14 Late Winter Nighttime Skincare Steps That Feel Simple, Not Fussy
As the winter chill lingers, it can take a toll on your skin, leaving it feeling dry and dull. But a nighttime skincare routine does not have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. With the right products and simple steps, you can give your skin the care it deserves without the fuss. Late winter is the perfect time to focus on hydration and nourishment, ensuring your skin stays smooth and refreshed through the colder months. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a long list of steps, you can focus on the essentials that deliver real results.
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Gentle Cleanser
Using a gentle cleanser at night is key to removing dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. During the late winter months, it’s important to choose a cleanser that hydrates as it cleanses. Look for ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which help draw moisture into the skin while cleansing. This step not only keeps your skin clean but also prepares it for the next steps in your skincare routine.
A gentle foaming cleanser or cream-based cleanser works well, as it removes makeup without feeling harsh on the skin. Be sure to use lukewarm water, as hot water can dry out your skin during winter. Pat your face dry with a soft towel to maintain hydration. A good option is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($14), which is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for a gentle and moisturizing cleanse.
Hydrating Toner
After cleansing, applying a hydrating toner helps to balance the skin’s pH and replenish moisture. This step is crucial during late winter when the skin tends to lose moisture more quickly due to the dry air. Toners that contain calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile can soothe and hydrate the skin.
Using a hydrating toner helps prep the skin for serums and moisturizers, allowing them to absorb more effectively. Look for alcohol-free formulas to avoid drying out the skin. Applying a toner also refreshes the skin and can provide an instant pick-me-up. A solid choice is Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner ($22), which provides gentle hydration and helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.
Nourishing Serum
Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that target specific skin concerns, such as dryness or dullness. During late winter, it’s a good idea to use a serum with hydrating properties, such as one containing hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These ingredients work to lock in moisture and brighten the complexion.
Apply the serum after toner while your skin is still slightly damp to help it absorb better. A nourishing serum can provide deep hydration to your skin and create a barrier to prevent further moisture loss during the night. Be sure to choose a serum that fits your skin’s needs, whether you’re looking for something soothing or brightening. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7) is a budget-friendly option that delivers intense hydration and plumps the skin.
Lightweight Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate, making it especially prone to dryness and irritation during the colder months. Applying a lightweight eye cream at night helps to hydrate and protect this sensitive area. Look for products with peptides or ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier and promote skin regeneration.
A good eye cream will target puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines, giving the area a refreshed look in the morning. For an added boost of hydration, opt for an eye cream that contains glycerin or caffeine. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream ($14) is a great choice as it provides hydration and visibly reduces puffiness, leaving the under-eye area soft and smooth.
Hydrating Mask
A hydrating mask can be a great addition to your late winter skincare routine, especially when your skin needs an extra dose of moisture. These masks help seal in moisture and provide an intense, nourishing treatment while you sleep. Look for masks that are formulated with ingredients like honey, avocado, or hyaluronic acid, which all help to hydrate and restore dry, flaky skin. A
pplying a hydrating mask once or twice a week can replenish the skin’s moisture levels, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed. The soothing application can also double as a relaxing nighttime ritual, perfect for winding down. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask ($25) is an excellent option, as it hydrates deeply and locks in moisture overnight for a smooth, glowing complexion.
Night Cream
A rich night cream helps to lock in all the moisture and nourishment your skin needs while you sleep. Night creams tend to be thicker than daytime moisturizers, making them perfect for providing intense hydration during the colder months. Look for a formula with ceramides or fatty acids, which help to repair and reinforce the skin barrier.
These ingredients also help to keep your skin feeling soft and supple by preventing moisture loss overnight. Applying a night cream also gives your skin a protective layer to shield it from the dry air. Make sure to massage the cream gently into your skin, promoting circulation and relaxation. Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream ($30) is a great pick, as it contains peptides and vitamins to restore the skin overnight.
Overnight Facial Oil
Facial oils can provide an extra layer of hydration and help to seal in moisture, especially during the colder months. Look for oils that are rich in nourishing ingredients like jojoba, rosehip, or argan oil, which help to hydrate and repair the skin’s natural barrier. Applying an overnight facial oil before your night cream can enhance hydration and leave your skin feeling soft and radiant by morning.
