Master Esthetician's advice on keeping your skin hydrated.
Winter can be one of the toughest seasons for our skin, with cold air outside, dry heat inside, a lack of vitamin D and a sudden drop in humidity that leaves complexions feeling tight, flaky, and imbalanced. We go outside less, move less, and change our diets, which all affect our skin. To help make sense of what the skin needs this time of year, we turned to Lizzy, Well Room’s master esthetician and holistic skin-health expert. With a background in clean beauty, gentle but effective treatment methods, and a passion for educating clients, she understands how to support skin through seasonal transitions.
Beyond offering customized facials and recommending the best products from Well Room’s apothecary, Lizzy helps clients build routines that fit their skin type, lifestyle, and goals. Below, she shares her essential winter skincare guidance, from cleansing to serums to protecting the barrier that keeps skin healthy all season long.
Cleanser
If your skin leans normal to dry, you can skip your morning cleanser. Why? Because winter already strips moisture from the skin, and over-cleansing can weaken the acid mantle, the protective mix of water and oil that keeps skin balanced. A gentle nighttime cleanse is enough. In the morning, a simple rinse with water followed by a hydrating toner is all you need!
A helpful reminder from Lizzy:
Dry skin = lack of oil (sebum)
Dehydrated skin = lack of water
Winter often triggers both, which is why protecting your barrier is so important. If you’re naturally oilier, a soft morning cleanse is still perfectly fine.
Rethinking Toner - Skipping it is outdated.
A crucial step for all skin types and conditions is toning. Toning rebalances the pH of the skin after cleansing. Toning also re-hydrates the epidermis and feeds the skin important micronutrients. We want the skin to be slightly acidic because it is better prepared to protect us from the environment, bacteria, and other irritants.
Lizzy’s winter favorites:
Choose Serums That Work With the Season and Your Skin
Serums are your winter MVPs. Because they penetrate deeper than moisturizers, they deliver ingredients exactly where skin needs them most.
Morning:
Load up on Vitamin C and antioxidants for environmental protection. This is a great routine year-round.
Great options:
Marie Veronique C Therapy Serum (gentle enough for sensitive skin)
Night:
Evenings are the perfect time for more active ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or retinol, though tolerance varies from person to person. For a gentler, plant-based option, bakuchiol offers similar benefits without irritation.
The rule of thumb? Antioxidants during the day, and actives at night.
If you have specific concerns i.e., texture, congestion, sensitivity, or breakouts, we recommend a personalized treatment plan to pinpoint what your skin needs.
Finish Strong: Moisturizer & Sunscreen
Yes, SPF is still essential in winter. Zinc-based sunscreens are Lizzy’s go-to because they’re safe for your skin, your body, and the environment.
For your nighttime routine, choose moisturizers that replenish what winter takes away:
From ZO: For deeply dry or reactive skin:
ZO Hydrating Creme - (clinically proven to reduce redness)
ZO Recovery Creme - (for truly dry skin)
From Marie Veronique:
If you prefer oils:
If you prefer no oils:
Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum (amazing for hydration, barrier repair, and smoother texture)
Your Skin Doesn’t Have to Struggle This Winter
Winter skincare can feel overwhelming, especially when your skin is changing faster than your routine. If you’re unsure where to start, Well Room is here to help. Lizzy offers personalized consultations that include a full skin analysis and a customized routine tailored to your needs.
Your healthiest winter skin is completely achievable. Visit us at Well Room, and let Lizzy guide you through a season of strong, nourished, glowing skin.
