As the seasons change, so does your skin. One of the most common questions I hear from patients is whether their winter skincare routine should change along with the weather. The short answer is yes, and the reasoning is rooted in science, not trends.
Your skin is a living, responsive organ. It reacts to changes in temperature, humidity, wind, indoor heating, and UV exposure. What keeps skin balanced in summer can leave it feeling tight, dry, or irritated in winter. Over the past few weeks, I’ve gotten a lot of questions on social about how to care for skin during colder weather, from ingredient swaps to in-office treatments. I wanted to answer them here the same way I would in a consultation, so you can feel confident supporting your skin all winter long.
1. What’s the difference between a summer routine and a winter routine, and when should I make the swap?
In the summer, we typically focus on oil control, lightweight hydration, and extra UV protection because heat and humidity tend to increase sebum production. That’s why gel textures and lighter formulas often work better.
In the winter, we see the opposite. Cooler, drier air plus indoor heating makes moisture retention much more difficult. Skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and barrier disruption. For colder months, I typically recommend richer moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and barrier-supporting ingredients.
When to swap: You’ll usually know it’s time when you notice tightness after cleansing, flaky patches, makeup settling into dry areas, or increased sensitivity. For most people, this happens in late fall, usually right around the time you start wearing sweaters again.
2. What ingredients should I be using during the winter?
This will depend on your skin type, but winter is almost always a support the barrier season.
Dry skin
Look for humectants and emollients. Humectants pull moisture into the skin. Emollients soften and help seal it in. Great winter ingredients include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamin E.
Sensitive skin
Many of the same barrier-supporting ingredients above work well, but avoid common triggers, especially fragrance.
Oily or acne-prone skin
The goal is strengthening the barrier without heavy, pore-clogging formulas. Lightweight ceramide lotions, niacinamide, and azelaic acid are great options. If you want a deeper breakdown of how azelaic acid works across different concerns, read A Comprehensive Guide to Azelaic Acid.
Mature skin
Prioritize hydration plus gentle, consistent stimulation. My winter picks include azelaic acid, peptides, and bakuchiol, which is a winter-friendly retinol alternative for many patients.
3. Does the order of my routine need to change from summer to winter, or just my products?
The order stays the same. My approach is consistent year-round: cleanse, treat, protect. What changes is what you choose within each step.
Cleanse
In winter, pick a cleanser that removes makeup and excess oil without stripping the barrier. Purify Cleanser is one of my favorites because it cleans effectively while supporting hydration so skin stays balanced.
Treat
Winter is a great time for serums that refine texture while keeping skin calm. Azelaic10 Serum is a universal option that combines azelaic acid with hydrating and soothing ingredients to smooth and refine while supporting hydration:
Protect
Your moisturizer should match your skin type, and SPF is still essential in winter. UV exposure still adds up, even on cooler or cloudy days. If you want a quick refresher on how SPF works and what to look for, read A Dermatologist’s Guide to Sunscreen.
For daily protection, shop the Sun Protection collection:
https://azimdskincare.com/
I’m also a fan of Hydratint BB SPF 44, a tinted moisturizing SPF that hydrates, protects, and gives skin a naturally filtered finish:
4. Are there specific in-office treatments that are best to do with my winter routine?
Winter is one of my favorite times for more intensive treatments because lower UV exposure reduces the risk of pigmentation and makes recovery more comfortable. If you’re considering in-office treatments, you can learn more about what’s offered here:
https://azimdskincare.com/
Chemical peels
Help brighten, smooth texture, and fade hyperpigmentation. Ideal for dullness, uneven tone, acne, or early signs of aging. Typical frequency is every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the patient and peel type.
Laser resurfacing
Stimulates collagen, softens fine lines, and improves pigmentation or acne scarring. Typical plan is 1 to 3 sessions depending on intensity. If you want to know what recovery typically looks like, read What To Expect with Laser Skin Resurfacing:
Microneedling
Boosts collagen, improves texture and fine lines, and helps minimize scars. I usually recommend 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Winter is ideal because you are avoiding heat, sweat, and sun exposure during recovery.
FAQ
Do I still need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UV exposure still affects pigmentation and collagen, even on cooler or cloudy days.
Is hyaluronic acid enough in dry winter weather?
It helps, but most people need barrier support too. Pair it with ceramides and a moisturizer that seals hydration in.
Why does my skin sting when I apply products in winter?
That often signals irritation or barrier disruption. Simplify for a week, avoid fragrance, and focus on barrier-supporting ingredients.
Can I exfoliate in winter?
Yes, but go slower. Over-exfoliation plus cold weather can trigger dryness and sensitivity. Keep it gentle and consistent.
What’s the best winter routine for acne-prone skin?
Focus on barrier support without heavy occlusives. Azelaic acid, niacinamide, and lightweight ceramide moisturizers are usually a strong combo.
Medical note: This post is educational and not medical advice. If you have eczema, rosacea flare-ups, or persistent irritation, it’s worth getting a personalized plan in-office.
