No flaky skin—here's your ultimate glow up guide for winter!

We love the winter season—cosy chunky knits, hot cocoa, and the snuggly weather, what's not to love? But sadly, for your skin, it’s a survival mission. Cold air, low humidity, and the indoor heating team up to zap your moisture levels leaving your skin dry, tight, and in desperate need of some extra TLC. What you need, in order to survive the colder weather, is a smart layering routine that boosts hydration and locks the moisture in. And that's exactly what we have for you. 

From skincare saviours to indulgent body care, this guide will have you glowing like a snow queen (minus the frostbite). Let’s dive in!

Layer your way to a healthy glow

Layering skincare products is like dressing for the weather: you need to start with lightweight essentials and build up to thicker, protective layers. This ensures each product works effectively, sealing in hydration where you need it most.

Gentle cleansers

Winter can weaken your skin barrier, so it’s essential to use a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping away your natural oils. A hydrating formula helps retain moisture while keeping your skin balanced and fresh. Look for products that are free from sulfates and parabens, and contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which will help keep your skin stay soft and supple. 

Mary Cohr Hydrating Facial Cleanser, ₹2,200

Tone for hydration

Toners are often overlooked, but in winter, they’re a game-changer. A hydrating toner not only preps your skin for the rest of your routine but also adds an extra layer of moisture right after cleansing. Opt for one that’s alcohol-free and packed with soothing, skin-loving ingredients.

d’you Imbalance Hydrating Toner, ₹2,100

Nourish with a mask

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in hydrating face masks, especially those packed with ingredients that replenish and lock in moisture. Use a mask daily to give your skin deeper care, particularly on days when it feels extra parched or irritated. Follow up with your usual routine to seal in the benefits.

ILEM Bio-Cellulose Face Mask, ₹1,850

Hydrate with ceramides

Your skin’s natural barrier takes a hit in winter, so incorporating ceramides into your routine can help fortify and repair it. Ceramide-rich creams lock in hydration, keeping your skin plump and reducing the chances of flakiness or irritation. They’re an essential step for maintaining healthy skin all season long.

Minimalist Ceramides 0.3% + Madecassoside Moisturizer, ₹599

Seal in the moisture with a facial oil

Oils are a crucial final step in your skincare layering process. They act as a shield, preventing moisture loss and locking in everything you’ve applied before. Choose oils that are lightweight yet effective, providing nourishment without clogging pores or feeling too heavy.

Beauty by BiE Uplifting & Soothing Face Oil, ₹3,799

Don’t skip sunscreen

UV rays are still very much a threat all year long. Using a good sunscreen protects your skin from premature ageing and skin damage caused by winter UV exposure. Look for one that’s hydrating and lightweight enough to pair with your daily moisturiser or under your make-up.

Hyphen All I Need Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++,  ₹449

Repair while you sleep

Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, making it the ideal time to amp up hydration. A rich nighttime moisturiser or sleeping mask replenishes moisture lost during the day while supporting your skin’s natural regenerative processes. Opt for products designed to deliver intense hydration and lock it in overnight, so you wake up with soft, glowing skin.

Dermalogica Super Rich Face Moisturiser, ₹6,450

Simple Skin Quench Sleeping Crème, ₹449

Skincare-infused make-up

Make-up doesn’t have to take a backseat in winter, but the products you choose matter. Go for make-up that combines pigment with skincare benefits, so your skin stays nourished while you’re serving a flawless look. Whether it’s an illuminating moisturiser or a dewy blush, skincare-infused make-up keeps your skin hydrated, glowing, and radiant all day.

Kiro Beauty Oh My Glow! Illuminating Moisturiser, ₹950

Anastasia Beverly Hills Blurring Serum Blush, ₹3,800

Body care beyond just lotion

Your body deserves the same level of care as your face, especially in winter. Think of body care as a skincare routine for your entire body—exfoliating to smooth rough patches, treating specific concerns, deeply hydrating to lock in moisture, and even protecting your skin barrier from harsh elements. Winter is the perfect time to pamper your skin with rich, nourishing products that not only soothe dryness but also keep your skin feeling soft and healthy.

Exfoliate and treat

Dry skin often means dry patches or flakiness, so gentle exfoliation is key to keeping your skin smooth and soft. Exfoliating also helps your body care products absorb better, making them more effective. Follow up with a targeted treatment to address problem areas.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum, ₹1,500

Hydrate and protect

A rich, nourishing lotion is a winter essential for locking in moisture after a bath or shower. For best results, apply while your skin is still slightly damp to help seal in hydration. Look for ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid to keep your skin feeling velvety smooth.

Victoria’s Secret Tease Fine Fragrance Lotion, ₹2,999

Fragrance that lasts

The dry winter air doesn’t just impact your skin—it also affects how your fragrances perform. Alcohol-based perfumes tend to evaporate faster, so swapping to solid perfumes is a smart winter hack. These are alcohol-free, nourishing, and formulated to last longer on your skin.

Solid perfumes are typically enriched with moisturising ingredients like jojoba and coconut oil, which hydrate the skin while locking in scent. This makes them a win-win for winter when both hydration and longevity are a priority.

Joon Solid Perfume in Citrus Woody, ₹3,200

Fenty Parfum Solid Fragrance, ₹8,000

Winter doesn’t have to mean battling dryness or constantly reapplying your perfume. With the right routine and a little seasonal tweaking, you can keep your skin glowing and your scent game strong all winter long. Go ahead, and embrace your winter glow-up!

Featured image credit: Pexels

Also read: Caramel scented perfumes that are perfect for winter

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