A Winter Skin Care Routine For Every Skin Type

When you think of the winter season, holiday cheer and gorgeous snow falls instantly come to mind. While the chilly temps do come with a lot of perks, there are some things that you may not be looking forward to. And one of those things is the low humidity that leads to dry skin. Couple that with the use of moisture-sucking heaters to warm up your home and office, and you may come across winter-related dryness that can be difficult to manage. We believe it’s likely you’ll want to ensure that you have the perfect skin care routine to prevent such an occurence and complement the cool weather instead.

The idea of dry skin can be scary, but it’s something that you can tackle like a pro. All you have to do is maintain a solid skin care regimen that includes a gentle facial cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and other essentials to keep your skin in mint condition. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to assist. Ahead, we’re sharing the best winter skin care tips to keep you ahead of the game.

THE BEST WINTER SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR OILY SKIN

If you’re dealing with oily skin, you’ll have to take a different approach with your regimen to beat the winter chill. Follow our step-by-step routine below to take back control of your skin.

STEP #1: REACH FOR A CLEANSER

Since dry winter air can be harsh on anyone’s skin, a gentle facial cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, is a solid place to start. This offering is formulated with three pure clays and charcoal that work to purify the surface of your skin from dirt, oil, and pollution sans the dried-out feel. It also helps to revitalize your oily visage with a fresh and healthy glow. Squeeze the product into your hands and add water to transform it from clay into mousse. Gently massage the product onto your face using circular motions, making sure to avoid your delicate eye area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

STEP #2: BRING ON THE EXFOLIATION

Once your session is out of the way, it’s essential to add a round of exfoliation into mix. Using a face scrub is another excellent way to show your oily skin some TLC during the winter. This beauty staple comes in handy to remove dead skin cell buildup that can cause your complexion to look dull. Try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Kiwi Scrub, which is formulated with kiwi seeds and pure sugars, and removes impurities while polishing away dull skin.

Use wet fingers to smooth a small amount onto clean, dry skin, avoiding your eye area. Gently massage the product over your face. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and pat dry. Keep in mind that, although some people can handle daily exfoliation, others may only be able to do so once or twice a week. So, pay attention to your skin to see what works for you.

STEP #3: MOISTURIZE YOUR VISAGE

Last but certainly not least, you need to add moisturizer into the mix. You may think that oily skin can pass on extra hydration, but it’s not something you should avoid in any case. You may find that skipping out on this offering can cause a loss of moisture and an increase in oil production that can leave you looking overly shiny. Look for a water-based moisturizer, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, which is formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid. It provides long-lasting hydration and reduces the appearance of excess shine.

THE BEST WINTER SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR COMBINATION SKIN

The key to handling combination skin like a pro is all about balance. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your face in shape.

STEP #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN THE RIGHT WAY

Combination skin can be tricky. If you have this skin type, you may notice that your T-zone (the central part of your face, including your forehead, nose, and chin) is oilier, while your cheeks may be on the dry side. So, it’s essential to use different skin care products on various areas of your face. Using the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types is a smart idea in the winter. Micellar water helps to clean and hydrate your skin all in one step. Just saturate a cotton pad with the product and wipe it across your skin until clean.

STEP #2: STEP INTO THE WORLD OF EXFOLIATING

You can also try exfoliating to help deal with winter-related dullness. Try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub, which is formulated with acai, monoi, and grapeseed oils, and leaves skin with a soft and healthy glow. Use it three times a week for best results.

STEP #3: SAY HELLO TO MOISTURE

It’s important to round out your routine with moisturizer. You’ll want to keep your skin hydrated in the colder weather. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin to provide your skin with long-lasting hydration.

THE BEST WINTER SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR DRY SKIN

For those tackling dry skin, you’ll need to step it up on the skin care front. Keep this routine in mind to help your face look and feel its best.

STEP #1: GRAB A NOURISHING CLEANSER

Dry skin paired with the arid climate of winter is the true epitome of a one-two punch. When it comes to facial cleanser, you’ll want to steer clear of foaming face washes since they have the potential to dry out your skin. Instead, use a gentle cream one that hydrates and soothes, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser. It’s formulated with replenishing oils that gently remove traces of makeup and cleanse your skin without overdrying.

STEP #2: EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE

Next, you’ll want to add some exfoliation into the mix to keep dead skin cells at bay. Play it safe and reach for the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub. It is formulated with cocoa, coconut oil, and cocoa butter to give your skin a proper exfoliation. Use wet fingers to smooth a small amount onto your face. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

STEP #3: SEAL THE DEAL WITH MOISTURIZER

Follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. Extra dry skin has a fragile skin moisture barrier that can easily be damaged by external factors like pollution and UV rays. In turn, your skin can lose its ability to retain moisture and become easily dehydrated. This moisturizer envelops skin with hydration and provides comfort that goes the distance.

THE BEST WINTER SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

When it comes to sensitive skin, you need to be careful with the products you use. After all, one wrong move can wreak havoc on your complexion. Below, find a simple regimen to help you get the ball rolling.

STEP #1: PICK UP A GENTLE CLEANSER

Start by cleansing your skin with lukewarm H2O and a facial cleanser suitable for sensitive skin—again micellar water is an excellent option. It’s free of soap, alcohol, oil, and helps you avoid harsh rubbing.

STEP #2: HYDRATE YOUR SKIN

As far as moisturizer goes, you’ll also need to find one that complements sensitive skin perfectly. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro-Retinol & Centella Asiatica, which can help repair and protect the skin’s moisture barrier.

THE BEST WINTER SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR NORMAL SKIN

If you have normal skin, then congratulations: You’re one of the lucky ones! Still, it pays to be gentle during the winter months. Consider our regimen below to help maintain a healthy-looking visage.

STEP #1: CLEANSE THE SURFACE OF YOUR SKIN

Look for a cleanser designed for all skin types, like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ Foaming Gel Cleanser All Skin Types. This pick lifts dirt, makeup, and debris without drying out skin. Follow up with a moisturizer designed for normal skin, and you’ll be good to go.

STEP #2: MOISTURIZE

Just because you have normal skin, it doesn’t mean you should cut corners in your regimen. After your cleansing step is out of the way, you’ll need to hydrate. This also means using an option that can provide long-lasting moisture.

Editor’s tip: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can get sunburned even on cloudy days. So, make sure to wear a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher before you go outside, regardless of the weather—or your skin type. We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30, which combines a broad-spectrum sunscreen and moisturizer into one. You should also limit your amount of time in the sun, seek shade when you’re outside, and cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses year-round.

For more winter skin care advice, read our article, 15 Ways To Save Your Skin From Winter.