Kimera

Home > Blogs > How to Follow the Perfect Skincare Routine for Winter 

How to Follow the Perfect Skincare Routine for Winter

Winter is here, and we all know how tricky it can get for our skin. One day it feels tight and dry, and the next day it feels oily in places it never used to. You might even see flakiness or tiny bumps that seem to appear out of nowhere. The cold air outside and the warm indoor heating take away our natural moisture faster than we expect, leaving the skin dull and uncomfortable. But the good thing is that when you follow the right skincare routine for winter, you can keep your skin nourished, soft, and glowing through the season.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a winter routine that is simple, beginner friendly, and suitable for different skin types. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination, you will find steps that actually make sense and are easy to follow.

Understanding Your Skin in Winter

Winter changes the way our skin behaves because the air loses a lot of moisture. When the air becomes cold and dry, our skin loses hydration faster. Indoor heating also pulls moisture from the skin, which makes it feel tight, itchy, or greasy in some places. Understanding these changes helps you choose products that support your skin rather than confuse it.
Here is how different skin types react in winter: 
  • Dry skin often becomes rough or flaky.
  • Oily skin sometimes produces more oil to make up for the dryness.
  • Combination skin gets dry cheeks but stays oily on the forehead, nose, and chin.
If you have combination skin, following a proper winter skin care routine for combination skin helps balance both areas so your face feels fresh and even.

Essential Steps in a Skincare Routine for Winter

Winter skincare looks complicated from the outside, but it becomes simple when you focus on the basics. We always suggest these six steps because they keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected. You can adjust them slightly based on your skin type.

1. Gentle Cleansing

  • Choose a soft, hydrating cleanser that cleans without disturbing natural oils.
  • Avoid harsh soaps because they make the skin feel tight.

2. Exfoliation

  • Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells.
  • Too much exfoliation causes redness and dryness.

3. Toner

  • A hydrating toner works well for dry skin.
  • A balancing toner helps oily zones stay fresh.

4. Serums

  • Use hyaluronic acid or antioxidant serums to hold moisture.
  • These give your skin a light boost without feeling sticky.

5. Moisturiser

  • Winter calls for a richer cream or lotion that strengthens the skin barrier.
  • Look for ceramides, glycerin, or natural oils for protection.

6. Sunscreen

  • Even in winter, UV rays affect the skin.
  • Use SPF 30 or above daily.
Once these basics are in place, we can explore routines that match dry, oily, or combination skin more closely.

Skincare Routine for Dry Skin in Winter

Dry skin is the first to struggle during winter, which is why a strong skin care routine for dry skin in winter focuses mainly on hydration. Your goal is to prevent moisture loss and keep your natural barrier healthy.
Here is what usually works well:
  • Use a creamy, non-foaming cleanser.
  • Apply a rich moisturiser on damp skin to seal hydration.
  • Add a facial oil or balm if you need extra nourishment.
  • Avoid long, hot showers because they dry the skin quickly.
  • Use a humidifier indoors to maintain moisture in the air.
If you follow this skin care routine for dry skin in winter, your face will feel smoother, less itchy, and more comfortable overall.
Skincare Routine for Winter

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin in Winter

Oily skin still needs hydration, even in winter. A good skincare routine for oily skin in winter prevents clogged pores while keeping the skin balanced and fresh.

Here is a routine that works well:

  • Cleanse with a mild, oil-free face wash.
  • Use a lightweight gel moisturiser to avoid heaviness.
  • Try a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid.
  • Exfoliate once or twice weekly to prevent buildup.
  • Never skip moisturiser, because dehydrated oily skin tends to produce even more oil.
When you follow a proper skincare routine for oily skin in winter, your skin stays calm and less shiny without losing moisture.

