If your skin feels a little tight, dry, or less radiant this time of year, you are not imagining it. Winter in the PNW is beautiful, but it can be rough on our skin. Cold air outside, dry heat inside, long stretches of gray days, and lower humidity all work together to pull moisture away from our skin.
So, if your face is feeling more sensitive or your skin is not as bright as usual, you are not doing anything wrong. This is simply how skin responds to winter weather. The good news is that a few gentle adjustments can make a noticeable difference.
Here is a simple, practical guide to help support your skin during the colder months.
Step 1: Deep Hydration is Key
Your skin barrier protects you from irritation, dryness, and environmental stress. During the winter months, cold air and wind can create tiny cracks in that barrier. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts.
A good moisturizer can help your skin stay calm and comfortable. Two moisturizers that work well for winter weather are from iS Clinical:
- Reparative Moisture Emulsion
- A soothing, lightweight moisturizer filled with botanicals and antioxidants. It works well if you want hydration that still feels breathable on the skin.
- Daily Dynamic Hydrator
- This is ideal for anyone who wants all day moisture without any heaviness. Your skin stays hydrated and balanced from morning to night.
Both moisturizers help your barrier stay healthy and supported, which is exactly what your skin needs this time of year.
Step 2: Gentle Treatments for Brighter Skin
Winter can leave your skin looking dull because cold weather slows down natural cell turnover. This is one reason a light peel can be helpful this time of year. You get brighter, smoother skin without irritation, which is exactly what most people want during the colder months.
The BioRePeel is a great option for winter because it works below the surface of the skin while still being comfortable for most skin types. It helps improve:
- dull or tired looking skin
- uneven tone
- rough texture
- congestion
Many clients notice that their skin looks more awake and refreshed even after one treatment. It also helps your skincare products absorb more effectively, which is a nice bonus during the winter season.
If you have been wanting to reset your skin after the holidays or you are noticing more dryness than usual, a gentle peel can give you a fresh start.
Step 3: Consider Switching Up Your Cleanser
In the colder months, a lot of people notice that their skin feels tight or uncomfortable right after cleansing. This usually happens because winter air already puts stress on the skin barrier, and a cleanser that is too strong or stripping can make that dryness even more noticeable.
Now is the time to switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes impurities without taking away the natural oils your skin needs to stay balanced. If your skin ever feels tight after cleansing, that is usually a sign to switch to something milder.
Step 4: Exfoliate Wisely and Consistently
Exfoliation is still important in the winter, but a gentle approach works best. The goal is to remove buildup without irritating the skin barrier.
Winter naturally slows your skin’s turnover rate, so exfoliating once or twice a week helps your products absorb better and keeps your complexion looking smoother and brighter.
However, avoid anything too intense or over exfoliating. A mild, consistent routine is the safest and most effective way to care for your skin.
Step 5: Keep Wearing SPF Even on Gray Days
This one surprises a lot of people but sunscreen is still important even during the winter months.
UV rays are present all year and since your barrier is more vulnerable in the winter, daily SPF is an easy way to help prevent:
- premature aging
- redness
- uneven tone
- sun related pigmentation
A tinted SPF works especially well in winter, since it evens out your complexion and still protects your skin.
How to Care for Your Skin Right Now
If your skin feels tighter, flakier, or more reactive, that is completely normal for this season. Implementing just a few changes can help your skin feel more hydrated, calmer, and healthier. If you want help adjusting your winter routine, we are always happy to guide you in the right direction. Give us a call at 360-625-5360 and we will put a winter skincare plan together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cold air has low humidity, which means there is less moisture available for your skin. Indoor heating also pulls moisture out of the air. Together, this causes the skin barrier to lose hydration more quickly.
Most people do well with gentle exfoliation once or twice a week. Too much exfoliation can irritate a dry or compromised barrier, so winter is a great time to keep things simple and consistent.
BioRePeel is usually well tolerated because it works below the surface and avoids the harsh peeling many people expect from traditional peels. It can also be customized based on your skin’s needs. During a consultation, we make sure it is a good fit for your skin type.
Yes. UV rays reach the skin year round, even on cloudy days. Daily SPF helps prevent redness, pigmentation, and premature aging, especially when your barrier is already stressed from cold weather.
