How to Prep Your Skin for Winter

As the temperature drops and the cozy season sets in, your skin is silently facing a new set of challenges. In my esthetics practice, I always tell clients that winter isn’t just about avoiding frostbite—it’s about preparing your skin to thrive, not just survive. Below is a professional-yet approachable breakdown of what happens to your skin during colder months, how to adjust your home routine accordingly, and why this is actually the best time for certain professional treatments like chemical peels.

1. Why Winter Changes the Skin

Winter brings a cocktail of conditions that put stress on your skin’s health and appearance:

· Cold outdoor air, low humidity, and indoor heating systems all draw moisture out of your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “cold winter weather … the drop in temperature and lack of humidity, our skin can have a difficult time retaining moisture, leading to itchy, dry skin and cracked lips.” American Academy of Dermatology

· Your skin’s outermost protection—the barrier composed of lipids, oils, and hydration—becomes weaker in lower humidity and colder environments. A study found that “low humidity and low temperatures lead to a general decrease in skin barrier function and increased susceptibility toward mechanical stress.” PubMed+1

· Even typically oilier or combination skin types may feel tight, rough, or “off” during winter because the barrier is compromised and the balance shifts.

· Because the barrier is weaker, sensitivity, redness, irritation and uneven tone become more common—even more so if you’re also doing hair removal, waxing, or exposing your skin to other treatments.

In short: Winter doesn’t just change your outfit—it changes your skin’s needs. The goal is to adjust your skincare routine to match that seasonal shift.

2. How to Prep Your Skin for the Season

Let’s walk through the steps I follow in the treatment room (and what I recommend clients do at home) to keep skin hydrated, smooth, and healthy all winter.

A. Gently Exfoliate to Renew and Brighten

Exfoliation remains important in winter — but the tone shifts from intense resurfacing to gentle renewal.

· Regular exfoliation keeps your skin’s surface clear of dead cells, helping serums and moisturizers absorb better.

· But during winter, I recommend switching to milder exfoliants—for example enzyme-based treatments or gentle lactic acid rather than aggressive scrubs. This helps avoid over-irritation when your barrier is already under pressure.

· Consistent exfoliation supports your slowed cellular turnover (typical in cooler seasons) and prevents dull, rough texture from accumulating.

B. Deeply Hydrate and Seal Moisture In

Because winter air pulls moisture from your skin, hydration is the name of the game. Here’s how I recommend layering:

1. Humectants: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid attract water into the skin.

2. Emollients/Occlusives: Ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, oils to lock that hydration in and protect the barrier.

3. Layering: After cleansing, apply your hydrating serum, then follow with a richer moisturizer or facial oil. This helps ensure you’re not only adding water but keeping it.A seasonal skincare guide notes: “Winter calls for intensive moisture and barrier repair. Emollient creams, mild cleansers, and environmental support like humidifiers prevent cracking, redness, and flares of conditions like eczema or rosacea.” westchestercosmeticdermatology.com+1

C. Protect the Skin Barrier

Your skin barrier is your frontline defence—especially when harsh elements are involved.

· Avoid harsh cleansers or formulas with high amounts of drying alcohols which can further strip your barrier.

· Look for calming and barrier-supporting ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5). These help rebuild and soothe.

· Using a humidifier indoors can also help raise humidity levels in your environment, reducing moisture loss from skin. Health+1Remember: A strong, healthy barrier = skin that holds on to moisture better, feels comfortable, and responds well to treatments.

D. Keep Wearing SPF

Winter doesn’t mean “SPF optional.” Even on cloudy days and during indoor time, UV exposure still happens—and it’s especially important if you’ve been exfoliating or doing treatments.

· When you remove surface cells through exfoliation or peels, your skin is more vulnerable to pigment changes and damage, so broad-spectrum sun protection is non-negotiable.

· As one winter skincare tip article reminds us: “Skin hydration depends on external factors like humidity levels and the strength of your skin barrier. Instead of relying solely on water intake… use a hydrating moisturizer with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.” English DermatologyThat means: protect your fresh skin and support the barrier simultaneously.

3. Winter Is Chemical Peel Season

Here’s one of my favourite professional insights to share: winter is the ideal time for chemical peels. Yes — you heard that right, and there’s a reason.

· Many skincare professionals state that fall and winter are the prime months for chemical peels because reduced sun exposure helps skin heal safely. For instance: “Colder months offer the most suitable time to get a chemical peel because there is less sun exposure.” northshorederm.com+1

· After a peel, skin is more photosensitive and needs protection. Winter’s shorter days, lower UV levels and more indoor time create an ideal recovery environment. Alani Skin MD+1

· Peels during winter help with:

o Fading dark spots and post-acne marks

o Smoothing rough texture caused by dryness or buildup

o Brightening dull, fatigued skin made worse by the season

· Professional estheticians customize peel type and strength (glycolic, lactic, enzyme or other acids) based on each client’s skin type and goals.

· My advice: If you haven’t scheduled your peel series, consider doing so before spring arrives. Your skin will reveal results just in time for sunnier days—without compromising safety.

4. ProductsSlugging is a skincare technique where you apply a thin layer of an occlusive balm (like petroleum jelly) as the final step in your nighttime routine. This method helps seal in hydration, prevent transepidermal water loss, and repair a compromised skin barrier — especially during dry, cold months. It’s ideal for anyone experiencing flakiness, dullness, or irritation from exfoliating treatments or winter weather. To do it correctly: cleanse your face, apply hydrating serums and moisturizer, then lightly layer an occlusive balm on top before bed. In the morning, rinse gently and follow with SPF.

Store-Bought Product Recommendations:As your licensed esthetician, here are accessible, dermatologist-approved options that work beautifully with a slugging routine and general winter skin prep. Always patch test and adjust for your skin type and tolerance.

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Lotion: Barrier-repairing formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid that keeps skin hydrated before slugging.• Vaseline Original Healing Jelly or Aquaphor Ointment: Classic occlusive options for slugging—create a protective seal that locks in moisture overnight.• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: Lightweight, gel-based hydration perfect for oily or combination skin types before adding an occlusive layer.• Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream: Rich and emollient, great for very dry or sensitive skin needing deeper nourishment.• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum: Apply this first for a hydration boost; it enhances the effects of your moisturizer and slugging step.

Pro Tip: Slugging is most effective when done 2–3 nights per week (or nightly for very dry skin). Avoid slugging if you’re acne-prone or using strong actives like retinol or acids, as it can trap irritation underneath.

5. Final Takeaway

Winter is not a setback for your skin—it’s a season of opportunity. A well-adjusted routine during this time can set your skin up for long-term health, glow and resilience.

· Embrace gentler exfoliation, not harsher.

· Prioritize deep hydration and barrier repair.

· Maintain sun protection even when the sun seems weak.

· And yes—consider professional treatments like chemical peels this season when your skin has the best chance to heal optimally.

When your skin is supported like an esthetician would support it—through thoughtful routine changes and professional-level care—you’ll step into spring not just with relief from winter dryness, but with a complexion that’s smoother, plumper and more even-toned. Treat it as self-care because it is. Your best summer glow starts with this winter prep.