In the summer, we can lather on a lightweight SPF and live our best lives. But in the winter, everything changes. Your skin can become flaky and feel tight—even those with oily skin can experience dryness! That’s why it’s important to winterize your skin care routine.

You don’t have to spend a bunch of extra money to winterize your routine. All you need are a couple staples, a few extra minutes a week, and some small habit changes.

Exfoliate

First things first—you need to slough off all that dry skin. Whether you can see flakes or not, the dry winter air will zap your skin of moisture and leave behind dry skin. Exfoliation is the key to getting rid of that dead skin so the healthy skin beneath can soak in all the moisture from your products and heal itself.

Mask

Because your skin needs more moisture this time of year, it’s important to do weekly masks. Take some time to take a bath (with moisturizing soaks) and put on a hydrating face mask. Using a mask will allow intense moisture to deeply penetrate your face and let it soak in for an extended period of time. Masquing post-exfoliation means that the moisturizing ingredients and benefits of your masque will be better absorbed into the skin.

Serum

Serums should already be a part of your skincare routine, but if they’re not, winter is a great time to incorporate them. Serums penetrate deeper than moisturizers and can deliver vitamins, extracts, and retinols. Serums help your skin feel firmer, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and intensely moisturize your skin. Look for serums with vitamins A, C, and E and hyaluronic acid. Apply serums before your moisturizer for proper layering and absorption.

Moisturize

Once you’ve exfoliated, your skin is primed and ready to be deeply moisturized. Choose a heavier moisturizer or a cream that will soak into your skin as well as provide a barrier from the harsh winds. Make sure it’s non-comedogenic so it doesn’t clog your pores!

Hydrate

Moisturizing on the outside is key, but you also need to stay hydrated from the inside out. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and steer away from drinks that aren’t hydrating, like coffee and alcohol. Switch to herbal tea or hot water with lemon for extra hydration that nourishes you too!

Food

With the cold weather comes hearty soups, large holiday meals, and hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. Of course, it’s okay to enjoy your food and treat yourself, but be mindful that what you put into your body affects your skin. Eating salty, greasy, and fatty foods will affect your skin. Try to fit leafy greens, butternut squash, and healthy soups into your winter meals.

Protect

Applying serums and moisturizers helps repair, moisturize, and protect your skin from the cold, dry air, but take extra measures to protect your skin before it’s exposed to the elements. Even if you’re just penguin-walking on the ice from your door to your remote-started car, put on your beanie, slip on your gloves, and wrap your scarf around your face. Protect all exposed skin!

Humidify

Similarly, you can protect your skin from the dry air inside your home. Heating your home dries out the air, so offset that dryness using a humidifier. Small diffusers work well for bedside tables—you can put a few drops of essential oil in as well! Heavier-duty, larger humidifiers work well for living rooms. Doing this will help your skin retain some of its moisture and prevent it from drying out when you’re inside.

If you have dry skin that could use an extra boost, schedule a custom facial at one of our locations in Boston or NYC! If you’re not in the area, check out our skincare line, Thom Elzner. The targeted treatments and high-end formulations bring the spa to your home!