Blogs
Winter Skincare: How to Protect Your Skin in the Cold (2026–27 Guide)
Contents
Short answer: the goal of winter skincare is to keep your skin barrier intact. Swap harsh foaming cleansers for a gentle one, move to a richer moisturiser and apply it to damp skin, and keep wearing sunscreen on cold, grey days. Cut back on actives such as acids and retinol, or use them less often; when skin becomes sensitive, they are the first step to pause.
Why Does Skin Get Dry and Red in Winter?
The outer layer of your skin works like a brick wall: skin cells are the bricks, and ceramides and fatty acids are the mortar. In cold weather the oil glands slow down, outdoor humidity drops and indoor heating dries the air even further. The mortar thins, water evaporates and skin reacts with tightness, flaking, redness and stinging. Long hot showers and frequent face washing speed all of this up.
We explain how the barrier works in detail in our skin barrier guide; almost every winter step below is about protecting it.
Your Winter Morning Routine
- Lukewarm water or a gentle cleanser: for dry skin, a splash of lukewarm water in the morning may be enough. Hot water strips the oil layer.
- Hydrating toner or serum: water-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin work best on slightly damp skin.
- A richer moisturiser: ceramides, squalane and shea butter support the barrier. Oily skin may only need a gel-cream texture.
- Sunscreen: UVA rays reach the skin on cloudy days too. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher belongs in your routine all winter; if you're heading for snow, choose higher protection because of reflection.
Your Winter Evening Routine
- Remove makeup and sunscreen gently: a cleansing oil or balm followed by a mild cleanser (double cleansing) cleans without rubbing.
- Dial back actives: if you use AHA/BHA or retinol, cut down to a few nights a week and pause if stinging or flaking starts.
- A repairing cream: your night cream can be a little richer than your day cream. Add a thin layer of barrier balm to very dry spots such as the sides of the nose and around the mouth.
- Lips and hands: make lip balm and hand cream the last step before bed.
Six Common Winter Mistakes
- Very hot, long showers,
- Harsh foaming cleansers that leave a “squeaky clean” feeling,
- Exfoliating often to scrub away dryness,
- Skipping sunscreen on grey days,
- Sitting right next to the radiator with no source of humidity in the room,
- Drinking too little water because you feel less thirsty.
Winter Care by Skin Type
| Skin type | Winter focus | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | Rich cream, ceramides, oil-based cleanser | Exfoliate less often |
| Oily / combination | Light but barrier-supporting moisturiser | Dehydrated skin can produce more oil |
| Sensitive | Short ingredient lists, fragrance-free | Introduce new products one at a time |
| Acne-prone | Non-comedogenic hydration | Use drying actives without wrecking the barrier |
Why Winter Is a Good Time for Professional Facials
Months with weaker sun are a good time to help skin recover after summer. The treatments clients often choose with us in winter are:
- Hydro Facial: vacuum-assisted cleansing and hydrating serums that help revive dull, dry-looking skin; for regular care it is usually done once a month.
- Genosys Anti-Aging: a protocol aimed at hydration and radiance for skin with fine lines and loss of elasticity. Read what is Genosys to learn more about the brand.
- Pumpkin treatment: a popular choice for skin that looks dull at the change of season.
We never choose a treatment without looking at your skin first; you can browse all options on our skincare page. If winter also means more clogged pores, our article on getting rid of blackheads without squeezing may help.
When to See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist if dryness comes with itchy, crusting or weeping patches, if redness doesn't settle within a few weeks, or if you have a history of eczema or rosacea. These need treatment, not just skincare.
Winter Facials in Şişli, Istanbul
At our salon on Abide-i Hürriyet Avenue in Şişli, every facial starts with a skin assessment so we can decide together what your skin needs this winter. Book by WhatsApp or phone on +90 533 038 48 24, or use our contact page. We are a short walk from the Şişli-Mecidiyeköy and Osmanbey M2 metro stops.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, consult your doctor. Results vary from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about this content
Why does skin get drier in winter?
Oil glands slow down in the cold, outdoor humidity drops and heating dries indoor air. The skin barrier thins, water evaporates more easily and tightness and flaking start.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UVA rays reach the skin on cloudy, cold days too. A daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended; choose higher protection in snowy conditions.
Should I exfoliate in winter?
You can, but less often. Frequent exfoliation on an already weakened barrier increases redness. For dry or sensitive skin, once a week or less is usually enough.
Does oily skin need moisturiser in winter?
Yes. Dehydrated oily skin can produce even more oil. A light, non-comedogenic, barrier-supporting moisturiser is enough.
Which professional facial is best in winter?
Hydro Facial is a common choice for dry, dull-looking skin, and Genosys Anti-Aging for fine lines and loss of elasticity. We decide together after a skin assessment.
When should winter dryness be checked by a doctor?
If you have itchy, crusting or weeping patches, or redness that lasts for weeks, see a dermatologist.
