A Ritual for Dry Days
By midwinter, the world dries out. The air thins, our breath lingers longer on glass panes, and our skin, shuttled from steamy apartments to icy streets and back again, begins to crack and tighten in protest. In New York, that chill is compounded by travel. Airports are packed, suitcases brim with scarves and ambitions, and yet few of us think to adapt our skincare for the microclimates we’re moving through.
But here’s the thing: skin doesn’t travel light. It’s a record keeper of humidity, hydration, and how much we’re asking of it. So, to weather these months well, we must become curators of our own ritual. Not a routine, exactly, but something slower, more deliberate. Something that feels, in its own small way, like self-stewardship.
Welcome to the art of winter layering.
Know Your Environment
As the seasons shift, so should our approach. Dry skin in Aspen is a different creature than dry skin in Seoul or London. Humid destinations demand restraint, minimal layers and lighter textures. But for those retreating to the Alps or cocooning in frosty northern cities, your skin is thirsty. It’s asking politely, perhaps even pleading, for more.
This doesn’t mean drowning it in product, but rather, understanding how to layer with intent. And it begins, of course, with cleansing.
The Unsung Power of the Cleanse
Many underestimate the quiet role of the cleanser. But consider this: it’s the first gesture of your ritual. And if it strips rather than soothes, the rest of your skincare will work doubly hard to repair the damage.
For dry climates, less is more. Cleanse at night to lift the day’s wear; in the morning, lukewarm water will do. But in tropical cities where sweat is constant and sleep is sticky, a gentle morning cleanse may be warranted.
The choice of cleanser is critical. Foaming cleansers, particularly the traditional, sudsy types, can disrupt the skin barrier. Look instead for glycerin-based formulas that hydrate as they cleanse. A standout example: Dr. Idriss’s Soft Wash, developed specifically for dry skin. It’s gentle enough to use around the eyes and doesn’t lather, which might feel unfamiliar at first but is ultimately kinder to parched skin.
The Myth of Skipping Exfoliation
There’s a persistent myth that dry skin should avoid exfoliation in winter. Not so. In fact, with less UV exposure (unless you’re skiing, of course—more on that later), exfoliating becomes even more beneficial. Think three to four times per week, not nightly, and choose your acid wisely.
Glycolic acid remains the gold standard here. Not only does it slough away dead skin cells, but it draws in moisture, making it ideal for those who crave glow without irritation. As a bonus, it also supports collagen production over time. And who among us isn’t quietly chasing that?
The Layering Philosophy
Layering is not just about ingredients; it’s about texture, weight, and timing. Imagine dressing for a walk in the snow: a thermal, a shirt, a jumper, a coat, a scarf. Your skincare follows suit.
Step one: cleanse.
Step two: exfoliate with glycolic acid—your gateway to glow.
Step three: apply a watery essence or toner. Choose one that hydrates, not exfoliates. Shani Darden’s Sake Nourishing Essence is a lightweight joy, like a glass of sake poured over the cheeks. SK-II’s classic essence remains a worthy indulgence, especially if you appreciate skincare with a touch of ritual.
If you prefer less waste, decant your essence into a mist bottle and spritz it across the face. Each drop, after all, is precious.
Step four: layer on a hydrating serum. For those nostalgic for simpler times, Aveeno’s light, glycerin-rich, and colloidal oatmeal-based serum remains an enduring favourite. It sinks in quietly, like silk sheets on bare skin.
Step five: seal it all in with a rich moisturiser. There’s elegance in the humble. Ponds’ classic cream, with its subtle powdery scent, offers nostalgic comfort and real, occlusive protection.
If the air is heavy with humidity, you might skip this final step in the morning, especially if you’re following with sunscreen. But if you’re high in the mountains or simply feeling depleted, you’ll want every layer.
Small Machines, Big Difference
Even the most diligent layering can be undone by bone-dry air. Enter the humble humidifier. The Canopy Humidifier, in particular, is a discreet yet transformative addition to the bedroom or office. Petite and elegantly designed, it doubles as an aromatherapy diffuser, transporting the senses while replenishing the air.
Do clean it regularly as mould and mildew have no place in your sanctuary. But used well, it’s the invisible hero of winter skincare.
Basting: For Face and Lips
The next tip might feel theatrical, but it works. Basting, as you might imagine, draws inspiration from the kitchen. Just as a turkey needs continual attention to stay juicy, so too do our faces and lips.
Lip basting begins with exfoliation (a swipe of glycolic acid will do), followed by a thick, occlusive balm. Weleda Skin Food is a cult classic for a reason: herbal, deeply nourishing, and yes, slightly glossy. It may not be the look for every errand, but for a cosy night in? Divine.
Face basting involves a similarly rich layer, often with zinc oxide for its anti-inflammatory properties. Triple Paste, a diaper rash cream, might seem an odd choice. But its soothing qualities and skin barrier benefits are unmatched. For those who balk at the chalky cast it can leave, a newer sheer version offers similar benefits with a clearer finish.
Prefer something without zinc? Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Rehydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane is a worthy alternative. Rich as clotted cream, it glides on luxuriously and can be tissued off after 15 minutes with no ghostly residue, just velvety skin.
Mist, But Make It Glycerin
Another beloved winter trick: a homemade glycerin mist. In a small spray bottle, mix 1 part pure glycerin to 4 parts water—or, for the romantics, rosewater. This simple concoction clings to moisture and keeps skin hydrated throughout the day. Use sparingly (there are no preservatives, so make fresh daily) and mist only where needed, like on the cheekbones, neck, or anywhere looking crepey.
Keep a bottle at your desk or in your bag. It’s like a whisper of spring in the heart of winter.
Gloves, Wraps, and At-Home Indulgence
In colder months, hands and feet become afterthoughts, hidden in boots and mittens, out of sight and, too often, out of care. But a little attention here brings outsized rewards.
For feet, a simple at-home mask can transform dry, calloused skin. Apply a urea-rich lotion (look for ones with 10% urea like Uradin), then wrap feet in cling film and slide them into socks. The wrap ensures your socks don’t absorb all the product, and after an hour (or overnight, if you like), your soles will feel reborn.
Hands require similar care. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands—a no-frills classic found in hardware stores—is thick, almost waxy, and beloved for good reason. Apply it generously, then slip on thin medical gloves. To elevate the ritual, exfoliate beforehand with a gentle mask, let it dry, and apply the balm overtop. A winter evening spent with gloved hands and a good book becomes an act of quiet restoration.
A Final Thought
Skincare, when done well, becomes a ritual, not just of self-care, but of self-respect. It slows you down. It insists on presence. And in a season that can feel rushed and raw, that slowness is a gift.
So, let the air outside howl. Let the radiator clank and the wind nip at your collar. You, indoors, have your essence. Your mist. Your triple-paste rituals. A humidifier humming in the corner. And the soft, secret pleasure of knowing you’ve taken care of yourself.
