Your Winter Skin Survival Guide: The Habits To Drop And The Rituals To Adopt

Last Updated:February 07, 2026, 13:41 IST

From hot showers to skipping sunscreen, these winter skincare errors damage your glow.

Over-exfoliation weakens the skin’s barrier, while skipping exfoliation leads to dullness and flakiness.

Winter has a way of dulling more than just the sky. As temperatures drop and indoor heating rises, skin quietly begins to struggle – feeling tighter, rougher, and noticeably less radiant. The usual glow fades, makeup sits unevenly, and sensitivity creeps in. Yet many people continue with the same routines they followed in summer, unaware that cold weather demands a completely different approach.

According to Harish Singla, CSM, Forever Living Products India, seasonal neglect is the biggest culprit. “Winter is when the skin faces extra pressure from cold winds, low humidity and indoor heating, which strip away moisture. Supporting the skin barrier with hydration and soothing, aloe-based nourishment becomes essential,” he explains.

Yash Kundlia, Director, Oshea Herbals, adds, “Harsh cleansing and inadequate moisturising weaken the moisture barrier, leading to dryness, dullness and sensitivity. Winter care must focus on gentle, plant-based nourishment and repair.”

Here’s where most routines go wrong and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Skipping Hydration Because You Don’t Feel Thirsty

Cold weather suppresses thirst, but dehydration doesn’t disappear. In fact, dry air pulls moisture from the skin faster. Singla notes that internal hydration is just as critical as topical care. Warm water, herbal teas, and water-rich foods help maintain moisture levels from within. Pair that with ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, squalane and jojoba oil to hydrate without heaviness deeply.

Mistake 2: Using The Same Products Year-Round

That lightweight summer gel cleanser or oil-control lotion? It may now be sabotaging your skin. “Winter skincare calls for richer, barrier-supporting formulas,” Singla says, recommending creams infused with aloe, avocado oil, bee propolis and vitamin E to soothe and strengthen. Kundlia echoes this, explaining that plant-based ingredients restore resilience without irritating compromised skin.

Mistake 3: Taking Long, Hot Showers

Few things feel better than a steaming shower on a cold morning, but your skin disagrees.

Hot water strips away natural oils, leaving behind tightness and flakes. Short, lukewarm showers are gentler. Apply body lotion immediately after, while skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture. Aloe-based washes and creams help replenish what heat removes.

Mistake 4: Forgetting Sunscreen

Winter clouds don’t block UV rays. Sun damage continues quietly, contributing to pigmentation and premature ageing. Daily sunscreen remains non-negotiable. Choose hydrating formulas that protect while nourishing, especially those enriched with calming botanical extracts.

Mistake 5: Over- Or Under-Exfoliating

Too much exfoliation weakens the barrier; too little leads to dull buildup. Kundlia suggests gentle enzymatic exfoliators instead of abrasive scrubs. “Papaya, rich in natural enzymes and antioxidants, helps remove dead cells while supporting renewal without irritation,” he explains. Limiting exfoliation to once or twice weekly keeps skin smooth without stress.

Winter skincare is less about aggressive treatments and more about protection, repair, and consistency. Gentle cleansing, deeper hydration, sun protection and mindful exfoliation create a routine that works with the season, not against it. When habits shift from harsh to nourishing, skin doesn’t just survive winter. It stays healthy, balanced and quietly radiant all season long.