Below is a detailed skincare routine specifically designed for dry skin during winter.

Morning (AM) Dry Skin Routine For Winter

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing

Start your morning routine with a gentle face wash. During winter, dry skin requires a formula that cleanses without stripping away essential moisture. Opt for cream or oil-based cleansers that remove impurities while retaining your skin’s natural oils. Look for ingredients that are soothing and hydrating.

Step 2: Hydrating Toner

After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner or essence to restore moisture and prep your skin for the next steps. Toners with hyaluronic acid, rose water, or chamomile can soothe dry skin while replenishing lost hydration. Pat it gently onto your skin rather than rubbing it to avoid irritation.

Step 3: Hydrating Serum

A hydrating face serum is a crucial part of the winter skincare routine for dry skin. Look for serums containing humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or panthenol. These ingredients draw moisture into the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated throughout the day. Apply the serum generously to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

Step 4: Moisturiser

In winter, it's essential to switch to a richer, more nourishing, hydrating moisturiser. Apply a generous layer in the morning to keep your skin soft and hydrated throughout the day.

Step 5: Sunscreen

Even during winter, sunscreen remains a vital part of your skincare routine. UV rays can still penetrate clouds, contributing to premature ageing and further skin damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 and apply it as the final step in your morning routine.

Evening (PM) Dry Skin Routine For Winter

Step 1: Double Cleansing

At night, use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and any impurities that have built up throughout the day. If you wear makeup, start with an oil-based cleanser or balm to break down makeup, followed by a hydrating second cleanse. This ensures your skin is clean but not stripped of essential oils.

Step 2: Exfoliation

Exfoliating dry skin in winter requires caution. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, so stick to gentle exfoliating gel that gently sloughs off dull skin. Exfoliate once or twice a week to improve product absorption, but always follow it up with a hydrating product.

Step 3: Treatment Serums

Nighttime is the perfect opportunity to apply more potent treatments. For dry skin, use a serum packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides to deeply hydrate and repair the skin overnight. Peptide-based serums can also help to strengthen the skin barrier, which is often compromised during winter.

Step 4: Rich Moisturiser Or Night Cream

Your night cream should be richer and thicker than your daytime moisturiser to compensate for the moisture loss that happens while you sleep. Look for face creams containing nourishing ingredients like shea butter, or fatty acids. These will help to create a protective barrier, preventing moisture from evaporating overnight.

Step 5: Lip Care

Don’t forget your lips! Use a thick, nourishing lip balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or lanolin to protect your lips from winter dryness. Apply it generously before bed to wake up with soft, supple lips.

Additional Winter Skincare Tips For Dry Skin

Use A Humidifier: Indoor heating can dry out the air, worsening skin dehydration. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated.
Avoid Hot Showers: While it’s tempting to take long, hot showers during winter, hot water strips the skin of essential oils. Stick to lukewarm water and apply moisturiser immediately after to lock in hydration.
Drink Plenty Of Water: Staying hydrated from the inside out is key to healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your skin’s hydration levels.
Wear Protective Clothing: Cold winds can exacerbate dry skin. Protect your face, hands, and other exposed areas by wearing scarves and gloves when stepping out into the cold.
Be Gentle: Winter is not the time for aggressive treatments. Stick to a gentle winter skincare routine for dry skin and avoid harsh ingredients that may irritate your skin.

Managing dry skin during winter requires a little extra care and attention. With the right products and a consistent winter skincare routine for sensitive skin, you can protect your skin from the harsh winter elements and keep it looking healthy, hydrated, and radiant. So, keep the above-mentioned dry skincare routine for winter in mind, browse through a wide range of Lancôme skincare products and explore our skincare magazine to keep your skin moisturised and resilient throughout the colder months. You can also head to the Lancôme E-Skin Expert tool to understand your skin needs and discover a tailored skincare routine in minutes.