Why Your Skin Suddenly Reacts Differently in Autumn

It happens almost every year at the same time. The heating goes on, temperatures drop, and the skin that coped just fine all summer suddenly feels tight. Cheeks feel rough, make-up sits worse, some areas turn red.

The reason is unspectacular. Cold outdoor air and dry heating air draw moisture out of the skin, and the skin barrier can no longer keep up with replacing it. Your skin hasn't changed. Its surroundings have.

That's good news, because it means you don't have to throw everything out and start again. You only need to adjust three things.

Adjustment 1: Change the Texture, Not the Active

In summer, water-light toners and gel textures work well. In winter they often aren't enough, because too little is left behind to hold moisture in the skin. The simplest step is a creamy or milky toner instead of a water-light one, and a richer cream instead of a gel cream.

You can keep your actives. How textures relate to each other is explained in our texture guide, and everything about the toner for dry skin is in the article on milky toner.

Adjustment 2: Cleanse More Gently

Hot water and strong cleansing are the fastest route to dry skin in winter. Wash your face lukewarm, use only water or a mild cleanser in the morning, and in the evening cleanse with a balm that doesn't dry you out if needed. More in the article on double cleansing.

Cut back on AHA or BHA exfoliants as soon as your skin feels tight, not only once it starts flaking.

Adjustment 3: Seal It In at Night

Overnight, the skin tends to lose more water through evaporation than during the day. A sleeping mask or a barrier cream as the last step keeps moisture in, so you don't wake up with tight skin.

Two to three evenings a week is enough for most people. For very dry skin, every evening is fine. We've covered how to use sleeping masks properly in a guide of its own.

What You Should Never Skip, Even in Winter

Sunscreen. UV radiation exists in winter too, and in the mountains snow reflects a large share of it. Anyone who skis or hikes knows the sunburn in January.

For everyday life, the same sunscreen as in summer is enough, ideally with a slightly creamier texture. Read here why Korean sunscreen is so well suited to this.

Your Winter Routine in Short

Morning: water or mild cleanser, creamy toner, your serum, a richer cream, sunscreen.

Evening: balm for sunscreen or make-up, mild cleanser, creamy toner, your serum, barrier cream or sleeping mask.

The Three Most Common Winter Mistakes

First: more layers instead of richer products. Five water-light products in a row don't replace a cream that seals everything in.

Second: an exfoliant against flakes. Flaking often comes from a stressed barrier, and an exfoliant usually makes the problem worse.

Third: switching too late. If you wait until your skin is red and rough, it takes weeks for the barrier to recover. If you switch earlier, you often barely notice the change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Skincare

When should I switch my routine to winter?

Not by the calendar, but by your skin. As soon as it feels tight after washing or the heating is on, it's the right moment.

Do I have to change all my products in winter?

No. In most cases a different toner, a richer cream and a product for the night are enough. You can keep your actives.

Why is my skin flaking despite using cream?

Often the barrier is stressed: water that's too hot, too many exfoliants, or cream applied to completely dry skin. Apply cream to slightly damp skin. If the flakes persist or the skin is very red, have it checked by a dermatologist.

Do I really need sunscreen in winter?

Yes. UV radiation is weaker in winter, but it hasn't disappeared. In the mountains and on snow it's especially relevant.

Three Products for Your Winter Routine

A creamy toner, an overnight mask and a barrier cream: together they cover the three most important adjustments.