Winter Barrier Reset: Restore, Calm, and Hydrate

Winter is officially here, and we all know what that means for our skin: dryness, irritation, acne, flaky skin, and more visible lines. However, if we use the right products and follow the necessary steps to care for our skin in these weather conditions, that doesn’t have to be the case. In this post, I will go through what you need to know to address these skin concerns and build an effective skincare routine.

And the best part? Every product I’m sharing here is up to 50% OFF during YesStyle’s Black Friday Mega Sale from November 24 to  November 30, 2025!

You’ll find brand-wide and key product deals, and you can also stack extra savings with their coupon codes: from November 24–27, use YSBF25 for 8% OFF on US$79, 10% OFF on US$149, or 15% OFF on US$199. Then, from November 28–30, you can use 2025BF for a flat 15% OFF sitewide.

We can all agree that our skincare routines should be consistent, not costly. So, now is the perfect chance for you to build your winter skincare routine or stock up on your faves and save money while the sale is on!

How Cold Weather Weakens Your Barrier

While skin type is genetic, environmental factors also play a significant role in its condition. That’s why we tend to change our skincare products with the seasons, as we’re faced with new skin issues that need to be addressed.

In winter, due to low humidity and cold temperatures, our skin’s protective layer gets disrupted. We refer to it as our skin barrier. The barrier is the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. It is made of skin cells and lipids, such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.

When the barrier is intact, our skin feels hydrated and smooth. A damaged barrier can lead to skin issues such as dryness, flakiness, breakouts, and inflammation.

We also increase the use of indoor heating during the colder months, which negatively affects the skin by weakening the barrier, making it more vulnerable to external aggressors and harder to retain moisture.

Now that you understand the issues and their causes, we can develop a skincare routine that considers each step to help strengthen the barrier and maintain your skin’s health.

Winter Barrier Routine (AM/PM)

Here are the steps and products that will help your barrier stay balanced during winter:

Step 1 (PM) — Oil Cleanse to Melt Residue

Using a cleanser that removes makeup, excess oil, and impurities thoroughly while being gentle is very important. We want a good cleanse so nothing is trapped inside our pores, without drying our skin even further. And an oil cleanser is perfect for this, regardless of your skin type.

The one that I would recommend you incorporate into your winter routine, which is also a personal favorite of mine, is the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil. This oil cleanser has a medium viscosity texture, neither goopy nor runny. It is formulated with 95% naturally-derived plant oils, which help melt away everything.

Massage the skin for 30 seconds, add some water to emulsify, and rinse off with lukewarm water. The skin feels very smooth afterwards, and no residue is left to cause congestion. The formula is non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin.

I love a good oil cleanser in the winter, because while it’s heavy-duty in terms of cleansing, it’s also non-stripping. This is precisely what we need in winter: to maintain our skin’s moisture and prevent further dryness.

Step 2 (AM/PM) — Gentle Water Cleanser

In the morning, there is no need to use a heavy-duty cleanser like an oil-based one, because your skin is already relatively clean. There’s just some sebum and impurities accumulated during the night, which require something gentle and effective.

At this step, I’d recommend either a gel or foam-type cleanser. The ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser is a solid choice for wintertime, and here’s why:

This is a mild acidic cleanser that is designed to balance the skin’s oil-water ratio due to the deep sea water and three different weights of hyaluronic acid that are present in the formula. The foam is soft and lathers nicely. There’s no need to add a lot of product to break up sebum and wash away impurities.

Actually, the less you use, the gentler the cleansing process will be, so make sure to adjust the amount as needed. This cleanser also works well for acne-prone and sensitive skin, which are two conditions that can worsen during winter.

If you don’t wear much makeup, use waterproof sunscreen, or you’re not very active, you can skip the oil cleanser and use this as your sole cleanser in both your AM and PM routines.

Step 3 (AM/PM) — Hydrate Lightly, Layer Thin

After we’ve gently done the cleansing process while trying to maintain the barrier intact, we need to start replenishing the skin with moisture. And what better way to do that than with a hydrating toner? A really good toner that would work great for all skin types during winter is the I’m from Rice Toner.

