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When cold weather arrives, the skin faces different conditions: dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity. Adapting your routine to the season is the simplest way to keep it hydrated, supple, and protected.
Let's look at what really changes in winter and how to respond.
Why skin suffers in the cold
The problem isn't just the outdoor temperature. It's the combination of three factors acting together:
- L'cold, dry air outdoors reduces available moisture and increases water evaporation from the skin's surface.
- Indoor heating further lowers relative humidity, often below 30%.
- Frequent temperature changes between indoors and outdoors put strain on the microcirculation and contribute to redness and reactivity.
The result is increased transepidermal water loss and a weakened skin barrier, the structure of lipids and corneocytes that retains moisture and protects against external factors.
When the barrier weakens, the skin becomes drier, more reactive, and less tolerant of products it would normally accept. This is explored in more detail in the article on sensitive skin and seasonal changes.
How to adapt your routine
1. Gentler cleansing
This is the first adjustment to make, and often the only one you need. In winter, a cleanser that worked well in summer may feel too harsh. Double cleansing with an oil followed by a gentle mousse removes impurities thoroughly without stripping the skin's lipids.
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One tip that's worth more than many products: lower the water temperature. L'hot water dissolves skin lipids and is one of the main causes of winter dryness. Always use lukewarm water.
2. Overnight hydration
At night, skin works hardest to renew itself. A serum made with plant oils — rosehip and prickly pear — provides essential fatty acids that support the skin barrier's lipid layer and reduce water loss.
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3. A richer cream
In winter, you need a richer texture than in summer. For tips on what to look for on the label, see our guide on how to choose a face cream for dry skin. Alba is formulated for dry and mature skin, with active ingredients that support the body's natural production of collagen and a texture that nourishes without feeling heavy.
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If your skin is particularly stressed by the cold, a more restorative cream may be a better choice.
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4. Gentle exfoliation
Once a week is enough. In winter, skin is more fragile, and overdoing exfoliants can be counterproductive: an enzyme exfoliant or mandelic acid is a better choice, renewing skin without irritation.
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5. A weekly treatment
An intensive mask gives your skin a concentrated boost of hydration during the coldest weeks.
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Practical tips for winter
Use a humidifier. LDry air in heated rooms is one of the most overlooked factors. A humidifier in the bedroom has a real effect on your skin and respiratory tract.
Don't give up sun protection. UVA rays pass through clouds and glass and are present year-round. This topic is explained in the article on sun protection and vitamin D. If you go to the mountains, the issue becomes serious: snow reflects much of the radiation, and its intensity increases with altitude.
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Protect your hands and lips. They are the most exposed areas and have fewer sebaceous glands. We discuss this in the article on how to reduce signs of aging on your hands.
Hydrate from within, too. Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in omega-3s—walnuts, flaxseeds, and oily fish—supports the skin barrier's lipid component.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cream for winter?
It depends on your skin type. For dry and mature skin, choose a rich formula like Alba; for reactive skin, choose a soothing one. In general, a more nourishing texture is a better choice in winter than in summer.
How can you prevent dry skin in cold weather?
Cleanse gently with lukewarm water, use a richer cream, add a humidifier in heated rooms, and avoid over-exfoliating.
Do you really need sun protection in winter?
Yes. UVA rays, responsible for photoaging, are present year-round and pass through clouds and glass.
