Morning Skincare Routine For Dry Skin: Summer & Winter
Introduction
You already know that every season brings its own challenges when you have dry skin. How to take care of your skin in winter seasonal weather transitions can impact your skin moisture, texture, and appearance.
The summer prescribes lighter, sun-protecting products, while winter requires heavier formulas to seal in hydration and ward off high winds of scrappy dry air.
So, to maintain natural hydration from balance to glow all year round, Adjust your skincare routine with the change of seasons. Below, you will find a step-by-step summer & winter morning routine for dry skin, including seasonal tips and product recommendations.
Summer Morning Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Summer is all about hydration and sun protection, but with lightweight products to avoid clogged pores from heat and humidity. So now you know what your day-by-day routine should look like.
1. Gentle Cleanser
Why: This time of year, dirt and sweat build up fast, so you need a gentler cleanser first.
Recommendation: A gel or cream cleanser that will not rob your skin of moisture. For a reliable, budget-friendly option, try Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser.
Pro Tip: Stay away from foaming cleansers because they are drying and can make dry skin less hydrated than it already is.
2. Hydrating Toner or Mist
Why: Use toners or mists for an extra layer of hydration while soothing your skin and readying it to drink up the next steps.
Recommendation: Use a toner with hyaluronic acid or rose water. The Thermal Spring Water mist “La Roche-Posay” this one is light and refreshing.
Pro Tip: Keep your mist in the fridge for an added refreshing kick during warm weather.
3. Lightweight Serum
Why: You know, summer means lighter-weight serums that deliver moisture without a heavy feeling;
Recommendation: Use a hyaluronic acid serum, like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
Pro Tip: Apply it to dump skin so that it penetrates well.
4. Moisturizer with SPF
Why: Any dry skin should invest in an SPF moisturizer as the last step of your regimen because healthy skin is simply not possible without protection from UV damage, which dries out and damages the skin even more.
Recommendation: Use a sunscreen moisturizer (broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher) Supergoop! The Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 is super lightweight, hydrating, and protective!
Pro Tip: Be liberal with it on all parts of your skin that are out and about, especially the neck and ears.
5. Lip Balm with SPF
Why: Just like the skin on our body and face, our dry lips also need a bit of sun protection, so an SPF chapstick will help keep them from cracking or getting burnt.
Pro Tip: Find a balm that hydrates with SPF, such as Aquaphor’s Lip Repair Stick SPF 30.
Winter Morning Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
In the winter, the emphasis lies on deep moisture, locking in moisture and protecting against cold, dry air. Here is how to tweak your routine to seal moisture and protect your skin.
1. Rich, Creamy Cleanser
Why: Winters can suck the moisture out of the skin with its dry air and indoor heating, making a cream-based cleanser ideal.
Recommendation: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: A creamy, hydrating cleanse.
Pro Tip: Hot water will only dry your skin out more, so stick to lukewarm.
2. Hydrating Essence or Toner
Why: An essence containing hyaluronic acid can provide extra moisture to the skin and help prep it for better absorption of richer products.
Toner: A good toner like this one from Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner is hydrating and helps lock in moisture.
How: Apply it to your skin gently and without a wiping impact to feel more comfortable.
3. Nourishing Serum
Why: In the winter, the skin needs extra moisture, so opt for a thick serum with ceramides or squalane to fortify the skin barrier.
Recommendation: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil; this is more hydrating/retaining moisture than the others mentioned.
Pro Tip: Apply 2-3 drops, only on the dry areas, and wait for a minute to absorb.
4. Thicker Moisturizer
Why: A thicker moisturizer will act as an extra layer of protection against the dry, cold winter air that sucks moisture from your skin and keeps it soft.
Pro Tip: If your skin feels very dehydrated, applying a few drops of facial oil underneath or blended into your moisturizer is ideal.
5. Moisturizing SPF
Why: The winter sun can still be harmful to the skin, so a moisturizing and protective SPF is essential.
Recommendation: La Roche-PosayAntheliosMelt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 is great for deep hydration and high sun protection.
Pro Tip: Always wear SPF, even on cloudy days, as your last layer to protect against damaging UV rays and free radicals.
6. Thick Lip Balm
Why: Lips are extra thirsty with winter air around, so go for something with a bit more staying power.
Pro Tip: Start using a reparative balm such as Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment before bed, and feel free to use it throughout the day for added barrier protection.
Key Differences Between Summer and Winter Routines
| Step | Summer | Winter |
| Cleanser | Light, gentle gel or cream | Rich, creamy cleanser |
| Hydration Layer | Light mist or toner | Nourishing essence or thicker toner |
| Serum | Lightweight, hyaluronic acid | Rich, squalane or ceramide-based |
| Moisturizer | Lightweight with SPF | Thick, rich cream (SPF applied separately) |
| Lip Care | SPF lip balm | Thick, moisturizing balm |
Additional Tips for Managing Dry Skin Year-Round
- Glug down: This is essential to keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out. Try to consume at least eight glasses a day; herbal teas can be an excellent alternative to warm in winter!
- Moisturize Your Environment: If you need a humidifier to avoid dry skin, go. Purchase a mini humidifier to keep in your room.
- No to Long, Hot Showers: Hot water is also bad because it can remove natural oils from the skin. Maintain showering in warm water and for a shorter time.
- Implement a Gentle Exfoliant: Slough away dead skin cells once or twice per week. Avoid scrubs that are too rough; in particular, for winter, choose a mild exfoliant like lactic acid.
- Include Omega-Rich Foods: High in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon, walnuts, and flax seed will help vitamin-rich oils continually moisturize the skin from within.
Conclusion
A brilliant tip to keep your skin looking active and well-hydrated throughout the years is adjusting your skincare routine to the seasons!
Customizing your routine to combat the specific struggles of each season will keep skin supple, comfortable, and protected, all while looking radiant. But consistency is key, and even making small changes seasonally can help your skin thrive!