It possesses all the qualities you would want in a product to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing in the wintertime. First, the formula is packed with 77.78% rice extract, which offers intense moisture and has anti-wrinkle and brightening properties.

Second, the texture itself is perfect for wintertime. It has some viscosity but without the stickiness. I would say it feels like a blanket for your skin. It makes the surface feel super soft and spreads beautifully. Makeup and sunscreen also don’t cling to dry patches.

Depending on your skin type, this toner can be used in the morning or evening. I like using it in the morning, particularly because it gives a beautiful soft glow and works great as a primer for makeup. The moisture it provides is long-lasting as well.

Step 4 (AM/PM) — Deep Water Refill

If your skin is oily on the surface but feels dry underneath, a hyaluronic acid serum is the right choice for replenishing the inner layers with hydration. I find that using hydration in layers, from the thinnest product (toner) to the thickest (moisturizer), provides the best results in terms of how the skin retains moisture, as well as how soft and revitalized it appears. Slapping on a moisturizer after cleansing simply doesn’t give the same results.

One serum that is perfect for the winter barrier reset is the Isntree Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This serum is infused with mineral-rich deep seawater from Ulleung Island and contains 14 types of hyaluronic acid to restore moisture.

Consistency is lightweight, and it really sinks into the skin without being tacky. I know that hyaluronic acid products may seem a bit boring, but it all depends on the formula, and this one is worth it! Your fine lines will be less visible, and the skin will feel incredibly smooth.

Step 5 (PM) — Barrier Cream

After replenishing the skin with hydration, we want to lock it all in and have those emollients and occlusives providing that barrier support that we so need in winter. Regardless of your skin type, I recommend replacing your moisturizer in the morning with a hydrating sunscreen and using your dedicated moisturizer only at night.

While it’s easier for toners and serums to be suitable for a wider variety of people, when it comes to moisturizers, consistency matters for different skin types. Oily skin naturally generates plenty of its own oils to support the skin barrier, while dry skin struggles to produce that moisture and requires thicker, more nourishing moisturizers.

For dry skin, I recommend the mixsoon Bean Cream, which delivers rich, replenishing moisture. It is formulated with fermented soybean extract, pomegranate extract, barley seed ferment filtrate, and pear juice ferment filtrate. This heavy-duty cream will drastically improve skin texture and strengthen the barrier during harsh weather conditions. It has a full creamy texture that feels extremely nourishing. Say goodbye to dry patches and flaky skin.

For oily, combination, or congestion-prone skin, the Purito SEOUL Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream is a lighter, soothing option that won’t clog pores. This moisturizer is infused with Korean Damyang bamboo extract, panthenol, squalane, and sodium hyaluronate. The texture is more like a thick gel rather than a cream, and it works great for those who prefer a thinner texture while still repairing and keeping a healthy barrier.

Step 6 (AM/PM) — Eye-Area Barrier Support

This step is optional, but I do find that an eye cream can be suitable for a winter skincare routine. The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face, and due to the cold and dry environment, it loses moisture faster. This is why this area can feel tight and look crepey.

Adding a dedicated eye step after toner or serum and before moisturizer, to give the delicate area cushioning hydration, would be a beneficial step.

A great fit here is the TIRTIR Collagen Lifting Eye Cream. It contains a collagen complex and peptides. The texture sits between a gel and a cream. It is light enough to layer, cushy enough to smooth. It softens the look of fine lines by boosting surface hydration and gives that “well-rested” look without feeling greasy or heavy.

Use a rice-grain amount per eye, tap gently along the orbital bone (no rubbing), and let it set for 30–60 seconds before sealing with your face moisturizer. In the morning, follow with sunscreen.

Conclusion: Keep the Barrier Strong and the Routine Simple

Winter skin doesn’t need a complicated overhaul, just steady steps that respect the barrier. Melt residue at night, cleanse gently morning and evening, layer lightweight hydration, seal with a night cream, and support the eye area.

And while the YesStyle Black Friday Mega Sale is live, you can get this skincare routine up to 50% OFF, and take the chance to restock your staples. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your K-beauty must-haves before the deals end!

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