Winter skin care: dry air, cold mornings and makeup that sits right
Why skin gets dry and red in winter, a simple routine that helps, and how to keep makeup from looking patchy.
Glow Team ·
When the cold months arrive, mornings get colder and the air gets drier. Many people notice tight, flaky or red skin, and makeup that looks patchy by midday. A few changes to your routine help a lot.
Why winter is hard on skin
- Cold, dry air pulls moisture out of the top layer of skin
- Hot showers and heaters dry it further
- Winter sun still reaches your skin, so sunscreen still matters
A simple winter routine
Morning
- A gentle, non-foaming cleanser, or just water if your skin is very dry
- A moisturiser a little richer than your summer one
- Sunscreen, every day
Evening
- Cleanse off sunscreen and makeup gently
- Moisturiser, a little thicker at night
- A lip balm before bed
Keep it simple. Strong scrubs and new active products are more likely to irritate skin when it is already dry.
Makeup that does not cling to dry patches
- Hydrate first and let your moisturiser sink in for a few minutes
- Use cream blush and cream or liquid base instead of heavy powder
- Set only where you get shiny, usually the nose
- Carry a hydrating mist rather than more powder
Track it instead of guessing
It is hard to tell from the mirror whether a routine is working. The free skin scan in Glow's My Space looks at dryness, redness, texture and shine across your face, and saves each scan so you can compare week by week. If the dry or red areas shrink, your routine is working.
The scan is a beauty and skincare guide, not a medical diagnosis. For eczema, severe dryness, or anything painful or spreading, see a dermatologist.
Getting ready for a winter wedding or event?
Book a makeup artist on Glow who knows how to prep winter skin, at your home or in their salon.