The time for another winter challenge has arrived — the harsh cold between the holidays and early spring is already here. Constant exposure to frost outdoors and dry indoor air can noticeably affect the condition of your skin. This is especially true for mature skin, which over time loses the firmness and elasticity characteristic of youth.

To help you get through the cold season, we have prepared a complete winter guide for caring for mature skin, based on dermatologists’ recommendations. In this article, you will find valuable tips — from choosing the right moisturizers to a list of ingredients to avoid. By following these recommendations, you can keep your skin healthy, radiant, and beautiful even on the coldest days.

The first step to proper winter skincare is understanding why mature skin is especially sensitive to the cold. As we age, natural changes occur in the skin that reduce its protective properties and make it more vulnerable to external stressors.

Firstly, the skin becomes thinner and loses firmness. The epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, thins, making it more fragile and prone to damage. At the same time, collagen and elastin production slows down, leading to wrinkles and a loss of skin elasticity.

Secondly, with age, sebum production decreases, often causing dryness and tightness. The skin’s ability to regenerate also diminishes: while the renewal process takes about 20–30 days at the age of 20–30, by the age of 50–60 it can stretch to almost 90 days.

If you’re wondering, “How do I know if my skin is mature?” pay attention to four main signs:

1. Fine lines and wrinkles: Especially noticeable around the eyes, mouth, and forehead — they signal the natural aging process.

2. Loss of firmness: Often visible along the jawline and cheeks, when the skin becomes less taut.

3. Thinning skin: Can manifest as visible blood vessels and increased sensitivity to external factors.

4. Dryness: As the skin produces less sebum, its texture becomes rougher and less elastic — another clear sign of mature skin.

 

When designing a winter routine for mature skin, it is particularly important to focus on key steps and effective ingredients. Dermatologists recommend a six-step comprehensive approach that helps reliably protect, hydrate, and strengthen mature skin during the cold season, keeping it firm and radiant.

1. Cleansing: Start with a clean canvas — this is the first and one of the most important steps in skincare. Proper cleansing not only removes impurities but also allows subsequent products to work more effectively. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers that maintain the skin’s natural moisture and do not disrupt its balance.

2. Toner (optional): Dermatologists recommend including a toner in your skincare routine. A hydrating toner or essence not only prepares the skin but also restores lost moisture and enhances the effectiveness of subsequent active products.

3. Serum: After preparing the skin, it is important to choose a serum that meets its specific needs. Hyaluronic acid serums provide excellent hydration and improve firmness; peptide serums stimulate collagen production and enhance elasticity; antioxidant serums (such as vitamin C) combat free radicals and brighten the skin tone; and retinol serums smooth texture and reduce fine lines. Select the product based on your skin’s needs to achieve the best results. 

4. Moisturizer: Use a formula with nourishing ingredients specially designed for mature skin — ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or plant stem cells. This step helps lock in the benefits of the serum, strengthens the skin barrier, and prevents moisture loss. Remember that this step is crucial in caring for mature skin.

5. Facial oil (optional): For additional hydration, especially during the cold winter months, experts recommend applying a light oil over your moisturizer. Oils such as rosehip or squalane create a protective barrier, lock in moisture, and support skin elasticity.

6. SPF: The final step in your routine is daily sunscreen application, which provides reliable protection against the harmful effects of UV rays. 

Although many cosmetic products work well in warmer months, their effects can be more aggressive on the skin in winter. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of products with strong active ingredients. Harsh exfoliants, such as highly concentrated AHAs and BHAs, can dry out the skin and cause irritation. During the cold season, it is better to choose gentler exfoliation methods, such as products with lactic acid.

Additionally, experts advise avoiding alcohol-based products and excessive use of retinol, as they can further dehydrate the skin.

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In winter, mature skin is especially vulnerable due to cold, wind, and dry air. However, it can be effectively supported and protected with the right skincare. The key steps are regular use of serums and moisturizers that deeply nourish the skin and lock in moisture. Don’t forget sunscreen: even in cold weather, UV rays remain one of the main factors of premature skin aging.

Read also: Is it true that oily skin ages more slowly? What experts say