Winter Skincare Full Routine: Nourish Your Skin Through the Chill

Routine Level: Advanced

My skin type: balanced/ dry in winter

Dealing with winter chill can be tough. Our skin often deals with harsh winds, low humidity, and indoor heating. The shift in weather can leave our skin feeling dry, dull, and prone to irritation. However, with a personalised winter skincare routine, you can keep your complexion radiant and healthy throughout the season. In this blog, we'll look into a full routine with steps and products to nourish and protect your skin during the colder months.

Cleansing:

Winter skincare begins with gentle cleansing to remove impurities without stripping away essential moisture. Avoid hot water, as it can dry out the skin further, and instead opt for lukewarm water. 
What I use: COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser. 
Suitable for all skin types, doesn't dry out my skin and protects my skin barrier.

Toner:

By gently patting a toner onto cleansed skin, you not only remove any remaining impurities but also prep the skin to better absorb serums, moisturisers, and treatments that follow. This simple yet effective step can make a noticeable difference in keeping your skin resilient, supple, and radiant throughout the winter season.
What I use: MUJI Light Toning Water High Moisture. 
Contains natural water from Kamaishi City (Japan) and hyaluronic acid. I put 4/5 drops onto a cotton pad and wipe all over my face and neck.

Exfoliation:

While exfoliation is important year-round, it's especially crucial during winter to remove dry, flaky skin cells. Choose a chemical exfoliator, such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) OR Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), to promote cell turnover without causing irritation. Please DO NOT use the two together, or mix them with other retinols/ vitamin C - your skin will not thank you. Incorporate exfoliation into your routine 1-2 times per week to maintain a smooth, glowing complexion. 
What I use: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. 
Great for clogged pores, keeps oil levels under control and prevents breakouts. I spray 2/3 pumps onto a cotton pad and gently wipe over my face and neck.

Hydration:

Hydration is key to combating winter dryness. Introduce essences, serums and mists into your skincare routine to replenish moisture levels. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera to lock in hydration and soothe parched skin.
What I use: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence; BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Serum : Propolis + Niacinamide; EUNYUL Collagen face mist.
Combining these products keeps my skin smooth and free from spots/ bumpy skin. 

Moisturization:

Seal in moisture with a rich, emollient moisturiser tailored to your skin type. Opt for formulas enriched with nourishing oils, shea butter, or ceramides to provide a protective barrier against harsh environmental conditions. 
What I use: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream. 
Personally this works really well with the rest of my routine - an all-in-one solution cream that repairs and soothes irritated, sensitised skin after breakouts. A rich gel-type cream absorbs instantly into the skin with a full of nourishment while leaving your skin feeling fresh and comfortable.

Face oils:

Face oils are rich in emollients and occlusives (a physical barrier on top of the skin to keep skin moist and hydrated). Opt for oils such as argan, rosehip, or jojoba, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties. 
What I use: DEHLICIOUS Moon Moisture Drops. 
I wake up with glowing skin EVERY TIME I use it. Just 3 drops of this and my routine is complete.

Targeted Treatments:

Address specific skincare concerns such as sensitivity, redness, or dry patches. Incorporate targeted treatments like hydrating masks, or anti-inflammatory serums to alleviate discomfort and restore balance to your skin.
What I use: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch; MISSHA Aloe Vera Sheet Masks.
This patch effectively heals whiteheads when applied after cleansing, before toning, focusing on the targeted area. The sheet mask is my time to unwind, have a cup of herbal tea and listen to music or an audiobook.

Sun Protection:

Don't overlook sun protection during the winter months. Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, especially if you'll be spending time outdoors. Look for sunscreen formulations that provide hydration to prevent moisture loss throughout the day.
What I use: BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++).
Gives a glowy complexion and keeps my skin refreshed. Reapply during the day. No white cast!

Actionable next steps:

1. Write down your current routine and highlight what products are/aren’t working for you.

2. See what’s missing and choose ONE step from above to add.

3. Find the product which would work well for your skin concern(s) - pay close attention to the ingredients used and how it’ll work with other products in your routine. Get a mini/travel size version of the product you want to try.

4. Do a patch test FIRST and see how your skin reacts for 24-48 hrs. If there’s no reaction, you’re good to go.

5. Monitor skin changes whilst trialing out the mini. If you notice positive visible changes, get the full size and keep going. If not, have another look for a suitable product.

6. Repeat until you have formed your ultimate winter skincare routine!

Remember, consistency is key.