As summer fades into fall and winter, the changing seasons can leave your skin in need of extra attention. Colder temperatures, drier air, and the switch to indoor heating all take a toll, often resulting in dry or irritated skin. But with the right adjustments, you can keep your skin looking fresh, hydrated, and radiant, even in the coldest months. Whether you’re maintaining your OBB spray tan glow or simply aiming to keep your skin healthy and radiant, a seasonal update will help your skin adjust to the changing conditions.

Why Fall and Winter Require a Skincare Shift

As the weather cools down, the air becomes less humid, and harsh winds can strip your skin of its natural moisture. It’s not just the outdoor conditions that impact your skin—indoor heating from your home, office, and even your car can suck moisture out of the air, leaving your skin even drier and more prone to irritation.

The skin’s lipid barrier, which normally helps lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors, becomes more vulnerable in these conditions. This makes it harder for your skin to stay hydrated on its own. To keep your skin feeling soft and smooth, now is the time to update your routine with nourishing, hydrating products that will help restore and protect your skin.

Switching to a More Hydrating Cleanser

As the seasons shift, so should your skincare products—starting with your cleanser. During the fall and winter months, it’s important to swap out those lightweight, gel-based cleansers that were perfect for summer for something a bit more hydrating. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that nourishes your skin while cleaning it. Look for ingredients like glycerin or ceramides, which help lock in moisture without disrupting your skin’s barrier. Creamy or oil-based cleansers can also be a great choice for this time of year, as they offer extra hydration and leave your skin feeling soft rather than stripped.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

In fall and winter, your skin craves extra care, and adopting a hydrating skincare routine is essential to keep it healthy and smooth. This is the perfect time to upgrade your moisturizer to a formula that deeply nourishes and locks in moisture. Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to the skin, or rich oils like jojoba and argan, can create a protective barrier that keeps your skin hydrated longer. Shea butter is another great choice, providing deep moisture without feeling too heavy on the skin.

For the best results, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp—such as right after a shower—to help trap moisture. If you use serums, apply them first to deliver concentrated hydration, and then follow with your moisturizer to seal everything in. Keeping your skin well-hydrated not only feels amazing but also helps maintain the smoothness and glow of your all-natural spray tan.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Just because the sun doesn’t feel as strong during fall and winter doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. Even on overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and cause damage to your skin. Not to mention, snow and ice can reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure. Keeping your skin protected year-round is essential for preventing premature aging, sunspots, and maintaining your skin’s overall health.

Choose a lightweight SPF that fits well into your routine, ideally something that won’t feel heavy when paired with your winter moisturizer. Mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for providing protection without clogging pores or causing irritation, even on sensitive or dry winter skin.

Exfoliation for Fall and Winter

Exfoliation is just as essential in the colder months as it is during summer. When preparing for a spray tan, choosing the right exfoliant can make all the difference in how well your tan adheres and how long it lasts. There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical.

For pre-tan prep, a gentle physical exfoliant is usually recommended. Scrubs made with sugar or salt work to manually slough off dead skin cells, providing a smooth base for the tan to apply evenly. This method helps avoid patchy areas and ensures the tan lasts longer. It’s important to choose a mild physical exfoliant, especially for those with sensitive skin, to avoid irritation​

For those not prepping for a spray tan but still looking to keep their skin smooth and healthy through the colder months, chemical exfoliants—such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)—are a great addition to your winter dry skin remedies toolkit. These exfoliants dissolve dead skin cells, revealing fresh, glowing skin beneath. However, for those with sensitive skin, it’s essential to use chemical exfoliants carefully to avoid irritation or over-sensitivity.

Whether you’re preparing for a tan or just maintaining your skin’s health, exfoliating 1-2 times per week—either with a gentle physical scrub or a suitable chemical exfoliant—will help your skin remain smooth, hydrated, and ready to face the colder months.

Hydration From the Inside Out

Keeping your skin hydrated during fall and winter isn’t just about topical products—it’s about internal hydration too. Drinking enough water helps support overall skin health by maintaining elasticity and preventing dryness. Along with straight water, hydrating drinks like herbal teas or hot water with lemon can be great options to stay cozy and hydrated in cold weather. Opt for caffeine-free choices like chamomile or peppermint tea, as caffeinated drinks like coffee can have a mild dehydrating effect.

Another helpful tool is a humidifier. Heating systems tend to dry out indoor air, which can pull moisture from your skin. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated and reducing the risk of dryness or irritation. Using one in your bedroom or main living space can make a noticeable difference, especially if you struggle with dry skin during the colder months.

Lip and Hand Care: Commonly Forgotten Areas

When it comes to fall and winter skincare, it’s easy to focus on your face and body while forgetting about two of the most vulnerable areas—your lips and hands. The skin in these areas is thinner and more exposed to the elements, making them prone to dryness, cracking, and discomfort.

For your lips, a nourishing balm with ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil can help seal in moisture and protect against the cold, dry air. Make it a habit to apply lip balm throughout the day, especially before going outside.

Your hands need some extra TLC too. Constant exposure to cold air and frequent hand-washing can leave them feeling dry and irritated. Opt for a rich hand cream that contains hydrating and protective ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to keep your hands soft and smooth. Wearing gloves when heading outdoors can also help shield your skin from the harsh elements.

Nurture Your Skin Year-Round

From switching to hydrating products and gentle exfoliants to staying hydrated with water, herbal teas, and using a humidifier, these small adjustments can make a big difference. Whether you’re maintaining the look of your airbrush tan or simply protecting your skin from the elements, the right care will keep your skin smooth, supple, and radiant through every season.

At Organic Bronze Bar, we believe great skincare is the foundation for a flawless tan. Treat your skin well this winter, and it will reward you with that year-round glow you love.