Facial care in winter: cleansing and caring in the cold
Facial care in winter is not easy: the face is the only part of the body that is almost always exposed to the cold. Wind, frost and snowy air outside, dry heated air inside – and constant temperature changes in between. Many people notice that their skin feels different in the cold months than in summer. The good news: a simple two-step routine is enough for most people. Cleanse gently, then moisturise. In this article we show you what matters in winter and which small adjustments make the difference.
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What puts extra strain on the face in winter
Hands are in gloves, the body under a jacket and jumper. The face, on the other hand, usually stays unprotected. Typical stresses in the cold season are:
- Cold and wind: Cold, moving air dries out the skin's surface and can cause a feeling of tightness.
- Heated air: In heated rooms the humidity drops, especially if you rarely air them.
- Temperature changes: From the frost into a warm train, into the office, back outside – your skin constantly has to adapt.
- Friction: Scarves, hats and turned-up collars rub against the chin and cheeks.
- Hot water: In winter people like to wash with warmer water, which can put extra strain on the skin.
If your skin is very red, flaky or permanently irritated, please have it checked by a doctor or dermatologist.
Facial care in winter in two steps
Many skincare routines consist of five, seven or more products. In winter, less is often more: a mild cleanser and a cream that keeps your face supple. The table shows our VEGAN FOX combination:
| Step | Product | What's in it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Cleansing foam for dry skin, 200 ml | Aloe vera, lactic acid, niacinamide | Morning and evening |
| 1. Cleanse (alternative) | Cleansing foam for normal skin, 200 ml | Mild, with chamomile | Morning and evening |
| 2. Moisturise | Face cream, 50 ml | Almond oil, avocado oil, chamomile, panthenol | Morning and evening |
We have compared which foam suits you better in detail in our article cleansing foam for normal or dry skin. In short: if your skin quickly feels tight in winter, the version for dry skin is the obvious choice.
How to do it
- Cleanse: Apply the foam to the dampened skin of your face and neck, massage in gently and rinse thoroughly. Lukewarm water is more pleasant than hot.
- Pat dry: Gently pat dry with a soft towel, do not rub. A mini hammam towel Diamant (approx. 90 × 45 cm, 100 % OEKO-TEX certified cotton) works well – according to its description it is also intended as a face towel, and it dries quickly.
- Moisturise: Spread a small amount of face cream over your face and neck and massage in gently.
- Let it absorb: Give the cream a few minutes before you put on your scarf and hat or go outside.
How much cream you use and how you apply it is a topic in its own right. For winter, the main rule is: a small amount twice a day rather than one thick layer once.
Facial care in winter: adjustments for cold days
Mornings: allow time for absorption
If you go out into the cold straight after moisturising in the morning, it often feels as though the cream is "freezing" on your skin. So plan five to ten minutes between skincare and leaving the house – for example by moisturising first and having breakfast afterwards.
Evenings: calming the skin after the day
In the evening, cleansing is particularly important because sebum, dust and possibly make-up have built up over the day. Then apply skincare that can absorb at leisure. If you wear make-up, you will find more tips on cleansing in our article facial care and the sauna.
Exfoliation: less often, as a ritual of its own
The VEGAN FOX facial peel works with 2.5 % lactic acid instead of abrasive particles. We recommend it as a weekly ritual on a quiet evening – and not directly before or during the sauna. In winter, keep a close eye on how your skin reacts and exfoliate less often if it feels tight.
Remember sun protection in sun and snow
No sun protection factor is stated for our face cream. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in winter, for example skiing or hiking in the snow, you also need a separate sunscreen. Snow reflects sunlight, and in the mountains the radiation is often stronger than you would expect on a cold day. Apply the sunscreen after your skincare and reapply it on long days outdoors.
Common mistakes in winter facial care
It is often not a lack of products but small habits that take a toll on the skin in the cold season. These mistakes come up particularly often:
- Water that is too hot: Warm water is tempting, especially in a cold bathroom in the morning. For facial care in winter, lukewarm water is the better choice.
- Too many products at once: If you keep trying new things when your skin feels tight, you will not know in the end what helps. Better to stick to a simple routine for a few weeks.
- Rubbing with a towel: A rough flannel or vigorous rubbing puts extra strain on the skin. Gentle patting is enough.
- Moisturising right before leaving: The cream needs a few minutes before you head out into the cold.
- Skipping cleansing in the evening: Tempting after a long day, but skincare feels more pleasant on cleansed skin.
If you keep these points in mind, facial care in winter usually needs no major change – just a little more consistency.
Storing cosmetics properly when it is cold
One point hardly anyone thinks about in winter: according to the manufacturer, the face cream should be stored in a cool, dry place at 15–25 °C. A cream left in a cold car, on a windowsill overnight or in an ice-cold hallway can quickly drop below that in winter. So keep your skincare in the bathroom or elsewhere in the flat and only take small amounts with you when you are out. You will find more on this in our article on cosmetics shelf life and the PAO symbol.
Don't forget lips, hands and indoor climate
Good facial care in winter does not stop at the jawline. A few additions help the whole routine:
- Lips: A lip balm for when you are out and before going to bed.
- Hands: Our Nourishing hand cream with shea butter & macadamia (120 ml) fits easily in a jacket pocket.
- Indoor air: Air the room thoroughly several times a day instead of keeping the heating turned up all the time.
- Scarf: Soft materials rub less against the chin and cheeks.
If you want everything to work together: the facial care set contains cleansing foam, facial peel and face cream. The head-to-toe care set also covers hands, feet and the shower.
Related reading: Dry skin in winter: how to shower and care for your skin · Facial cleansing: foam, gel or milk? · Day cream or night cream: do you really need both?
Conclusion
Facial care in winter does not have to be complicated. Cleanse gently, pat dry, moisturise – twice a day. Add a few adjustments: give the cream time to absorb, exfoliate less often, think of sun protection in the snow and do not store your skincare in the cold. That way your face will get through the cold season well.
Frequently asked questions
Normal or dry skin – which foam is better for facial care in winter?
If your skin quickly feels tight, the version for dry skin is the right choice. Otherwise there is the cleansing foam for normal skin.
Can I use the face cream morning and evening?
Yes, according to the directions, morning and evening on the cleansed skin of the face and neck.
Do I need a richer cream in winter?
That depends on your skin. Many people do well with their usual cream if they consistently moisturise twice a day. If your skin still feels tight all the time, seek advice.
Does the VEGAN FOX face cream contain sun protection?
No, no sun protection factor is stated. If there is a lot of sun on the snow, you also need sunscreen.
Can I also use the face cream after the sauna?
Yes. Our tip: after the last round, gently cleanse your face, pat it dry and wait briefly until your skin has cooled down. Then spread a small amount over your face and neck.
How often should exfoliation be part of facial care in winter?
As a weekly ritual on a quiet evening. If your skin feels tight, less often.
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.