How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for Mature Skin in the Winter

Why Winter Can Be Harsh on Mature Skin

Unfortunately, the winter weather can and probably will have an effect on your skin. “Winter can be especially tough on mature skin because the natural aging process already leads to dryness and a weakened skin barrier, and the winter months only worsen this,” explains Dr. Garshick. “When temperatures drop, the air becomes drier both outside and inside, especially when we’re relying on indoor heating. This lack of humidity pulls moisture from the skin, making it feel tight, rough, and more sensitive. As a result, fine lines may appear more noticeable and the skin may feel more sensitive.” 

So now that you understand the problem, let’s get into a few remedies. Replacing hydration, skin barrier strength, and creating a protective “seal” from the harsh elements is key.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Winter Skincare for Mature Skin

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is dry skin’s best friend. Why? Because it actually helps draw moisture into the skin’s surface and keep it there. This can lead to increased skin plumpness. 

• Glycerin: According to Dr. Garshick, glycerin also has skin plumping capabilities and helps draw moisture to the skin.

• Ceramides: Ceramides help create a barrier between your skin’s surface and the harsh elements (hello, wind and biting cold). As we age, ceramide levels naturally go down, so it’s important to replenish. 

• Plant Oils: Oils like jojoba and argan oil can help hydrate the skin while also providing inflammation protection. 

• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, a natural antioxidant to protect your skin against the elements while also helping add in hydration. 

The Best Winter Skincare Routines for Mature Skin

Morning Skincare Routine:

“A good morning routine for mature skin typically begins with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils,” says Dr. Garshick. We love the INN BEAUTY PROJECT Keep It Clean Hydrating Gel Cleanser for this. 

After cleansing, grab an antioxidant serum, like one with vitamin C. We’re fans of CLARA'S NEW YORK Brightening Vitamin C Facial Serum. According to Dr. Garshick, a vitamin C serum “helps protect the skin from environmental stressors throughout the day.”

If you don’t typically use a moisturizer in the morning, winter is a good time to add one in. Use a barrier-supportive moisturizer, like the ONEKIND Radical Repair™ Barrier Balm, and then make sure to top the routine off with a sunscreen for extra hydration and skin protection. 

Night Skincare Routine:

“In the winter, I recommend adjusting this routine by opting for a creamier cleanser and incorporating a hydrating serum before your moisturizer to help compensate for moisture loss,” says Dr. Garshick. At night specifically, swap out the lighter moisturizer that you reach for in the warmer months for a richer (read: thicker) moisturizer to help “lock in hydration and prevent dryness, which is especially important in the winter months.” Here’s more about the difference between day and night moisturizers.

Add an Extra Layer of Protection for Winter Skin

• Use a humidifier to combat dry indoor air: “You spend so much time sleeping, and if the air in your apartment is dry from the heater, it’ll dry out your skin too,” explains Eric Nietzel-Leone, RN, BSN. 

• Stay hydrated: You might not notice that you’re feeling thirsty in the winter because you’re sweating less and losing fewer fluids, but hydration is a key tool in the battle against dry skin. 

• Consider your heater placement: “While you don’t have to avoid heaters, it’s best not to sit right in front of them, as the direct heat can pull moisture from the skin very quickly,” says Dr. Garshick. 

• Avoid super hot showers: We know, we know, a scalding-hot shower might be the only thing you look forward to at the end of a long day, but try to refrain. “It is best to opt for lukewarm showers rather than very hot ones, since hot water can strip the skin of natural oils,” says Dr. Garshick.

• Apply moisturizer to damp skin: Do this immediately after washing your face or stepping out of the shower. We love locking in full-body hydration with the SOL DE JANEIRO Delícia Drench™ Deeply Moisturizing Body Butter for Dry Skin.

Best Products for Winter Skincare for Mature Skin

1. Best Morning Moisturizer for Mature Skin in Winter: 

BEAUTYSTAT Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer

Peptides are packed into the small but mighty moisturizer and you only need a pea-size amount to see wrinkle-improving benefits. 

2. Best Serum for Mature Skin in Winter:

GROWN ALCHEMIST Regenerating Facial Serum

Rambutan, polypeptides, polysaccharide, and acmella oleracea extract help to restore and renew skin cells to improve hydration and texture each time you apply this serum.

3. Best SPF for Mature Skin in Winter:

PERRICONE MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Daily Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 35

If you have mature skin, try incorporating a moisturizer-SPF combo into your routine to get extra hydration benefits. We love this PERRICONE MD option that also contains niacinamide. 

4. Best Cleanser for Mature Skin in Winter:

NEUTROGENA® Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser 

You want to be careful to not strip the skin of its natural oils by using a super-strong cleanser before you add in your hydrating ingredients. A gentle formula like this one is the perfect start to cleansing. 

5. Best Night Moisturizer for Mature Skin In Winter:

GOLDFADEN MD Wake Up Call Overnight Facial Treatment

Avocado oil, retinol, and antioxidants reign supreme in this moisturizer that you can apply overnight to wake up with supple, soft skin in the morning.

6. Best Lip Treatment for Mature Skin in Winter:

TOUCH IN SOL Pretty Filter Lip Plumping Gloss Mask Tube Night

Don’t forget lip care in the winter, especially for mature skin, where lines around the mouth might be showing up. This treatment by TOUCH IN SOL helps restore volume to your lips as you sleep.

Winter Skincare for Mature Skin FAQs

How often should I exfoliate mature skin in winter?"

“I suggest exfoliating one to three times a week in the evening with lukewarm water depending on the skin and its sensitivity,” says Nietzel-Leone. “Over-exfoliating will strip some of the protection the skin needs. Chemical exfoliants such as acids, etc., are better than mechanical ones as they are not so harsh on the skin when used as directed.”

Can I use retinol during the winter months?

Although retinol can get a bad rep for drying out the skin, you shouldn’t stop your retinol routine during the winter, especially if you have mature skin. However, “it’s important to adjust how it’s used to minimize irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. “Retinol can be more drying in colder weather, so I often recommend applying it less often if the skin starts to feel tight or sensitive.”

More tips? Using a nourishing moisturizer before and after your retinol, also called the “sandwich method,” helps buffer the skin and reduce irritation. “If retinol becomes too irritating despite these adjustments, switching to a gentler alternative like bakuchiol or a lower potency retinol can still provide anti-aging benefits without the same dryness,” she adds.

What’s the best way to layer skincare for mature skin?

Layering skincare isn’t different for someone with mature skin. Anyone who’s applying skincare should do so in the following order: “From thinnest to thickest [formulas], ensuring each step can absorb properly,” says Dr. Garshick. 

“After cleansing, apply any serums or treatments and then seal everything in with a rich, nourishing moisturizer that supports the skin barrier,” she says. “If the skin is particularly dry, it is best to add a thin layer of an occlusive balm or healing ointment at night to lock in moisture. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen, as it is still important, even during the winter.”

Final Thoughts

Check out IPSY’s curated collection of winter skincare products and more if you’re still feeling lost about how to build a routine. When you have mature skin, don’t be afraid to adjust your skincare routine to suit your needs, even if you’re been doing things another way for as long as you can remember. Your skin is always changing, and the elements and outdoor temperature will influence your skin’s situation, too. If you need to apply moisturizer more than you typically do in the summer, that’s OK. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to get the most out of your skincare routine.