When temperatures drop and the heating is on, many people notice that their skin feels tighter, rougher, and more reactive. To help you understand what your complexion needs in cold weather, here's a brief overview of the most effective winter skincare ingredients , grouped by skin need – followed by a deeper look at how they work and how to use them.

In cases of extreme drought

• Hyaluronic acid – a powerful moisturizer (humectant) that draws water into the skin and provides deep, plump hydration ( Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel )
• Shea butter – a rich, nourishing butter that coats the skin and helps prevent moisture loss ( Heimish All Clean Balm )
• PDRN – supports skin renewal and elasticity and restores moisture to dry winter skin ( numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner )

In the case of a weakened skin barrier

• Ceramides replenish barrier lipids and reduce transepidermal water loss ( Dr.Jart+ Ceramidine Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream )
• Oat extract – soothes visible irritations and is ideal for dry or eczema-prone winter skin ( Purito Oat-In Calming Gel Cream )
• Vitamin B5 – moisturizes, soothes and supports the regeneration of the skin barrier ( Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol )

For redness and irritation

• Niacinamide – helps reduce redness, refine skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier ( APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum )
• Centella Asiatica – also known as Cica – helps to cool and soothe reactive skin ( iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream )
• Azelaic acid – gently improves redness, blemishes and post-acne marks ( Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum )

In case of lack of broadcast

• Lactic acid – a mild exfoliating acid that smooths the skin's texture while hydrating the skin ( Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder )
• Vitamin C – a brightening antioxidant that counteracts dull skin tone and supports collagen production ( EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum )
• Kojic acid – combats hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone for a more radiant complexion ( Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask )

Deeply hydrating to alleviate extreme dryness

In winter, skin often feels drained and uncomfortable because cold air and indoor heating draw moisture from the surface. To improve the skin's feel, it's crucial to use ingredients that provide both immediate and long-lasting hydration. Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, drawing water into the skin and leaving it looking supple and plump. Additionally, PDRN can support skin regeneration and elasticity – this makes a noticeable difference when the complexion looks dull or tired. Finishing with a product rich in shea butter creates a protective layer that prevents moisture from evaporating. This leaves very dry winter skin feeling soft, cushioned, and comfortable all day long.

Building and protecting a fragile skin barrier

When the skin barrier is weakened, even gentle products can sting, and redness is more likely to appear. Winter conditions often exacerbate this sensitivity, making a focus on barrier repair particularly important. Ceramides replenish the natural lipids that hold skin cells together, reducing moisture loss and leaving the surface smoother and more resilient. Combined with a soothing formula containing oat extract , this further alleviates discomfort, as oats are known for their calming, anti-inflammatory properties. The third ingredient , vitamin B5 (panthenol) , provides a welcome moisture boost and supports the skin's repair processes – ideal for daily use when skin tends to feel tight, flaky, or reactive during the colder months.