15 Late January Skincare Fixes for Dry, Tight Winter Skin
As the coldest days of winter settle in, your skin may start to feel drier and tighter than usual. The dry air, combined with indoor heating, can leave your skin feeling stripped of moisture and in need of extra care. If your usual skincare routine isn’t cutting it, now is the time to adjust with some much-needed fixes. From rich moisturizers to soothing treatments, there are simple ways to restore hydration and comfort to your skin. The key is to focus on replenishing moisture, strengthening the skin barrier, and avoiding anything that might dry it out further.
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Hydrating Face Mask
A hydrating face mask is one of the best ways to combat dry, tight skin during winter. These masks are packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, and glycerin, which helps keep it there. In addition to these powerful humectants, many masks contain calming agents such as aloe vera or chamomile, which help reduce redness and irritation caused by the harsh winter air.
Using a hydrating mask once or twice a week can give your skin an extra boost of moisture and help restore a healthy glow. Apply it generously to a clean face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. For the best results, remove the mask with a warm, damp towel to allow the skin to absorb the remaining product. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask is an excellent option for those seeking a quick and easy solution for dry winter skin. Current price: $3.99
Nourishing Body Lotion
Winter’s dry air can leave your body skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. To remedy this, a nourishing body lotion with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and vitamin E is essential. These ingredients work together to replenish moisture, repair the skin’s barrier, and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
A thick yet fast-absorbing formula is ideal for winter, ensuring that the skin receives the hydration it needs without leaving a greasy residue. Be sure to apply the lotion right after a shower when your skin is still slightly damp, as this helps lock in moisture. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is known for its gentle, fragrance-free formula and long-lasting hydration. For best results, use it consistently throughout the day to keep skin soft and hydrated. Current Price: $7.97
Exfoliating Scrub
Exfoliating your skin is a crucial step in the winter months to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells that can make your face and body look dull and rough. An exfoliating scrub formulated with gentle ingredients like sugar or oats helps slough off the buildup without irritating the skin. These scrubs are perfect for maintaining smooth skin, allowing moisturizers and serums to absorb better and work more effectively.
It’s important to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin type, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can strip away too much moisture. If you have sensitive skin, look for a scrub that’s free of harsh chemicals and added fragrances. The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Polish is an excellent option for those looking for a gentle scrub that provides a glow without causing irritation. This scrub is effective in revealing fresh, soft skin while maintaining hydration levels. Current Price: $24.00
Oil-Based Cleanser
When your skin feels dry and tight, an oil-based cleanser is a great option for gently removing makeup, dirt, and impurities. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers, oil-based cleansers hydrate and nourish the skin as they cleanse, helping to preserve the skin’s natural moisture barrier. These cleansers dissolve makeup easily and leave your skin feeling soft, not stripped.
You can use an oil-based cleanser as the first step in a double-cleansing routine, followed by a water-based cleanser if desired. Look for oils like jojoba or rosehip oil, which are known for their hydrating properties. The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a highly praised product for its ability to remove even waterproof makeup while leaving skin moisturized. It’s an excellent choice for winter when the skin needs extra care. Current Price: $28.00
Moisturizing Hand Cream
During the winter, our hands are often one of the first areas to show signs of dryness. The cold weather, coupled with frequent handwashing, can leave hands feeling cracked, rough, and uncomfortable. A good hand cream formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E can restore moisture and help protect the skin from further damage.
A richer formula works best during the colder months, providing long-lasting hydration that helps soothe dry, chapped hands. It’s ideal to apply hand cream throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. For extra care, apply a thick layer of hand cream before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight to lock in moisture. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream is a top-rated option, known for its rich, creamy texture that deeply moisturizes and repairs dry hands. Current Price: $29.00
Overnight Hydration Mask
Overnight hydration masks are a great way to address dry skin while you sleep. These masks are formulated to deeply hydrate and repair your skin overnight, giving it time to absorb all the nourishing ingredients. Look for masks with ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and antioxidants, which help restore moisture and protect the skin’s barrier. Simply apply a thin layer before bed and wake up with skin that feels soft, hydrated, and rejuvenated.
The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is highly recommended for its ability to lock in moisture and provide a refreshing boost of hydration. This mask is designed to provide deep nourishment while you sleep, leaving your skin looking radiant by morning. It’s an essential step in a nighttime routine during winter when the skin tends to lose moisture overnight. Current Price: $25.00
Hydrating Toner
Toners are a great way to replenish moisture to your skin, especially after cleansing. A hydrating toner helps balance the skin’s pH levels and prepares it to absorb the products that follow. Look for toners with soothing ingredients like rose water or witch hazel, which calm and hydrate the skin without causing irritation. This step is particularly beneficial in winter when the skin is more prone to dryness.
