Winter skincare means adjusting your summer habits to cold weather and centrally heated rooms. As the temperature drops, your skin, hands and nails can feel drier and tighter, so it is worth reviewing how you moisturise, cleanse and protect your skin for the season. Below we explain what changes as autumn turns to winter, and how salon care can fit into these months.
What happens to your skin in autumn and winter?
Moving back and forth between cold air and heated rooms can leave skin feeling drier and tighter. When cold wind outdoors is followed by warm, dry air indoors, a routine that felt comfortable in summer may no longer be enough in winter.
You will notice the change most on the exposed parts of your face, your lips and your hands. Make-up that sits less well, skin that feels tight during the day or looks duller: these are things we often hear as the seasons change.
Not all skin responds to the season in the same way. Skin that tends to be oily may feel more balanced in winter, while dry skin needs more moisture. That is why planning your winter care around your skin type makes more sense than following the same list as everyone else. We explain how to tell your skin type in our post on how to know your skin type.
Which skincare habits should change in winter?
The changes that help most in winter are small adjustments to your daily routine. Rather than building a new, complicated routine, adapting the steps you already have is usually enough.
Moisture: a richer but simple routine
A light moisturiser may be enough in summer, but in winter a slightly more nourishing texture can make your skin more comfortable. Applying moisturiser straight after cleansing, while your face is still slightly damp, makes the routine easier.
Keeping the routine simple matters too. Trying lots of new products at once makes it hard to tell what your skin is reacting to, and how. If you want to switch to new products, we suggest adding them one at a time, a few days apart.
Hot water: choose lukewarm
A hot shower is very tempting after a cold day, but very hot water can leave skin feeling drier. Washing your face and hands in lukewarm water, keeping showers short and moisturising afterwards is a simple habit that is easy to pick up in winter.
It is also a good idea to avoid very foamy facial cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight. If your skin feels “squeaky” after cleansing, it may be time to move to a gentler cleanser.
Sun protection: keep it up in winter
The sun may be less visible in winter, but daylight is still there. We suggest keeping sunscreen as part of your morning routine, especially on snowy days or when you spend a long time outdoors. If you are heading to the mountains or going skiing on a winter holiday, this step matters even more.
Why do hands and nails need more care in winter?
Your hands are the part of your body you wash most often during the day, and the part most exposed to the cold. When frequent handwashing, cold wind and dry indoor air come together, it is normal for hands to feel drier and for cuticles to harden.
A few habits make hand care easier in winter:
- Wash your hands in lukewarm water, dry them thoroughly and then apply hand cream.
- Wear gloves when you go out, and also when washing up and cleaning.
- Rather than pulling or cutting your cuticles, soften them regularly with cuticle oil.
- Do not use your nails as tools, for example to open cans or scrape off labels.
If you wear gel polish or nail extensions, the same care applies in winter. Gel polish usually lasts 2-3 weeks, and this varies from person to person; avoiding very hot water for the first 24 hours and wearing gloves for cleaning helps it keep its look for longer. We recommend having gel polish or nail extensions removed at the salon rather than scraping them off at home, as scraping can wear down the natural nail. We look at what affects how long it lasts in our post on how long gel polish lasts.
How can you plan salon care as the seasons change?
The change of season is a good time to reorganise your care schedule. If you put off some of your care over the summer, starting it again in autumn helps you go into winter better prepared.
Professional facial
A professional facial brings together deep cleansing, hydration and nourishing steps, and usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. It is usually recommended every 4-6 weeks for most skin types; the interval varies with your skin type and may be longer for sensitive skin. We plan every facial to a personalised protocol, so the length and frequency of your sessions may differ.
In a session at the start of winter, we look at your skin type together, choose products accordingly and talk through suggestions for your routine at home. That way, salon care and what you do at home complement each other.
If you have an important event or a special occasion such as New Year’s Eve coming up, we suggest booking your facial about a week ahead rather than leaving it to the last few days. There may be some mild, temporary redness afterwards; a week gives your skin time to rest. Our wedding and special occasion beauty timeline shows the order in which to plan your appointments.
Hand care and manicure
Tucked into gloves, your hands are less on show in winter, but cold, dry air can still be hard on the skin and the cuticles; neglect them and you start spring with drier hands. Regular manicures make it easier to keep up with cuticle care and keep the skin of your hands moisturised.
If you have nail extensions, adding infill appointments to your diary, usually every 2-3 weeks, helps look after both the finish and your natural nail. With gel polish, simply have it renewed at the salon when the time comes.
When should you check with us first?
In some situations, we adapt the care plan to you or postpone it. If you notice redness, swelling, an open wound or an unusual change on your skin or around your nails, we suggest messaging us before your appointment. If you regularly use retinol or acid-based skincare products, tell us before your session as well.
If you have dryness, itching or irritation that has not gone away for a long time, we suggest checking with your doctor first rather than booking salon care. Your care is carried out by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step and look after your comfort and safety.
Frequently asked questions
Is winter a good time for a facial?
Yes, autumn and winter are a comfortable time of year for a facial. With the sun less intense in these months, planning your care is simpler; even so, we suggest you keep using sunscreen after your facial.
How often should you have a facial in winter?
Usually every 4-6 weeks, but the right interval varies with your skin type. It may be longer for sensitive skin; at your first session we assess your skin and set a schedule that suits you together.
How long does gel polish last in winter?
Usually 2-3 weeks, and this varies from person to person. In winter, frequent handwashing and dry air can dry out the skin around the nails, so it is worth wearing gloves and softening your cuticles with cuticle oil to look after your polish.
When should I book before New Year’s Eve or a special occasion?
We suggest booking your facial about a week before the occasion. Having a manicure and gel polish a few days before the event helps your nails look neat and cared for on the day.
Getting ready for winter
Autumn and winter are a lovely time to slow down a little and make time for yourself. At our salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, we give you one-to-one attention in every service, from facials to manicures.
You can browse what we offer on our services page and read the details on the professional skin care and manicure and nail extensions pages. To plan your winter care together, message us and we will find a time that suits you.
