Your Ultimate Winter Glow-Up Playbook
BEAUTYSKINCAREEDITOR'S PICKS
Diane Howard
11/28/20252 min read


Diane Howard is an RN and the Founder of Esthetic Finesse.
The holidays are on the way, and we all want to look our best to ring in the new year. As the weather cools and cozy nights roll in, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself and your skin to a little self-care.
Ready to light up your holiday parties and keep your complexion glowing all season long? Here are some of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your skin radiant through the winter months.
Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Summer
You can pack away the swimsuits for a few months, but don’t forget to keep using your sunscreen. UV rays don’t take a holiday break, and depending on where you live, you might actually be exposed to more light thanks to snow reflecting the sun’s rays.
The first step in caring for your skin this winter is keeping it protected. Sun damage can cause discoloration, dark spots, and the breakdown of collagen that leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to protect your skin with daily SPF. Tinted formulas can seamlessly blend into your makeup routine, offering both coverage and protection all year long.
Hydration: The Secret to Healthy, Radiant Skin
Even when the temperature drops, keeping your skin hydrated is more important than ever. Cold air and low humidity can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it tight, flaky, and irritated. That’s where moisturizers come in!
Hydration starts from the inside, which is why drinking plenty of water and choosing the right moisturizer are both essential. If you drink two to three liters of water a day, aim to drink throughout the day, and your skin will thank you.
When it comes to skincare, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help draw water into the skin and lock it in, keeping your complexion soft and supple all day long.
Finally, don’t forget about your lips and hands. Keep a nourishing lip balm and a small lotion nearby to prevent chapping and keep your skin feeling smooth and healthy all season long.
Upgrade Your Skin-Care Routine
Winter is great for a cozy nights in and trying new routines. That’s why we recommend a dedicated skincare night in! Some of the best ways to upgrade your winter routine are with exfoliation, serums, and peptides.
Start with gentle exfoliation once or twice a week to sweep away dull, dry skin and reveal a fresh, smooth complexion. If you are really look to glow up this winter, try adding a vitamin C serum to your routine, it helps even skin tone, fade dark spots, and brighten your look.
Peptides are another great way to transform your skin routine. Peptides to help boost collagen and improve skin elasticity. Start off only using them once a week at first to prevent irritation. Peptides work best when applied before bed and followed with a nourishing moisturizer to help lock in hydration overnight.
A consistent winter skincare routine keeps your complexion radiant, refreshed, and ready for the new year.
