Winterizing your skin is essential when cold weather, dry air, and indoor heating begin to strip moisture from your skin. If your skin feels dry, tight, irritated, or flaky right now, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. Winter skin struggles have a real reason behind them.

During winter, there’s less humidity in the air, so your skin naturally loses moisture faster. Then we turn on heaters in our cars, homes, and workplaces, which pull even more moisture from the air and from our skin. And if you live in an area with harsh winter winds, that can lead to extra sensitivity, flakiness, and dryness.

That’s why I created this Winterize Your Skin teaching. If you take nothing else from it, remember these three words:

Hydration. Exfoliation. Moisturization.

That’s the winter skincare formula. Simple, effective, and doable.

The 3 Essentials of a Winter Skincare Routine

1) Hydration

In summer, we sip water because the heat reminds us. In winter, we often forget, even though the air is even drier.

So I stay intentional. I keep a water bottle near me and treat hydration like a daily non-negotiable. Your skin can’t glow and stay comfortable if your body is running dry.

2) Exfoliation

This is the step many people skip, especially in winter. But exfoliation matters because it removes the dull, dead, dry layer that can block your skincare from working well.

If moisturizers feel like they “just sit there,” exfoliation might be your missing piece. When you gently remove that barrier, your skin can receive hydration again.

3) Moisturization

Moisturizers (or hydrators – different systems use different language) help keep your skin soft and supported. But here’s the key:

Moisturization works best when you exfoliate first.

I like to think of exfoliation as clearing the path so hydration can actually soak in.

Head-to-Toe Winter Skin Care (Face, Lips, Body, Hands, Feet)

Winterizing isn’t only about your face. Your whole body is skin. It’s your largest organ, and winter affects all of it. Here’s a simple way to care for each area.

Face: Gentle Exfoliation + Moisture Support

When you exfoliate your face, always start with damp skin. Dry scrubbing can be too harsh, especially if your skin is already sensitive from winter weather.

A few tips to make this step work for you:

• Be gentle with your pressure
• If you’re new to exfoliation, start with 5 minutes and build up slowly
• If you’re experienced, you can work up to longer wear time (but always listen to your skin)

After exfoliating, follow with a moisturizer so your skin feels calm, comforted, and supported.

Lips: Don’t Forget This Step

Lips get overlooked, but they need the same winter care; especially when they’re chapped or dry.

A simple lip routine:

1. Exfoliate gently (even a small amount makes a difference)
2. Follow with rich lip care for hydration and protection

One quick tip: I like to apply lip care after brushing my teeth in the morning and evening. That timing helps me stay consistent.

Body: The “Alligator Skin” Check (Yes, Really)

If your legs ever look scaly or “alligator skin” shows up, you’re not alone. I’ve been there.

Here’s a fast way to check dehydration on your body:

• Use your fingernail to lightly “write” on your skin.
• If you can clearly see the marks, your skin likely needs more moisture support.

Your body responds beautifully to the same 3-step winter formula:
Hydration → Exfoliation → Moisturization

After exfoliating, I recommend moisturizing while skin is still slightly damp to help lock in softness.

One Winter Habit That Dries Skin Fast

If you cleanse your body with bar soap, it can be very drying—especially in winter. Consider switching to a more moisturizing shower gel to support your skin barrier and keep dryness from getting worse.

Hands: The Winter Trouble Spot for Many Women

For years, my hands would get so dry in January that they looked burned, then cracked and even bled. It was painful – and honestly quite embarrassing.

That’s why winter hand care matters. Don’t just moisturize your hands, remember your cuticles too. They can crack and become painful in cold, dry weather.

My practical winter hand routine:

• Exfoliate hands when you exfoliate your body
• Apply a rich hand cream often (especially if you wash your hands frequently)
• Even a quick application during the day can prevent that painful “too late” dryness

Feet: Cracked Heels Need a Winter Plan

Winter feet need support—especially if you deal with calluses or cracks.

Try this:

1. Exfoliate
2. Apply foot balm and/or heel relief – I use both
3. Put on socks to help seal in moisture (fuzzy socks count as self-care!)

I’ll be honest: I don’t love sleeping in socks either. But wearing them for a while after applying foot care can make a big difference.

Why I Personally Choose JAFRA for Winter Skin Care

You can find moisturizers and exfoliators anywhere, like drugstores, big box stores, you name it. So why do I personally use JAFRA?

Because I want my skincare to do two things:

1. support healthy-looking skin, and
2. use ingredients I feel good about

Your skin has pores, and what you apply on the outside matters. I choose products I trust. I love that JAFRA supports all ages and stages, from baby care to adult skincare and body care.

And yes—JAFRA is known as the Royal Jelly company. Royal jelly is like a nutritional program for the skin, which is one reason I love teaching with it as part of a winter care routine.

Your Skin Is Worth It

Winter can be harsh, but your routine doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you focus on just three things (hydration, exfoliation, and moisturization) you can support your skin from head to toe and feel so much more comfortable in your own body this season.

If you prefer an easy way to explore everything mentioned here, I can create a customized shopping link for you – so you can focus on what matters most to your skin. If you have questions, feel free to comment below or reach out to me.

Your skin is worth the care. Take time to invest in it.

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Purple Essence By Evelyn, your partner in aging well and achieving your best self.

Sponsored by Purple Essence By Evelyn, Jafra and doTERRA representative.

This video is the full Winterize Your Skin training originally taught during a live event. I’ve shared it here so you can learn at your own pace and revisit the tips anytime this winter.