Skin that feels tight after cleansing, cheeks that stay pink, and a tired, grayish look are three of the most common winter skin concerns. They usually share the same cause. New York winters combine cold, dry outdoor air with heated indoor air that is even drier, and the skin barrier loses water faster than it can replace it.
In most cases, winter skin care comes down to a few adjustments at home, sometimes combined with professional treatments. This guide covers both, including the facials we offer at Skincare Sommelier in Forest Hills.
What Winter Does to the Skin Barrier
The outer layer of skin, the stratum corneum, is made of flattened cells held together by lipids: ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. When those lipids are intact, the skin holds water well. Low humidity pulls water out through the surface (dermatologists call it transepidermal water loss), the lipid layer thins, and small gaps form. That is when skin starts to feel tight, flake and react to products it used to tolerate.
A few winter habits speed this up. Long hot showers dissolve surface oils. Wool collars and scarves cause friction along the jaw. People drink less water when it’s cold. And many keep using retinoids and exfoliating acids at the same frequency they used in summer, when the skin had more to spare.
Dry Skin in Winter vs. Dehydrated Skin
The two are often confused. Dry skin produces too little oil, and it’s mostly a skin type. Dehydrated skin lacks water, and it’s a temporary condition that any skin type can have, including oily and acne-prone skin. Winter can cause both at once, which is why flaky patches and breakouts sometimes appear at the same time.
Typical signs of a stressed barrier:
- tightness within a few minutes of washing
- flaking around the nose, eyebrows and chin
- makeup separating on dry areas by midday
- fine lines that look more pronounced than in early fall, usually from dehydration rather than new wrinkles
- stinging from products that never caused a reaction before
How to Fix Dry Skin on Your Face
If you are looking for how to fix dry skin on face in winter, start with the routine: most mild winter dryness improves within two to three weeks once it changes. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends short, warm (not hot) showers, gentle fragrance-free products, and creams or ointments rather than lotions (AAD). For the face, that means:
Cleanser. Swap a foaming gel for a cream or milky cleanser, and wash with lukewarm water. On very dry days, rinse with water only in the morning.
Timing. Apply moisturizer within two or three minutes after washing, while the skin is still slightly damp. Pat the face dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
Ingredients. A good winter moisturizer combines humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), barrier lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) and an occlusive (petrolatum, shea butter, squalane). If your cream has only humectants, add a thin layer of balm over the driest areas at night.
Hyaluronic acid serum. Apply it to damp skin and follow with a cream to hold the water in.
Retinoids and acids. Reduce retinoid use to two or three nights a week and apply it over moisturizer. Limit exfoliating acids to once a week, or twice if your skin tolerates it.
Humidity. A humidifier in the bedroom, cleaned regularly, adds moisture to the air you breathe for seven or eight hours every night.
If the skin cracks, itches or bleeds, or nothing improves after three weeks, see a dermatologist. Eczema and other conditions can look like ordinary dryness at first.
Redness on Your Face in Winter
Facial redness in winter has a simple mechanism. Cold air constricts the small blood vessels in the cheeks, and warm indoor air dilates them again. A typical commute in Queens repeats that cycle several times before noon. When the barrier is already compromised, irritation adds to the flushing, and redness lasts longer.
People with rosacea feel this the most. In a National Rosacea Society survey, 80 percent of respondents in regions with severe winters said cold-weather outdoor activity worsened their symptoms, and wind was the most frequently reported seasonal trigger (National Rosacea Society). Hot drinks and overheated rooms are also common triggers.
What we recommend for winter redness:
- fragrance-free products and no physical scrubs
- a scarf over the lower face on windy days, with a cotton or silk layer if wool irritates the skin
- letting hot drinks cool slightly before drinking
- a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, which sensitive skin usually tolerates well
Redness that doesn’t fade, visible broken capillaries, or flushing with small bumps should be evaluated, because rosacea usually needs medical management. For persistent redness and visible capillaries, we offer IPL treatment. Winter is a practical time to start a series, since there is less sun exposure between sessions.
Dull Skin Treatment Options
Dullness in winter comes mostly from uneven shedding. When the surface is dry, dead cells don’t release evenly, so they build up and scatter light instead of reflecting it. Reduced circulation in the cold, less sleep and holiday schedules add to it.
At home, a mild exfoliant once a week (lactic acid or a PHA is gentler than glycolic acid in winter) and a vitamin C serum in the morning help. For a more visible change, these treatments at our med spa address winter dryness and dullness:
HydraFacial MD. The Signature treatment ($199, 35 minutes) cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and infuses antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The Luxe ($249) adds a booster serum and LED light therapy, and the Platinum ($299) adds lymphatic drainage. There is no downtime. We ask clients to stop retinol 48 hours before the appointment.
Dome Perignon O2 Facial. Targeted serums are infused into the skin with a pressurized oxygen device, followed by a specialized facial massage to hydrate, plump and revitalize the skin. It is listed with our facials and treatments. Current package prices are on our Specials page.
Sommelier’s Skin Symphony. This facial uses Environ skincare combined with sonophoresis or pulsed iontophoresis, technologies that help active ingredients penetrate the skin.
Chemical peels. Light peels restore brightness with minimal flaking. Medium-depth peels address texture and uneven tone and require some downtime. Lower sun exposure makes winter a good season for both.
Skin boosters. For skin that is chronically dehydrated and starting to look crepey, biorevitalization injections place hyaluronic acid directly into the skin, and PDRN supports tissue repair.
LED light therapy ($75) can be added to most facials.
Why Winter Is a Good Time for Treatments
Lower UV exposure reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after peels, lasers and microneedling, which matters especially for medium and darker skin tones. If you’re planning work on texture or acne scars, see our article on microneedling healing stages.
Sunscreen stays in the routine all year. Snow can reflect up to 80 percent of UV radiation (WHO), and UVA passes through clouds and window glass. After any peel or laser treatment, daily SPF 30 or higher is required.
A Simple Winter Skin Care Routine
| When | Steps |
| Morning | Gentle cleanser or lukewarm water rinse, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, SPF 30+ |
| Evening | Cream cleanser, hydrating serum on damp skin, retinoid 2 to 3 nights a week if tolerated, rich moisturizer |
| Very dry areas | Thin layer of balm or ointment over moisturizer at night |
| Weekly | One gentle exfoliation; humidifier in the bedroom |
| Every 4 to 6 weeks | Professional facial matched to your skin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change my skin care routine in winter?
Usually yes. A gentler cleanser, a richer moisturizer and less frequent use of retinoids and acids work for most people. Keep daily sunscreen.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UVA passes through clouds and windows, and snow reflects UV. Use SPF 30 or higher every day.
Is it safe to get a chemical peel in winter?
For most people, yes. Lower sun exposure makes winter a good season for peels. Your provider will evaluate your skin first and choose the right depth.
How often should I exfoliate in winter?
Once a week for most skin types, twice if your skin tolerates it. Stop if you notice stinging or a tight, shiny look.
What facial is best for dry winter skin?
HydraFacial MD and the Dome Perignon O2 Facial both focus on hydration. Your provider will recommend the best option for your skin at your consultation.
Winter Skin Consultations in Forest Hills
Skincare Sommelier Beauty Lab & Med Spa is located at 112-05 75th Ave in Forest Hills, close to the subway and easy to reach from Rego Park, Kew Gardens and other parts of Queens. Call 718-568-5146 to schedule a free consultation and a winter plan for your skin.
