Start layering your moisturizer before winter hits

Start layering your moisturizer before winter hits.

Transitioning your evening routine from fall to winter is about adding layers gradually, not suddenly switching to a heavy cream — and the best sign to switch is when your skin feels tight or dry after washing.

The “shock” happens because people go from a lightweight gel moisturizer in October to a thick balm in December overnight. Your skin barrier isn’t used to that occlusion. Instead, start layering a few weeks before it gets consistently cold (think: when you start turning the heat on at night). Add a hydrating serum or a few drops of facial oil under your current moisturizer. If that feels good after a week, swap your moisturizer for a richer cream. If that feels too heavy, stick with the oil + lighter lotion combo.

When to actually switch to a heavier cream? Two reliable signals: (1) your face feels tight or looks flaky after cleansing, or (2) your current moisturizer absorbs so fast you feel you need more within an hour. That’s your skin saying it needs more lipids