Nighttime Reset Winter Edition-6 Steps to Seal in Moisture and Wake Up Glowing
Night is when the house finally goes quiet, the bra comes off, and the mirror stops judging. In colder months especially, dry air outside and indoor heat pull moisture from your skin all day long. A nighttime routine isn’t about age or chasing perfection — it’s about protection. Washing the day away gently, sealing in hydration, and keeping your skin barrier intact while you sleep. Think of it as putting your face in pajamas: soft, comfortable, and ready to rest. Glow happens overnight. You’ve earned it.
The Cleanse: Take the Day Off
This step matters most in the colder months, when dry air and indoor heat quietly strip moisture from the skin. The goal isn’t squeaky clean — it’s calm, comfortable, and intact. A cream or balm cleanser removes makeup, SPF, and the day without starting a fight with your skin barrier. Massage it in slowly, rinse with lukewarm water, and let that be the signal: the day is officially over. Think less foam, more comfort — like putting your face in pajamas before bed.
Editor favorites:
Tatcha Rice Wash · Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser · La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser
Currently my most fav out of the bunch would have to be Tatcha Rice Wash, especially in the colder months. This creamy balm glides over skin, effortlessly melting away makeup, SPF, and grime without tugging, foaming, or leaving that tight, squeaky sensation…I hate that. The texture is rich but light, making each cleanse feel restorative and indulgent like your skin is getting tucked in for the night.
I’ve tried dozens of cleansers, but this one keeps coming back to the top of my rotation. It’s comfort in a jar, a small nightly ritual that makes winter evenings feel intentional and luxurious. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with any nighttime serum or moisturizer, creating the first layer of protection that helps keep your glow overnight. For anyone navigating the colder months, no matter if your skin is young or has a little more history this is the cleanser that quietly locks in hydration, restores softness.
Tatcha Rice Wash -Shop Now
Step 2: Treat — Hydration Over Extra Toner
In winter, less is more i learned this the hard way. I skip toner entirely because my skin is already busy fighting prescription retinol (Tazarotene) and the dry air that’s sucking moisture out like it’s a personal mission. The goal here isn’t a complicated multi-step splash fest …..it’s hydration and barrier support.
A serum or lightweight hydrator is all you need to prep your skin for overnight repair. Look for these very important ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid serums (deep hydration, plumps fine lines)
Niacinamide serums (strengthens barrier, calms redness)
Editor pick for winter:
I reach for a simple hyaluronic acid serum — it locks in moisture without irritating the retinol, leaving my skin soft and ready for moisturizer.
Tip: This step is about protection and prep, not sensation or ritual. Your skin should feel like it’s gently tucked in for the night the serum is the first layer of pajamas before the heavier cream comes next.
Step 3: Moisturize — Pajamas for Your Skin
After cleansing and treating, it’s time to seal in all that hard-earned hydration. In winter, this is the step that really keeps your skin soft, smooth, and protected from the dry air and indoor heat. My go-to? Vani cream Moisturizing Cream, literally can not live without it. Dermatologist recommended, no-nonsense, ultra-gentle barrier hero that does exactly what your skin needs without fuss or fragrance drama.
I scoop a generous dollop, warm it in my hands, and press it gently onto my face. It’s rich enough to lock in moisture, but lightweight enough that it never feels heavy or greasy. Think of it as the final layer of pajamas for your face comforting, protective, and indulgent.
Winter is when wrinkles tend to sneak in mostly from dehydrated skin, so this step isn’t about chasing age, it’s about keeping your barrier intact. Every night I follow this routine, my skin feels plump, calm, and like it’s ready to handle whatever the day (or the coldest gust of wind) throws at it.
Don’t be afraid of a little extra. Pat, press, layer — your skin is thirsty this time of year. Comfort over complexity wins every time.
Step 4: Eyes — The Eyes Darling
Don’t skip the under-eye I beg you…..if you do your eyes wont match the rest of your face darling and that goes for the neck as well. winter air steals moisture from even the tiniest corners of your face. I press a light layer of eye cream gently with my ring finger, letting it sink in while I pretend I’m giving my tired eyes a mini hug. This step keeps the under-eye soft, smooth, and prepped for any morning concealer (or just for waking up looking rested).
Editor pick:
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado – rich, soft, non-greasy
La Mer The Eye Balm – luxe, soothing, winter-friendly
Estee Lauder-Advanced night repair eye gel-cream
Tip: Press, don’t rub. Think of it as tucking in the eyes for bedtime, just like the rest of your skin.
My personal FAV the Estee Lauder-Advance night repair cream. I apply both day and night, not only are the results amazing, it also plays well with makeup.
Estee Lauder Eye Gel-Shop Now
Step 4: Seal It With an Oil — Liquid Glow
After moisturizing, I top everything off with a few drops of facial oil — think of it as the cherry on top of your winter skincare sundae. My go-to is a lightweight squalane or rosehip oil that presses easily into skin without feeling greasy. It locks in every layer beneath it and adds a subtle sheen that makes your face look rested and luminous by morning.
This step is indulgent, but also practical in winter: dry air is relentless, and a thin veil of oil keeps your skin soft, hydrated, and protected overnight. Massage gently, focusing on any areas that tend to feel tight or flaky. The two products below def have permeant real estate on my must have product shelf. You will see total skin transformation within 1 week. I use them, and my daughters do as well. Coin friendly and always in stock.
Tip: Don’t overthink it — a few drops is enough. Think of it as pressing your skin into a soft, invisible blanket. Your glow will do all the talking while you sleep.
Step 5: Lips —Don’t skip the lips, a must do.. and its so simple literally Overnight Magic
Your lips deserve their own little nighttime ritual. In winter, they can get dry and flaky while the rest of your face is tucked in pajamas-style — which means it’s time for overnight hydration that actually works.
I start with a rich layer of Aquaphor, coating the lips to lock in moisture and protect against the dry air. Think of it as a sleeping bag for your pout: by morning, your lips are plump, soft, and smooth, ready to skip the chapstick panic and go straight to glow.
Tip: Apply generously just before bed. If your lips are feeling extra thirsty, a mid-night touch-up is allowed this is selfcare, not extra work. I keep a tube on my n nightstand always as well as my purse year round.
Step 6: Hands — Don’t Forget Your Extras
Winter isn’t just rough on your face — your hands get thirsty too. A rich, emollient hand cream is the final touch to seal in moisture overnight. I like to massage it in while pretending I’m giving myself a mini spa moment, tracing knuckles and cuticles like I’m sending a little love to my hardworking hands.
Editor pick:
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream – classic, luxe, deeply hydrating
CeraVe Healing Hand Cream – rich, barrier-repairing, no fuss
Tip: Keep a tiny tube by the bedside. Apply before sleep, and your hands will wake soft, smooth, and ready for winter chaos.
Loccitane--Shop Now
Follow these six steps, and your skin, hands will wake up soft, calm, and ready for whatever winter throws at you. It’s not about perfection, it’s about restorative and preventative care. A few intentional minutes, a little comfort, and a lot of glow. Nighttime isn’t just for sleep its about repairing, and pampering yourself, one cozy ritual at a time.
Winter air is harsh, indoor heat is relentless, and your skin is quietly screaming for comfort. But a few intentional minutes at night can change everything. From cleansing to sealing, here’s a simple, six-step routine to lock in moisture, calm your skin, and wake up glowing — because winter deserves a little pampering too.
