How to Care for Dry Skin in Winter

Cold weather can leave skin looking dry, dull, and less bouncy. A few thoughtful swaps can help your routine feel more comforting while keeping your age-defying goals on track.

Why winter makes skin feel drier

Winter is a perfect storm for dehydration: cold outdoor air, low humidity, and indoor heating can all make skin look less radiant. When skin is short on moisture, the surface can appear rougher and fine lines may look more pronounced. The goal is not to overhaul everything—it is to make your routine more cushiony, gentle, and consistent.

Cleanse gently with lukewarm water

A steamy wash can feel cozy, but hot water can leave skin looking more depleted. Use lukewarm water and keep cleansing simple. RoC® Barrier Renew® Gel-To-Foam Cleanser is a gentle, dermatologist-tested option formulated with ceramides, antioxidant green tea, and glycerin. Apply 2–3 pumps onto damp skin, massage for 30–60 seconds, rinse well, and pat dry.

Switch to a richer, longer-lasting moisturizer

In winter, lightweight layers may not feel like enough. After cleansing, pat skin so it is still slightly damp, then apply moisturizer to help lock in hydration. For a richer RoC option, RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream is a skin-cushioning formula infused with Bio-Ceramides and revitalizing Calcium. It delivers up to 100 hours of deep, continuous hydration* and is designed for visibly smoother, firmer-looking skin over time with continued use.

Keep retinol—just make it winter-smart

You do not need to pause age-defying skincare just because it is cold. Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream is powered by Patented Clinical Retinol to help with reducing the look of lines and wrinkles over time with continued use. If your skin feels more sensitive in winter, introduce retinol slowly: begin every other night, then gradually increase frequency. You can also keep moisturizer close in the routine to create a more comfortable, cushioned feel.

SPF stays essential year-round

Winter sun still reaches your skin, and snow can reflect light back onto the face. In the morning, finish with SPF even when it is cloudy. RoC® Hydration+ Moisturizer SPF 30 is an all-in-one facial moisturizer and sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid and SPF 30 that hydrates, visibly plumps, and protects with no white cast. Apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every 2 hours.

A simple winter rhythm

Morning: cleanse gently, moisturize, and apply SPF. Evening: cleanse with lukewarm water, apply your retinol product at a pace your skin can comfortably build to, and seal with a richer moisturizer. With small seasonal adjustments, winter skin can look hydrated, smoother, and more radiant.

*Corneometric measurements - significant increase in skin hydration 100 hours after application - 32 subjects