How to Layer Your Skincare in Cold Weather (Without Overdoing It)

As the temperatures drop and the air gets drier, your skin needs a little extra love — and the right layering technique can make all the difference. Cold weather can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and dull. But before you start slathering on every product you own, it’s important to know how to layer your skincare properly for maximum hydration and protection.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to building a cold-weather skincare routine that keeps your skin glowing all season long.

1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser

In the winter, harsh cleansers can do more harm than good. Swap out any foaming or gel-based cleansers that leave your skin feeling squeaky clean (a.k.a. stripped) and opt for a hydrating or creamy cleanser instead. For example the Barrier Balance from Face Reality or Mega Cream Cleanser by Glymed. This helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier so it can better retain moisture and fend off irritation.

Pro tip: If you’re double cleansing at night, use a balm or oil cleanser first to dissolve makeup and SPF, followed by a gentle cleanser. Our favorite is the Michele Corely Pore Cleansing Oil!

2. Apply Your Hydrating Mist or Toner

Think of this as your skin’s first drink of water. A hydrating toner helps prep your skin to better absorb the products that follow. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, b vitamins, or glycerin. — and don’t let your skin dry completely before moving to the next step! Our top 2 favorites are the CBD Mist by Glymed, a literal serum in a bottle magical! Moisture Balance by Face Reality is a great affordable option too!

Keeping your skin slightly damp helps seal in that hydration as you layer your next products.

3. Add a Hydrating Serum

Winter is the season for serums that soak in and replenish — not just treat.
Your best friend? Hyaluronic acid or peptide-based serums that draw moisture into the skin. Hydrinity Restorative and Renewing Serum are the best hyaluronic on the market! A more affordable option is Hydrabalance by Face Reality, she’s an aloe vera! If your skin is dull or uneven, a vitamin C serum or antioxidant serum in the morning can still be used under your moisturizer for antioxidant protection. Alto Advanced by Skinbetter is the best on the market for antioxidants! 23 for internal and external anti-aging protection from free radicals.

If you’re using stronger actives (like retinol), make sure to alternate nights or sandwich them between hydrating layers to prevent dryness.

4. Lock It In with a Moisturizer

This is the most important layer in cold weather — your moisturizer acts like a seal to keep everything underneath locked in.
If you usually use a gel or lotion in the warmer months, switch to a richer cream during the winter. Look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, vit E, and shea butter, which help strengthen your skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. We love the Mixi Peptide Moisturizer for deep nourishment, then we love a lighter weight aloe but still deep deep hydration is Comfort Cream by Glymed. Both aahhhmazing if you’re looking for the cadillac of moisturizers you’ll snag the Trio from Skinbetter!

Tip: If your skin is extra dry or sensitive, try layering a lightweight hydrating serum and or a lighter weight moisturizer first, then a richer cream on top at night. More layers the better!

5. Don’t Forget SPF (Even on Cloudy Days!)

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean UV rays take a break. Snow and reflective surfaces can actually increase your exposure!
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 28 or higher, ideally one that’s hydrating to finish your morning routine.

We use a lot of tinted SPF around here from Colorescience! If youre looking for a non-tint Face Reality is the best option 30 for dry and 28 for more oily skin!

6. Add a Facial Oil or Occlusive as the Final Layer (Optional)

If your skin still feels tight after moisturizing, seal everything in with a facial oil or an occlusive balm like squalane, marula oil, or a petrolatum-based barrier balm. We use the Cell Protection Balm from Glymed for a very affordable option. If you’re looking for more of an oil such a great acne safe one is Michele Corley Lipid Replenishing Drops! Use this step last in your nighttime routine — it helps prevent overnight moisture loss while your skin repairs itself.

Bonus Tips for Winter Skin:

• Use a humidifier indoors to combat dry air.

• Avoid long, hot showers — they can dehydrate your skin.

• Exfoliate gently, 1–2 times a week, to remove dull surface skin and help your products absorb better.

• Listen to your skin — if it’s feeling tight, stinging, or flaky, simplify your routine and add hydration.

Your Winter Skincare, Personalized

Everyone’s skin reacts differently to seasonal changes. If you’re unsure what products or layering order is best for your skin type, book a customized facial or skincare consultation with me! I’ll help you build a winter routine that keeps your skin hydrated, glowing, and balanced through every cold front.

👉 Ready to get your skin winter-ready? Book Your Winter Skin Consultation today!