There’s lots to enjoy during the winter, including refreshing temperatures and cozy sensations, but one of the biggest downsides is what it does to the skin. People of all skin types may find themselves reacting differently to environmental changes and a drop in humidity, the dryness and dullness a stark contrast to prior seasons. When the complexion is going through it, it’s a sign to double down on your skincare routine and get to treating your skin concerns at the core of each issue. This is your winter skin guide to the problems you may be facing, and how to treat them with a skincare cocktail that will protect and support your complexion. With our affordable K-beauty picks doing the work for you, rest assured you and your skin are in good hands. Read on to discover the best skincare cocktail for a wintery win, routine edition.

For Dryness

If you clicked onto this blog post, it’s highly probable you’re looking to remedy dry winter skin. After all, the colder, harsher weather makes skin more prone to drying out leading to a host of other skin concerns (more on those below). The cure is simple: load up on hydration. Hyaluronic Acid is a popular and well-backed up ingredient that draws moisture to the skin, approved by dermatologists and skincare lovers alike. As the skin’s moisture content is replenished, it appears more plump and dewy, in addition to feeling comforted.

Torriden - DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Torriden

A social media fave, the Toriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum goes all out with 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid that build 3D networks in the skin to drench the dermis with hydration. It pairs perfectly with Panthenol, found in the Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream, and boosts inner-layer hydration for lasting effects. From a dry and rough to smooth and clear complexion, Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol go hand-in-hand.

For Flaking Skin

From dryness and irritation stems the trouble of flaking skin. This is when there are visible rough patches and scaliness on the skin, indicative of a damaged skin barrier. So how does one go about solving this problem? In addition to hydration replenishment, you should also focus on repairing and strengthening your skin barrier so it can protect the skin from further irritation. A go-to ingredient for reinforcing the barrier is Ceramide, a lipid that occurs naturally in the skin.

APLB - Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide HA B5 Ampoule Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - APLB

Give your complexion the nourishment it needs with the APLB Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide HA B5 Ampoule Serum, which blends together hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, fortifying Ceramide and soothing Centella Asiatica. To take things up a notch, use it in conjunction with the Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask; when Ceramide is used with Vitamin E, it restores damaged skin and nurtures it back to health, overall improving the skin condition in the long run.

For Acne

Yes, despite chillier weather and decreased sebum production, breakouts can still occur during winter. In fact, sebum production can go into overdrive if the skin lacks the hydration it needs, causing it to produce more oil to compensate for the loss. This leads to clogged pores and buildup, the biggest contributors to acne. In cases like these, reach for Salicylic Acid to de-gunk the complexion and keep the pores clean. It sweeps away impurities to prevent blemishes and maintains clear, healthy skin.

Goodal - Applemint AHA BHA 3% Exfoliating Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Goodal

The Goodal Applemint AHA BHA 3% Exfoliating Serum purifies the skin with skincare acids and Apple Mint Leaf extract. Not only does it reduce acne, blackheads and whiteheads, it also softens the skin. Salicylic Acid is enhanced when used with Centella Asiatica, as Centella can calm any inflammation and redness that typically accompany breakouts. The COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum harnesses a 76% CICA-7 Complex to rebuild the skin’s foundation and promote long-term clarity.

For Dullness

Dull skin is another common skin concern during the wintertime, and it arises as a consequence of dryness and environmental damage. Perhaps your summer hyperpigmentation has carried on into the colder months and you find that your skin’s just not as radiant as before. It’s Vitamin C to the rescue, as this ingredient is a powerhouse antioxidant that provides protection against free radical damage, ups collagen production for skin cell renewal, and reduces melanin production to fade dark spots.

Isntree - Hyper Vitamin C 23 Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

To make your Vitamin C even more effective, apply it during the day (followed by a generous slathering of SPF) and follow up in the PM with Bakuchiol to amplify skin radiance; we’re talking that gleaming, goddess-like glow. Our beam-inducing concoction of choice is made up of the Isntree Hyper Vitamin C 23 Serum, a lightweight and quick-absorbing Vitamin C skin hero, plus the PURITO Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum, a dreamy booster firming and brightening the skin.

For Signs of Aging

When the skin is dehydrated or lacking sufficient moisture, signs of aging like fine lines or a loss of elasticity can be even more prominent. Anyone on their well-aging journey should take note of how the weather exacerbates their skin concerns, and turn to the solution of Retinol. This form of Vitamin A is extremely effective in stimulating collagen production in the skin for smoothing out wrinkles, as well as encouraging the production of new blood vessels to enhance skin tone.

SOME BY MI - Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SOME BY MI

Retinol can be a sensitizing ingredient, so make sure you’re not using other active ingredients with it. If you’re applying a potent Retinol like the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum, layer it with Niacinamide - we suggest the - we suggest the ANUA Peach 70 Niacin Serum - to fast-track Retinol’s well-aging benefits while keeping the skin calmed. Apply your Niacinamide before Retinol to reduce potential irritation, and use this combo in the PM as the latter breaks down when exposed to UV rays.

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