As the chilly winter weather creeps in, the air becomes drier and harsher, leaving our skin feeling dry, dull, and rough. For those of us with combination skin, this season can pose unique challenges, as we struggle to find a skincare regimen that caters to both our oily and dry skin types. But fear not! With these simple winter skincare routine tips, you can transform your oily, winter-weary skin into a glowing, refreshed complexion.

Cleanse with Gentle, Hydrating Cleansers 🚿

To avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils, opt for gentle, hydrating and sulfate-free cleansers that cleanse but not overburden the skin. Mild non-foaming cleansers can also be skincare game-changers for your combination skin type. Foaming cleansers are generally designed for oily skin types and can leave combination skin feeling dry and tight. For a luxurious pamper session, introduce double-cleansing into your skincare routine to thoroughly remove all dirt and impurities from your skin.

A picture of a gentle, hydrating cleanser next to a hand with water coming out of a tap behind it

Exfoliate with Caution 🧼

Winter dryness may increase the urge to constantly exfoliate your skin, but over-exfoliating can lead to you stripping your skin’s natural oils and leaving it red, dry, and flaky. No matter how tempting, don’t over-exfoliate! Try to limit exfoliating to once or twice per week, and remember to look for exfoliants that are gentle, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). These are effective yet gentle chemical exfoliants that can help improve your skin’s texture and unclog pores.

A picture of a hand holding an exfoliating scrub next to a bowl of oats and honey

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate 💦

Stay hydrated! This is true for all skin types, but during the winter, hydration is extremely important as dehydration can lead to flakiness and has even been linked to premature signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. To keep combination skin hydrated and plump through winter, incorporate humectants such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid and urea into your skincare routine. These ingredients work by drawing moisture from the air around you and into your skin.

A picture of a glass of water with an electrode in it and above it, a jar of hyaluronic acid serum and a dropper

Don’t Skip Sunscreen ☀️

It’s easy to assume that sunscreen is not necessary during the winter season, but the truth is you should always wear sunscreen all through the year! The UV rays from the sun are still present, and even if your skin doesn’t feel hot, UV radiation can still cause damage to your skin. Use a moisturizing, broad-spectrum, preferably mineral-based sunscreen to protect and nourish your skin while preventing UV damage that can lead to accelerated aging, wrinkles, and fine lines.

A picture of a hand holding a bottle of sunscreen next to a broad-brimmed hat

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize 🧴

Finally, make sure to moisturize your skin -this is vital for combination skin care in the winter season. Look for oil-free and non-greasy moisturizers that can balance your skin’s hydration levels while also delivering rich hydration to dry skin areas. A good ingredient to keep an eye out for is Squalane. This powerhouse ingredient can provide intense hydration, fight off free radicals and restore the natural moisture barrier in your skin.

A picture of a hand holding a jar of moisturizer with the lid open, next to a sprig of lavender

With these simple but effective winter skincare routines, you can transform your combination skin into a glowing, fresh, and healthy complexion. So, keep your skin glowing and enjoy the winter season!

A picture of a woman walking down a snowy street with a glowing, fresh complexion