Winter Skincare Guide To Protecting & Nourishing Your Skin

Winter Brings Crisp Winds, Low Humidity, Indoor Heating, and Sudden Temperature Swings. In This Season, Your Skin Faces Dryness, Flaking, Dullness, and Sensitivity. Without The Right Approach, Even Oily or Combination Skin Types can Suffer From Dehydration, Breakouts, or Barrier Damage.

Why Winter Demands a Different Skincare Approach

1. Increased Moisture Loss & Dehydration

Cold Air Holds Less Water Vapor. Coupled with Indoor Heating, that Means More Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). You’ll Feel Tightness, Peeling, or Dry Patches Your Skin Simply can’t Hold onto Moisture The Same Way.

2. Barrier Disruption & Sensitivity

Frequent Hot Showers, Harsh Cleansers, Friction from Dry Fabrics, and Compromised Lipids All Undermine Your Skin Barrier. A Weak Barrier Invites Irritants, Redness, and Sensitivity.

3. Slower Cell Turnover & Dull Texture

In Winter, Skin Renewal Slows, Making Dullness, Rough Patches, and Uneven Tone More Noticeable. Dead Skin Accumulates, Muting Radiance.

4. Common Winter Complaints to Watch

• Dry Cheeks, Flaking Near Nostrils
• Tight, Uncomfortable Skin
• Itchy Body, Cracked Lips, Dry Hands
• Breakouts, Sensitivity to New Products
• Increased Prominence of Fine Lines

Understanding These Shifts Lets You Arrange a Routine that Responds to Winter’s Demands Rather than Fight Against It.

 

Core Winter Skincare Steps & Layering Philosophy

1. Gentle Cleansing

Use Non-Stripping, Low-Foam, Cream-Based Cleansers. Avoid Sulfates, Hot Water, and Long Showers. Aim for 5-10 Minutes Max, Lukewarm Water.

2. Hydration with Humectants

Apply Humectants Like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Vera On to Damp Skin. They Draw Water into The Skin's Deeper layers.

3. Seal in Moisture with Occlusives

After Humectants, Lock Water in Using Oils, Butters, Ceramides, Fatty Acids. This Prevents Breakdown of Moisture and Strengthens The Barrier.

4. Targeted Treatment (Evening / 2–3× per week)

• Brightening agents: niacinamide, arbutin, licorice extract
• Light exfoliants: low-percentage AHAs or PHAs (used with caution)
• Barrier repair: ceramide-rich serums, urea, lipids

5. Sun & Blue Light Protection

 Even in Winter, UV Rays Penetrate Clouds and Windows. Use Broad SPF 30+  Daily Over Your Moisturizer.

6. Body & Lip Care

Your Body and Lips are Often Forgotten But are Just As Vulnerable. Use Rich Body Washes, Nourishing Lotions, and Balms Often.

7. Night & Self-Care

At Night, Use Richer Occlusive Layers, Extra Lip Nourishment, and Consider Overnight Masks for Hands or Feet.

 

Ingredient Spotlight: What to Look For(and Avoid)

Knowing These Ingredient Classes Helps You Pick Smarter Products and Layer Effectiverly.

1. Humectants(Water Drawers)

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glycerin
• Panthenol / Pro-Vitamin B5
• Aloe Vera
  These attract water from deeper layers of the skin.

2. Emollients (Skin-Softeners)

• Squalane

• Fatty acids (oleic, linoleic)

• Plant oils (jojoba, almond)

• Esters
  They fill in gaps between skin cells to smooth the surface.

3. Occlusives(Water Sealants)

• Butters (shea, cocoa)

• Waxes (beeswax, candelilla)

• Petrolatum / mineral oil (if acceptable)

• Dimethicone (in some formulas)
  They form a barrier to prevent moisture escape.

4. Barrier Repair Lipids

• Ceramides

• Cholesterol & precursors

• Phospholipids, phytosphingosine
  These rebuild and maintain the structural integrity of skin.

5. Antioxidants  & Soothers

• Vitamin E, C derivatives

• Niacinamide

• Botanical extracts (licorice, centella, aloe, calendula)
  These calm inflammation and fight free radicals.

6. Mild Exfoliants

• Low-dose AHA, PHA, or enzyme peels
  Used sparingly (1–2× week) to remove dead skin without damaging the barrier.

Avoid: harsh alcohols, sulfates, strong fragrances, high-percentage acids in winter when barrier is compromised.

Winter Routine with LA'BANGERRY Products

1. Cleansing & Body Wash(Daily)

Use Your Daily Moisturizing Body Wash for Regular Days to Clean without Over-Drying. On Days When Skin Feels Tight or Dull, Alternate with Lavender Body Wash or Cherry Blossom Body Wash for Botanical Support. Use Lukewarm Water and Pat Dry Gently.

2. Face, Day & Night Creams

Keep Using Your Skin Whitening Day & Night Cream and Avocado Night Cream, But in Winter, Layer a Thin Facial Oil or Emollient Over Them At Night to Add Occlusion. You can Even Dilute Essential Oils (Lavender, Rosemary) Into a Carrier Oil and Apply As a Sealing Layer.

3. Lip Balm Routine

Your Watermelon, Strawberry, Mango, or Cocoa Butter Lip Balms Become Essential Tools Now. Use Immediately After Stepping Out or After Face Wash. At Night, Apply a Thicker Layer As an Overnight Lip Mask. Reapply Any Time Lips Feel Tight or Dry.

4. Weekly treatments

• Use a Gentle Exfoliating Mask or Enzyme Peel Once a Week (Avoid Scrubs)
• Use a Hydrating Mask or Overnight Hand/Foot Mask
• Occasionally Steam or Mist

5. Body Care

After Showering, Use Rich Body Lotion or Body Oils. Seal Elbows, Knees, and Ankles with Butters (shea, cocoa) Especially When Layering Clothing Causes Friction.

 

Sample Winter Skincare & Body Routines

Dry/Very Dry Skin

Morning: Gentle Cleansing → Face Serum → Skin Whitening Day Cream → Facial Oil Layer → SPF → Lip Balm
Evening: Cleanse → Hydrating Serum → Avocado Night Cream → Rich Oil Overlay
Body: Body Wash + Rich Lotion or Oil After Shower; Lip Balm at Night

Normal/Combination Skin

Morning: light cleansing → humectant (glycerin/aloevera) → whitening day cream → SPF → lip balm
Evening: cleanse → light hydrating serum → night cream → oil
Body: use body wash, then lotion or lighter oil; lip balm as needed

Sensitive/Reactive Skin

Use fragrance-free, gentle formulas
Patch-test new products
Avoid acids on aggravated areas
Stick to barrier repair (ceramides, squalane)
Use your daily products with caution

 

FAQs

Q: Should I Exfoliate in Winter?
Yes—But Sparingly. Use Gentle Enzyme or Low-dose Exfoliants Once a Week. Over-Exfoliation Damages The Barrier and Worsens Dryness.

Q: Can I Still Use Actives Like Retinoids or Vitamin C?
You can, But Reduce Frequency and Buffer with Hydrating Layers. Use On Nights You Avoid Harsh Exposure, and Monitor for Irritation.

Q: Do I Need SPF in Winter?
Absolutely. UV Rays Still Reach Skin. Use a Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Daily, Even on Cloudy Days or Indoors Near Windows.

Q: How do I Treat Cracked Lips in Winter?
Use Your Cocoa Butter Lip Balm Thicker At Night. Avoid Licking Lips. Use a Humidifier At Bedside, and Reapply Balm Several Times a Day.

Q: Will Body Washes Dry My Skin More?
It Depends On The Formula. Harsh or Sulfate-Rich Washes Do. Your LA’BANGERRY Body Washes are Milder and Safer for Winter Use When Paired with Moisturizing Aftercare.