When the chill of winter sets in, your skin often feels the effects first—tightness, flaking, and that unmistakable dry, itchy sensation. Harsh winds, dry indoor heat, and colder temperatures strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dull and dehydrated. Especially for those of us locals in Denver, the winter months can really do a number on your skin!

With the right winter skin care routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing all season long. In this guide, we’ll share Pure Dermatology’s expert backed strategies to defend against dryness, lock in moisture, and achieve a radiant, glowing complexion—even during the harshest winter months.

Why is Winter Skin Care Important?

Winter weather isn’t just cold—it’s downright unforgiving on your skin. The drop in temperature, combined with Denver’s dry, high-altitude air, creates a perfect storm for dehydration.

This is why a specialized winter skin care routine is essential. By focusing on hydration and protection you can maintain your skin’s natural defenses, prevent seasonal dryness, and keep your complexion looking healthy and radiant. Whether you’re braving Denver’s brisk mountain winds or sitting by a toasty indoor heater, your skin needs year-round care—and winter demands extra attention.

Up next, we’ll show you exactly how to do it with simple, dermatologist-approved strategies for hydration, protection, and glow.

Hydration: Lock in Moisture and Keep It There

If there’s one thing your skin needs to survive dry winter air, it’s hydration. Without it, your skin’s natural moisture barrier becomes compromised, leading to dryness, irritation, and that uncomfortable tight feeling. Unlike other seasons, where a light lotion might do the job, winter calls for a more strategic approach to hydration. The good news? With a few of these tips, you can lock in moisture and keep it there.

Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

The first step in any effective winter skincare routine is your cleanser. Harsh cleansers that “foam” or promise “oil control” may feel refreshing, but they strip away essential oils, leaving your skin more vulnerable to dryness. Instead, switch to a hydrating cleanser that protects your skin’s barrier while still clearing away dirt and impurities. Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and aloe vera—all of which help retain moisture.

Expert Tip: Opt for cream-based or oil-based cleansers, as they are naturally more hydrating than foaming cleansers. After cleansing, pat your skin dry (don’t rub!) to avoid unnecessary irritation.

Moisturize Immediately After Cleansing

Cleansing your skin prepares it to absorb moisture—but you have to act fast. Within 60 seconds of cleansing, your skin begins to lose hydration through evaporation. That’s why it’s crucial to apply moisturizer right away. This “damp-skin method” locks in moisture before it escapes.

For best results, use a cream-based moisturizer (thicker than lotion) with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid (to draw water in) and squalane (to mimic natural skin oils). If your skin feels particularly dry, look for products with occlusives like shea butter or petrolatum, which create a moisture-sealing barrier.

Expert Tip: Moisturize while your skin is still slightly damp to trap water molecules and enhance hydration. This small step can make a big difference in how your skin feels throughout the day.

Hydrate from the Inside Out

Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s also about what you put in your body! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps balance your body’s overall moisture levels, which reflects on your skin. But hydration from food can be just as effective. Water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and citrus fruits deliver hydration straight to your cells.

In addition to hydration, omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds) can strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss—perfect for combating Denver’s dry, high-altitude air.

Protection: Defend Your Skin From Harsh Winter Elements

Once you’ve locked in moisture, it’s time to think about protection. Even the best hydration routine can be undone by harsh winds, UV rays, and dry indoor air. Here’s how to keep your skin barrier strong this winter.

Shield Your Skin From the Elements

When it’s cold and windy, your skin is at risk of losing moisture faster than it can replenish itself. The simplest solution? Cover up. Wearing scarves, gloves, and hats provides a physical barrier against the wind and cold, protecting exposed areas like your face, neck, and hands. These areas are especially vulnerable to dryness and irritation during winter. If possible, choose soft, non-irritating fabrics (like cotton) to avoid friction and sensitivity.

Use SPF—Yes, Even in Winter!

It’s easy to assume that sunscreen is only for summer, but UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days. In fact, snow reflects sunlight, increasing UV exposure. Without SPF, your skin is more susceptible to sun damage and premature aging. Use a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, especially if you’re out in the sun or around reflective surfaces like snow.

Protect the Skin Barrier

Winter’s dry air weakens your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it less effective at locking in hydration. To protect it, avoid over-exfoliation, which can thin the barrier, and prioritize skincare products with ceramides, squalane, and occlusives (like shea butter) to reinforce it. A strong barrier prevents water loss and keeps irritants out.

By shielding your skin, applying SPF daily, and strengthening the moisture barrier, you can protect your skin from Denver’s harsh winter elements and keep it feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.

Glow: How to Achieve Radiant, Glowing Skin All Winter

Once your skin is hydrated and protected, it’s time to focus on restoring its natural glow. Winter may try to dull your radiance, but with the right care, you can maintain a luminous complexion all winter long!

Exfoliate—But Gently

The buildup of dead skin cells during winter is one of the main reasons skin looks dull. Exfoliation removes these cells, revealing the fresh, healthy skin beneath. But since your skin is more delicate in winter, avoid harsh scrubs. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or enzyme-based exfoliators, which dissolve dead cells without damaging your skin’s barrier. Stick to exfoliating 1-2 times per week to avoid irritation.

Add a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

If you want a lit-from-within glow, hydration is essential. Enter hyaluronic acid (HA)—a powerhouse humectant that draws moisture into the skin, making it look plump, fresh, and dewy. Apply a few drops of HA serum after cleansing (and after exfoliating, if applicable) while your skin is still slightly damp. Follow up with a moisturizer to “lock in” hydration.

Try a Professional Treatment

Sometimes, at-home care isn’t enough. That’s where in-office clinical facials come in. These treatments are customized to target your unique skin concerns, whether it’s dryness, dullness, or uneven texture. Clinical facials combine deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and nourishing hydration to restore your skin’s natural radiance. Winter is also an ideal time for chemical peels, which remove dull surface cells and promote healthy cellular turnover. Both treatments are available at Pure Dermatology to help you achieve a refreshed, glowing complexion this season.

Glow-Boosting Ingredients

To maintain a radiant complexion, seek out products with glow-enhancing ingredients like:

• Vitamin C (brightens and evens skin tone)
• Niacinamide (reduces redness and improves texture)
• Alpha Arbutin (fades dark spots)

With gentle exfoliation, targeted hydration, and powerful ingredients, you can keep your glow intact all winter long.

The Pure Dermatology Team is Here to Help!

Maintaining healthy, glowing skin during Denver’s cold, dry winters requires more than just a good moisturizer—it takes a personalized approach. At Pure Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists understand the unique challenges that winter weather poses for your skin. That’s why we offer customized care and expert-backed treatments to protect, hydrate, and restore your skin throughout the season.

If you’re ready to give your skin the care it deserves this winter, schedule an appointment with Pure Dermatology. Our team of experts will create a personalized plan to keep your skin feeling soft, smooth, and radiant all season long.