Winter Skin Survival: Tips to Keep Your Skin Radiant in Cold Weather

In some parts of the country winter is on its way. And, if you live in a ski town like we do, you're looking at several months of cold, dry weather ahead. As we transition seasons, we start to notice the suppleness disappearing from our skin, even with the best skincare routines at our disposal.

What Winter Does to our Skin

Winter is not just a season of warm fires and hot cocoa; it's also a time when our skin faces its toughest challenges. The cold air, fierce winds, and central heating can strip away your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, and irritation.

And for those of us that spend as much time as we can outside because we enjoy winter activities or work outside, the impact can be severe.

I've had a number of outdoor enthusiast friends who experience severe eczema outbreaks when their skin has had enough of the wind and cold! Not to worry though, below are a few ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best and our favorite products to help you along the way.

Tips for Nourishing Dry and Battered Skin

1. Hydration Inside and Out

Drink plenty of water (add electrolytes if you can) and use a moisturizer that locks in moisture immediately after bathing.

2. Upgrade Your Cleanser

Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin's natural oils. Avoid harsh, foaming cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight.

3. Layer Up Your Skincare

In winter, your skin may need extra nourishment. Consider adding a serum or facial oil to your routine for added hydration and protection.

4. Don't Skip SPF

Yes, even in winter! UV rays can be just as damaging on cloudy or cold days, and if you're skiing or snowboarding, the reflection off the snow can intensify UV exposure. Don't skip the SPF.

5. Try a Humidifier

Indoor heating systems dry out the air, which can sap moisture from your skin. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated while you sleep or work.

6. Exfoliate (but gently)

Regular, gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizers and serums to penetrate more effectively. Choose a mild chemical exfoliant such as lactic acid or glycolic acid to avoid over-drying your skin in the cold weather.

Our Favorite Winter Skincare Products

Now that we have a few tips, we also want to feature some of our favorite products to help keep your skin radiant, hydrated, and healthy throughout the winter months.

Mahalo's Rare Beauty Elixir

Mahalo's Rare Beauty Elixir is a luxurious, plant-based facial oil that deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin. Formulated with a blend of precious botanicals, it's designed to replenish moisture and add a radiant glow to your complexion. It's especially beneficial during winter when skin tends to lose moisture rapidly. The beautiful artisan bottle and ritual of using it makes it a special part of your morning routine.

Fatco Products

Fatco's range of tallow-based skincare products (cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and masks) are known for their deeply hydrating and nourishing properties. Tallow, derived from grass-fed beef, is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that closely mimic the skin's own sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer for dry, winter skin.

Avoila Nourishing Face Oil

Avoila's Nourishing Face Oil is a clean beauty product that provides intense hydration and nourishment to the skin. Made with a blend of natural oils, including olive squalane and avocado oil, it helps to restore the skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture. It's particularly effective in combating the dryness and irritation that comes with winter weather, maintaining that healthy glow even as temperatures plummet.

Embrace the cold with confidence, knowing Avoila has got your back (and your face, and the rest of your skin!)

Add Avoila to your skincare routine today. You won't regret it!

Written by: Kristy Hunston, co-founder Avoila

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does skin get so dry in winter?

Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, and indoor heating further reduces humidity. This combination strips your skin of its natural oils and impairs the moisture barrier, leading to dryness, flakiness, tightness, and irritation—especially for outdoor enthusiasts exposed to wind and cold for extended periods.

Should I change my skincare routine in winter?

Yes. Winter calls for richer, more occlusive moisturizers, gentler cleansers that don't strip natural oils, and the addition of a hydrating serum or facial oil. Layer products from thinnest to thickest to lock in moisture, and consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom to counteract dry indoor air.

Do I still need sunscreen in winter?

Absolutely. UV rays penetrate clouds year-round and snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation—making sun exposure at ski resorts more intense than at the beach in summer. SPF is non-negotiable in winter, especially for outdoor activities.

What ingredients should I look for in a winter moisturizer?

Look for occlusive ingredients like squalane, shea butter, tallow, or plant oils that form a protective barrier over skin. Combine these with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that draw moisture in. For very dry or eczema-prone skin, tallow-based products are especially effective because their fatty acid profile closely mirrors skin's own sebum.

How often should I exfoliate in winter?

Reduce exfoliation frequency in winter—once or twice a week is typically enough. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant like lactic acid rather than harsh physical scrubs, which can further damage a compromised moisture barrier. Exfoliating allows your serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively.