At the Blue Lagoon, we know a thing or two about battling the cold. But you don’t have to hail from Iceland to understand what winter can do to your skin. As temperatures drop, the wind bites, and indoor heating cranks up, your complexion can quickly go from glowing to dull, leaving it feeling dry and dehydrated.

How Cold Weather Affects Your Skin

“Though skin issues can occur year-round, dryness and sensitivity are especially common in winter, particularly in colder climates,” says Lena Dóra, head esthetician at Blue Lagoon’s Retreat Spa. The reason? A sharp drop in moisture levels in the air. Skin naturally holds onto water, but when the air is dry, hydration levels plummet, leaving skin feeling tight, itchy, or uncomfortable. Cold, harsh winds can strip natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to cracks or flaking. For those with existing conditions like psoriasis or eczema, winter can trigger flare-ups.

Indoor environments aren’t much kinder. “Heating systems dry out the air significantly, and frequent temperature changes—from freezing outdoor cold to warm indoor heat—can make skin more sensitive,” explains Lena Dóra. Exposed areas, like the face, are particularly vulnerable to the harsh effects of wind, snow, and constant temperature shifts.

The solution? Adjust your skincare routine to meet winter’s challenges. Ahead, Lena Dóra shares her must-have products and expert tips to keep your skin healthy all season long.

Keep Deep Cleaning

Exfoliating remains essential during the winter months. “I recommend deep cleansing the skin regularly—every one to two weeks—to remove dead skin cells and help your skin absorb products more effectively,” says Lena Dóra.

Her favorite winter ritual? A two-step exfoliation. “Start with the exfoliating Lava Scrub Mask to gently slough away dead skin, then follow with the Silica Mud Mask to deeply cleanse pores, eliminate buildup, and significantly minimize their appearance,” she advises. “It’s the ultimate skin-renewing combination for winter.”

Layer on Hydration

The best way to combat winter skin dryness is by incorporating rich, moisturizing products into your routine. Start with a serum containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. BL+ The Serum includes both, along with the BL+ COMPLEX, which strengthens the skin barrier to prevent water loss and keep skin hydrated longer. “A good serum works wonders, and I love BL+ The Serum for its hydration and skin-rebuilding benefits—it leaves your skin with a healthy glow,” says Lena Dóra.

Switch to a Richer Moisturizer

In winter, swap your lightweight moisturizer for a thicker cream, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. “Lighter moisturizers aren’t as effective in freezing temperatures, so I recommend BL+ The Cream, which is richer and ideal for dry skin,” Lena Dóra suggests. Look for creams with occlusive ingredients like squalene and shea butter to form a protective barrier, as well as humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in moisture.

Don't Forget Your Eyes

The delicate skin around your eyes is particularly vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. The BL+ Eye Cream is Lena Dóra’s go-to. “It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like panthenol, ceramides, and squalene, plus skin-strengthening actives like niacinamide, bakuchiol, and the BL+ COMPLEX to protect the skin barrier,” she notes.

Seal in Moisture with Face Oil

If your skin feels extra dry, a face oil can be a game-changer. The Algae Bioactive Concentrate Face Oil, infused with Blue Lagoon Microalgae, locks in moisture overnight. After applying serum, face cream, and eye cream, finish your routine with a layer of oil. “Face oils should always be the last step, as oils can penetrate creams but not vice versa,” Lena Dóra explains. Oils are also great for spot-treating dry areas, like around the nose, or adding a dewy glow to cheekbones before makeup.

Care for Your Body’s Skin

Winter weather doesn’t just impact your face—it can leave hands, arms, and legs feeling dry and uncomfortable, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors. The same principles for facial care apply: reach for a rich moisturizer like the Mineral Intensive Cream or Body Oil, and apply it immediately after showering to lock in hydration. For extra-dry areas, such as elbows, Lena Dóra recommends layering the two products for an ultimate skin-soothing treatment.

Sun Protection is Still a Must 

Gray skies and cold temperatures don’t mean you should stop wearing SPF. The sun combined with snow glare can still damage your skin, so it's important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 to your face, neck, and hands before heading outside, and reapply frequently (about every two hour), if you plan on staying out for a long period of time.