the seasons are changing, & so should your skincare

when the temperatures drop and the wind picks up, your skin feels it first — especially if you’re running between rehearsals, shows, or subway stations. winter in New York doesn’t just mean cozy sweaters and hot coffee; it also means low humidity, indoor heating, and a major shift in your skin’s needs.

if your skin’s been feeling tight, flaky, or extra sensitive, it’s your cue to make some seasonal swaps. let’s talk about how to keep your glow healthy, hydrated, and show-ready all winter long.

step one: strengthen the barrier

Think of your skin barrier as your first line of defense — like the stage manager keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Cold air, harsh wind, and long days under heating vents can strip your skin of essential lipids, leaving it vulnerable.

Barrier-repairing ingredients to look for:

• Ceramides (rebuild and fortify the “mortar” between skin cells)

• Fatty acids (help maintain elasticity and softness)

• Niacinamide (calms redness and boosts barrier resilience)

step two: layer on hydration

your skin craves hydration just like your body craves rest — it’s essential, not optional. cold air and indoor heat both draw moisture away, leaving skin feeling tight or dull.

start with a hydrating mist or essence right after cleansing, then layer a humectant serum (think hyaluronic acid).

seal it in with a creamy moisturizer that adds both water and oil — bonus points if it includes squalane or ceramides!

step three: don’t skip SPF

just because it’s cold doesn’t mean UV rays take a break. Snow, cloudy skies, and even indoor lighting can still expose your skin to damaging light that speeds up barrier breakdown and pigmentation.
opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher everyday. 

step four: your night routine

evening is when your skin does its repair work. use a gentle double cleanse, a replenishing serum, and a slightly richer moisturizer to lock in hydration overnight.

if your skin’s feeling extra reactive, reach for a hypochlorous acid spray. think of it as your skin’s calm-in-a-bottle, helping to soothe irritation and restore balance.

 the takeaway: keep it simple

winter skincare doesn’t need an entire cast of new products — just small, thoughtful changes that help your barrier stay balanced.

simplify. hydrate. protect.