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A winter skincare routine for dry skin, written for Pakistani winters

Cold mornings, gas heaters indoors and smog in the cities: what Pakistani winters do to skin, and a simple morning and evening routine that keeps dry skin comfortable until spring.

Kaimri

Moisturising cream for winter dry skin

From November to February, skin that was oily all summer can suddenly feel tight, flaky and rough. It is not your imagination, and it is not your products failing — winter changes the conditions your skin is working in.

Why winter dries skin out

  • Cold, dry air pulls moisture out of the skin.
  • Gas heaters and room heaters dry the air indoors even further — which is why skin often feels worst at home in the evening.
  • Hot showers, so tempting in January, strip the skin's natural oils.
  • Smog days in Lahore and other cities leave a film on the skin that needs cleansing off properly at night.

The fix is not a whole new shelf. It is swapping a few steps for richer versions, and adding one or two.

Morning routine

1. A gentle cleanse, or just water

If your skin is very dry, splash with lukewarm water in the morning rather than cleansing again. Save the cleanser for the evening.

2. A hydrating toner — layered

A milky or essence toner is the most useful winter step. Pat it in with your hands, let it sink in, then repeat two or three times on the driest days. Layering thin hydration works better than one thick layer.

3. A soothing serum

If your skin is red or irritated from the cold, a centella serum is calming and light enough to wear under everything.

4. A cream moisturiser

Swap the gel you used in summer for a proper cream. It seals in the toner and serum underneath.

5. Sunscreen — still

It is colder, not darker. UV reaches your skin through winter sun and cloud, and it undoes everything else you are doing. For dry skin, choose a cream or physical sunscreen over a mattifying one.

Evening routine

  1. Cleanse properly. On smog days or if you wore makeup and sunscreen, cleanse twice: an oil or balm first, then a gentle cleanser.
  2. Toner, layered as in the morning.
  3. Treatment, if you use one. Go easy on exfoliating acids and retinoids in winter — two or three nights a week rather than every night.
  4. A richer cream, a little more than in the morning.

Small changes that help more than products

  • Lukewarm water, never hot, on your face.
  • Moisturise within a minute of washing, while skin is still slightly damp.
  • Keep a bowl of water near the heater to put a little moisture back into the room.
  • Do not forget lips and hands — they have fewer oil glands and chap first.

What we would use

Prices as listed in September 2026. Browse all Korean skincare, and see a simple K-beauty routine for the year-round basics.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need sunscreen in winter?

Yes. The air is cold but UV is still reaching your skin, especially on clear winter days.

What if my skin is oily even in winter?

Keep a lighter gel moisturiser, but add a hydrating toner. Oily skin can still be dehydrated, and winter makes it more likely.

How soon will I see a difference?

Comfort improves within a few days of switching to a richer cream and layering toner. Flaking usually settles within a week or two.

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