After cleansing, gently apply the toner with a cotton pad or your hands, then follow with a moisturizer or serum. The Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner is a popular choice, known for its soothing properties that leave the skin feeling refreshed and balanced. It’s a great addition to your winter skincare routine to ensure hydration and comfort. Current Price: $37.00
Vitamin C Serum
Winter weather can leave your skin looking dull and lackluster, but a vitamin C serum can brighten and revive your complexion. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your skin from environmental stressors and promotes a more even skin tone. It also helps stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Apply a few drops of serum to your face every morning for a brighter, more youthful glow.
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a highly recommended product that helps fight signs of aging while improving the skin’s texture. It’s a trusted choice for many skincare professionals and beauty enthusiasts. With consistent use, your skin will look fresher and more radiant, even on the cloudiest days. Current Price: $166.00
Lip Balm with SPF
Chapped lips are a common concern during the winter, and regular lip balms are not always enough. To keep your lips hydrated and protected, choose a lip balm with SPF to safeguard against the winter sun. The sun’s rays can still damage your lips in the colder months, especially when reflected off snow or ice.
A good lip balm should contain nourishing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil to keep lips soft and moisturized. Apply a generous layer whenever your lips feel dry and be sure to reapply regularly throughout the day. The Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm is a highly rated option, known for its combination of SPF 25 protection and rich, moisturizing ingredients. It’s a must-have for anyone dealing with dry, cracked lips in winter. Current market value: $7.00
Rich Facial Cream
Winter air can leave your face feeling dry and tight, so a rich facial cream is essential for restoring hydration and comfort. Look for a cream that’s formulated with ingredients like squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier. A thick, nourishing cream will provide the extra moisture your skin needs to withstand the dry winter air.
Apply the cream generously to your face and neck every morning and night for best results. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a dermatologist-recommended option that’s perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free, non-greasy, and deeply hydrating, making it an excellent choice for winter skincare. Use it consistently to keep your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. Current market value: $16.99
Nourishing Face Oil
Face oils are a great addition to any winter skincare routine, especially when your skin feels extra dry and tight. These oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that help lock in moisture and nourish the skin. They form a protective barrier that keeps hydration from escaping, making them ideal for colder months.
Look for oils like argan, rosehip, or marula, which provide deep moisture without clogging pores. Apply a few drops of oil to your face after cleansing and toning, and follow up with your regular moisturizer. The Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil is a popular choice for its ability to hydrate and restore skin’s elasticity. It’s lightweight yet effective, perfect for dry skin that needs extra care. Current market value: $48.00
Hydrating Mist
A hydrating mist is a quick and easy way to refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day. These sprays are typically made with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, or glycerin, which help replenish moisture and soothe irritated skin. A mist can be used at any time, whether you need a boost after a workout, during your workday, or even as a refreshing pick-me-up during your commute.
Simply spritz the mist onto your face and allow it to absorb into your skin. The Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater is a cult favorite for its ability to instantly hydrate and refresh. It also has a calming effect on sensitive skin, making it perfect for winter dryness. Current market value: $7.00
Restorative Night Cream
Night creams are specifically formulated to work overnight while your skin is in repair mode. These creams tend to have thicker textures and are packed with ingredients that deeply nourish and restore the skin. Look for night creams containing peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants, as these ingredients support the skin’s natural barrier and boost hydration.
Apply a generous layer before bed to wake up with skin that feels softer and more moisturized. The Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream is a great option, known for its ability to renew the skin’s moisture levels and promote elasticity. It’s designed to repair and hydrate skin overnight, so you can wake up with a refreshed complexion. Current market value: $25.00
Squalane Oil
Squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that helps replenish and retain moisture in the skin. This oil is derived from plants like olives or sugarcane and is known for its ability to hydrate without feeling greasy. Squalane works well for both dry and oily skin types as it helps balance moisture levels without clogging pores.
It’s perfect for locking in hydration after applying serums or moisturizers, leaving your skin feeling smooth and plump. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is a top-rated option, loved for its versatility and effectiveness in delivering moisture to dry skin. It’s a great choice for winter skincare when skin needs extra hydration. Current market value: $58.00
Hydrating Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it tends to show signs of dryness and fatigue more quickly. A hydrating eye cream can help address these concerns by providing extra moisture and soothing properties. Look for eye creams with ingredients like caffeine to reduce puffiness, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and peptides to improve skin elasticity.
Gently tap the cream around your eye area using your ring finger to avoid irritation. The Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream is a popular choice for its nourishing properties and ability to hydrate the sensitive skin around the eyes. It’s a great option for those looking to combat dryness and puffiness during the winter months. Current market value: $49.00
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.