Winter can be tough on our skin. The cold, dry air combined with indoor heating often leads to dryness, irritation, and a dull appearance. But don’t worry, with a proper skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout the winter months. In this guide, we will reveal simple tips to help you tackle seasonal skin issues and adapt to the cold weather months.
Understand Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type is the first step in your winter skincare regimen. Is your skin oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? By understanding your specific skin needs, you can choose the right products.
For example, if you have dry skin, you might need thicker creams rich in oils and butters, like shea butter or jojoba oil. On the other hand, oily skin types benefit from lighter, gel-based moisturizers that won’t clog pores.
Statistics show that up to 50% of people choose the wrong skincare products due to a lack of knowledge about their skin type. Taking time to identify your skin can prevent wasting money on ineffective products.
Whether or not your skin is dry, oily, or a combination of the two, the harmful effects of dry heat in our homes during the cold weather cannot be understated. Dry heat from our heating systems can wreak havoc inside and outside of our bodies. You may notice your skin developing slough, which is dead skin composed of layers of keratin. Most skin care specialists recommend exfoliating the slough, but we at Underground Aesthetics are here to tell you that there is more to slough than meets the eye.
There is more to slough than meets the eye!
Winter slough is your body's way of telling you that the air is too dry. That means that you are breathing in dry air, and your entire respiratory system is more vulnerable to illness, mucus buildup, and breathing issues. So what's the solution? Turn down the heat a little, run a humidifier around the clock, and bundle up in your home. Winters are meant to be cold. Of course, we don't want you to suffer in the cold all winter, but the more you can do to prevent your home from being pumped with dry heat, the better off you will be. Not to mention, it's better for the planet!
Combat dry heat: Turn down the heat a little, run a humidifier around the clock, and bundle up in your home.

Hydration is Key
Staying hydrated is essential, especially in winter. Aim to drink at least 9–13 cups (around 2 to 3 liters) of water daily to keep your skin nourished from the inside out. When hydrated, your skin stays more elastic and less prone to irritation. Warm water is a perfectly fine way to stay hydrated, since we tend to be deterred by cold water in the winter!
Incorporating water-rich foods such as cucumbers, oranges, and lettuce into your diet can further enhance your skin’s moisture levels. These foods not only hydrate you but also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Drinking warm water, herbal tea, or hot lemon water are perfect ways to stay hydrated, since we tend to be deterred by cold water in the winter!
Opt for Creamy Cleanser
Swapping out your typical gel-based cleanser for a creamier one is wise during winter. Gel cleansers can strip away natural oils, leading to increased dryness.
Choose a creamy or oil-based cleanser that gently cleanses while providing hydration. Products containing ingredients like almond oil or aloe vera can help preserve your skin's moisture barrier. This simple shift can protect against the irritation often caused by cold weather.

Rev Up Your Moisturizer
As winter temperatures fall, it’s time to amp up your moisturizing efforts. Look for heavier, more emollient moisturizers that contain occlusive ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or dimethicone.
Applying a thick layer of moisturizer with hyaluronic acid before bed can help lock in moisture overnight. Products with these ingredients can increase skin hydration by up to 30%, making a noticeable difference come morning.
Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliation is important year-round, but caution is necessary during the winter months. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and dryness.
Limit your exfoliation to once a week, using gentle exfoliants like sugar scrubs or enzyme-based products. #Glycolic acid is a great option for mild chemical exfoliation, helping remove dead skin cells without taking away moisture you need in winter. And while exfoliation is great, remember to turn down the heat and turn up the humidity!
Don't Forget Sunscreen
Even in winter, UV rays can harm your skin. It is crucial to use sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather. According to a study, up to 80% of UV rays can reach your skin on cloudy days.
Choose a moisturizer or makeup that includes a minimum SPF of 30 for broad-spectrum protection. This will help protect against UVA and UVB rays, which can accelerate skin aging and cause damage over time.

Pay Attention to Your Diet
A nutritious diet plays a vital role in your skin’s health. Incorporate healthy fats from sources like avocados and walnuts, which provide essential fatty acids for skin flexibility.
Also, focus on including fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients help with skin repair and protection by fighting free radicals. Foods like spinach, blueberries, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices.
Rest and Relaxation
Stress shows up on your skin in the form of breakouts and irritations. Engaging in relaxing activities is key to maintaining your skin’s health.
Try meditation, yoga, or simply taking short breaks throughout your day to focus on your breathing. Aim to get 7–9 hours of sleep per night, as this is when your skin rejuvenates and repairs itself.
Winter Microneedling
Here at U.A., we love winter #microneedling. The lower UV levels in the winter can help your skin heal after microneedling without the risk of sun damage. Post-treatment skin is sensitive to the sun and overexposure can slow healing.
Faster healing
In the winter, skin tends to be less oily and sweat less, which can help it heal faster.
Soothed sensitivity
Cold weather can help reduce redness and inflammation after microneedling.
Treat dry skin
Microneedling can help treat dry skin by replacing dead skin cells with new ones.
Rejuvenate skin
Microneedling can help repair damage to your skin caused by the cold, dry winter weather.
Wrapping Up
Caring for your skin in winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding your skin type and making thoughtful product choices can help you achieve a radiant complexion. Stay hydrated, use effective products, and pay attention to your skin’s signals. And don't forget to book your winter microneedling with us. We love caring for your skin!
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Underground Aesthetics was founded by Dr. Anupama Kurra, a local physician dedicated to holistic skin and whole body care.

Underground Aesthetics offers powerful skin care treatments including microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy), organic chemical peels, Gua Sha facials, and platelet-rich plasma facials. Our treatments are a nod to mother nature, the best healer! All products are plant-based, and we do our best to keep our practices environmentally friendly.
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