Winter Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin

Combination skin needs balance. Some parts of your face might be dry, while others stay oily. A personalised winter skin care routine for combination skin helps each area get the right level of care.
Here is what helps:
  • Use a gel-based moisturiser on oily areas.
  • Apply a creamier moisturiser on the dry parts.
  • Hydrating serums work well for the whole face.
  • Spot-treat concerns instead of using strong products everywhere.
This has helped many people keep their skin soft, even, and well-balanced during winter.

Additional Winter Skincare Tips

Along with a good routine, a few habits make winter skincare much easier to manage. These habits support your skin from the inside and outside.
  • Drink enough water throughout the day.
  • Add fruits, veggies, and healthy fats to your meals.
  • Avoid soaps that are too harsh.
  • Use warm water instead of very hot water.
  • Apply a night cream or sleeping mask for richer hydration
When you mix these habits with your skincare routine for winter, your skin stays smoother and healthier through the season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Winter Skincare

A routine works well only when you avoid the mistakes that undo your efforts. Many people follow a good routine but still struggle because of small everyday habits. Here are some common winter mistakes we usually notice:

Over-exfoliating

People sometimes exfoliate too often because they see dry patches. This makes the skin even more irritated. Stick to once or twice a week.

Using very hot water on the face

Hot water feels relaxing, but it strips the skin quickly. Always wash with lukewarm water.

Skipping moisturiser

Some skip moisturiser because their skin feels oily. But this causes dehydration, and the skin produces more oil to compensate.

Not switching to winter-friendly products

Using lightweight summer creams in winter is not enough. Your skin needs richer formulas during colder months.

Ignoring sunscreen

UV rays are still present in winter. Without sunscreen, your skin ages faster and loses brightness.

Using too many active ingredients at once

Retinol, acids, and scrubs can overwhelm winter skin. Keep your routine simple and gentle.

Not protecting your lips and under-eye area

These are delicate areas that get dry easily. A lip balm and light eye cream help a lot.
Avoiding these mistakes makes your skincare routine for winter more effective and keeps your skin healthy throughout the season.
Skincare Routine for Winter (3)

Conclusion

Winter does not have to be the season where your skin struggles. When you follow a thoughtful skincare routine for winter that fits your skin type, your skin stays soft, hydrated, and radiant even when the weather gets cold. Your routine becomes easier when you understand what your skin needs and when you give it steady care every single day.

And if you ever feel unsure about choosing the right products or steps, we invite you to come to Kimera where our skin experts can assess your skin, guide you personally, and help you build a routine that supports your skin through winter and beyond.

Disclaimer: Every treatment or procedure suggested on this blog may vary from guest to guest, as each person’s hair and skin are unique and may respond differently. Book an appointment at our salon for a free consultation before proceeding with any treatment or procedure.

FAQs

How do I know if my winter skincare routine is actually working?
You will notice fewer dry patches, less redness, and your skin will feel calmer and more comfortable through the day. If your skin stays hydrated without looking greasy or tight, your winter routine is doing its job.

Yes, it happens to many people. Dry skin gets drier, oily skin becomes dehydrated, and combination skin shifts between both. If your skin feels different from usual, it simply means the weather is affecting your moisture levels.

You can, but use them gently. If your skin feels sensitive, reduce the frequency instead of stopping completely. Pair your actives with a nourishing moisturiser so your skin stays calm and does not feel overwhelmed.

Related Blogs

Benefits of Manicure

Benefits of Manicure for Dry, Rough and Brittle Nails

Your hands work hard every day, yet they are often the most neglected. Frequent washing, cleaning, and exposure to the environment can leave your nails dry, rough, and easy to break. You may notice peeling nails, painful cuticles, or a constant dry feeling that does not improve, even with regular moisturising.

Read More »

10 Amazing Benefits of Hand Massage

Your hands are probably one of the busiest parts of your body. You type emails, cook meals, scroll through your phone, carry groceries, and maybe even juggle a few other tasks at once. Over time, all this activity can leave your hands sore, stiff, or just plain tired.

Read More »
Scroll to Top
Book an Appointment