The oil will also provide an additional layer of protection against environmental stressors. A few drops are all you need, as facial oils are typically concentrated. Tatcha The Camellia Oil ($65) is a luxurious option that provides deep hydration and helps replenish the skin overnight.
Neck and Décolleté Care
The skin on your neck and décolleté is often overlooked in nighttime skincare routines, but it’s just as important to keep it hydrated and nourished. During the winter, this area can become dry and flaky, so using a moisturizing cream specifically for the neck and chest can help prevent these issues. Look for creams that contain peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, which work to firm and hydrate the skin.
Applying a moisturizer with these ingredients will not only protect the skin but also provide anti-aging benefits. A gentle massage while applying the cream can also promote relaxation. Clarins Super Restorative Decollete and Neck Concentrate ($85) is a great product to consider, as it works to firm, smooth, and hydrate the neck and décolleté area.
Hand Cream
Your hands are another area that can become extremely dry during the winter, especially after frequent handwashing. Applying a rich hand cream before bed helps to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Look for creams with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or lanolin, which help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from cracking.
Applying a thick layer before bedtime allows the product to soak in overnight, leaving your hands feeling soft and nourished in the morning. Consider using gloves after applying hand cream for an added layer of hydration. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($28) is a popular option known for its rich, hydrating formula that leaves hands feeling soft and smooth.
Soothing Facial Mist
A soothing facial mist can provide an instant refresh and add a layer of moisture to your skin before bed. These mists are great for calming irritated or dry skin, and they often contain ingredients like aloe vera, rosewater, or chamomile, which help to soothe and hydrate. Simply mist your face after cleansing and toning, or even throughout the night if your skin feels dry.
The cool sensation of the mist can also be calming, helping you unwind before sleep. A facial mist is light and easy to apply, making it perfect for a no-fuss nighttime skincare routine. Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist ($32) is an excellent option that helps balance and hydrate the skin while leaving a soft, dewy finish.
Retinol Treatment (Once or Twice a Week)
Retinol is a key ingredient for fighting fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, and using it a couple of times a week can provide long-term benefits for your skin. During late winter, your skin might be drier than usual, so using retinol in moderation can help to promote cell turnover and reveal smoother, more radiant skin. It’s important to apply retinol on clean, dry skin, and follow it with a hydrating moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Start with a lower concentration to avoid irritation, especially if you’re new to using retinol. Over time, this treatment can help improve skin texture and tone. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum ($39) is a mild yet effective option for those who want to introduce retinol into their routine without causing irritation.
Hand and Foot Treatment
Your hands and feet often bear the brunt of winter dryness, so treating them with a rich cream or mask is essential. Applying a hydrating hand and foot treatment before bed can help restore moisture and soften rough skin. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or aloe to deeply hydrate and protect the skin.
After applying, consider wearing cotton gloves or socks to allow the product to penetrate while you sleep. This will help repair cracked, dry skin and leave your hands and feet feeling smooth. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream ($7) is a highly effective product, especially for dry, cracked skin, providing intense moisture and healing overnight.
Body Lotion
Winter tends to leave your skin feeling dry, and this includes your body, not just your face. Applying a rich body lotion before bed can help hydrate your skin and keep it smooth throughout the night. Look for products that are packed with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, almond oil, or vitamin E.
These lotions are designed to hydrate and lock in moisture, preventing your skin from becoming dry or itchy. A thick, luxurious body lotion will give your skin the hydration it needs while you sleep. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($8) is a popular, affordable option that helps to keep skin soft and hydrated for hours.
Gentle Exfoliator
Exfoliating once or twice a week is an important step to remove dead skin cells and allow your skincare products to absorb more effectively. During the late winter months, it’s essential to use a gentle exfoliator that won’t strip the skin or cause irritation. Look for exfoliators with fine, smooth exfoliating agents like jojoba beads or rice powder.
Avoid harsh physical exfoliators that can damage the skin, and instead, opt for mild chemical exfoliators with ingredients like lactic acid or glycolic acid. This will help to brighten the skin, smooth rough patches, and promote a healthy glow. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($30) is a great choice for a chemical exfoliant that gently exfoliates while helping to clear clogged pores.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.