Over the last few months, as an especially cold winter season slowly fades away, we had to readjust our skincare routine to give our skin the extra support it needed to battle seasonal stress. Low temperatures, harsh winds, and indoor heating can easily compromise the skin barrier, leading to dehydration, irritation, and unexpected breakouts.
During this time, we tested several products we hadn’t tried before — and here’s our honest list of what truly helped keep our skin balanced, healthy, and resilient throughout winter.
Toner Pads
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Quick Calming Pad
These toner pads were a lifesaver on days when my skin felt irritated or reactive. Infused with Centella Asiatica, they helped calm redness while lightly hydrating and prepping the skin for the next steps. Perfect for quick morning routines or when my barrier needed extra soothing care.
The Serums & Treatments
SOME BY ME Retinol
A powerful nighttime treatment that helped improve breakouts, texture, and post-acne marks. Used consistently, it supported smoother skin and a more refined complexion.
MIXSOON – Bean Essence
This viral essence delivers hydration and nourishment thanks to its amino acid-rich bean complex. While I appreciated the hydration boost, I personally found stronger visible results when simplifying my routine and focusing on retinol alone at night.
Torriden – Vitamin C Serum
A brightening staple for daytime use. It added radiance and supported overall skin tone balance, especially helpful during winter when skin can look dull and tired.
The Creams
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream
A lightweight yet deeply hydating cream combining hyaluronic acid and Centella. It locked in moisture without feeling heavy, ideal for oily, acne-prone skin even during colder months.
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream
This cream became my nighttime sealing step. With its soothing and barrier-supporting formula, it helped reduce irritation while maintaining hydration overnight.
Pairings That Worked Like Magic
Night Routine Combo
After a particularly difficult breakout week, I began pairing SOME BY ME Retinol with the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream as my final step. This combination worked incredibly well, not only helping fade post-acne marks but also improving overall texture and restoring a healthier-looking complexion.
The key was balance: retinol for renewal, followed by a calming cream to support the skin barrier.
Day Routine Combo
For daytime, I kept things simple and effective. I used Torriden Vitamin C followed by the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream. This pairing delivered brightness, hydration, and protection against dryness caused by cold weather and indoor heating.
My skin felt nourished but never greasy, something that’s especially important for oily, acne-prone skin.
Wrapping up the winter season
Winter skincare is all about balance, strengthening the barrier while still addressing concerns like acne and dullness. While the Bean Essence delivered hydration, I personally saw better results when simplifying my evening routine and avoiding too many layered actives alongside retinol.
As always, skincare is highly individual. What worked wonders for my oily, acne-prone skin may not work the same way for everyone. We always recommend consulting a dermatologist or skincare specialist before introducing strong actives like retinol or vitamin C.
If you’ve tried any of these products, let us know, which one became your winter essential?
