Skincare habits that actually work in cold weather

Skincare habits that actually work in cold weather

PICTURE: PEXELS/ SKIN CARE

Winter can be tough on your skin—cold air outside, dry indoor heating, and low humidity all work together to strip away moisture. The result? Tight, flaky, dull skin that feels like it needs extra care. The good news is that a simple, consistent routine can completely change your winter skin game.

Also see: How to use rice water for skin care

Here’s how to keep your glow all season long.

1. Switch to a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Foaming or harsh cleansers can over-dry your skin in winter. Instead, opt for cream or hydrating cleansers that clean without stripping your natural oils.

Tip: Wash your face with lukewarm water—not hot water, which worsens dryness.

2. Layer Your Hydration (Not Just Moisturiser)

Hydration is key in cold weather. Think beyond moisturiser:

  • Hydrating toner or essence
  • Hyaluronic acid serum
  • Rich moisturiser to seal everything in

This layering method helps your skin hold moisture longer.

3. Upgrade to a Thicker Moisturiser

Winter is the time to go richer. Look for ingredients like:

  • Shea butter
  • Ceramides
  • Squalane
  • Glycerin

These help repair the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen (Yes, Even in Winter)

UV rays are still active during winter, even when it’s cloudy. Daily SPF helps prevent premature ageing and protects your skin barrier.

Also see: Reasons to add sulphur to your skin care routine

5. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Cold weather often reduces how much water we drink. Keep your skin healthy by:

  • Drinking enough water
  • Eating water-rich foods (fruits, soups, vegetables)
  • Reducing excess caffeine

6. Exfoliate Gently (Less Is More)

Over-exfoliating in winter can damage your skin barrier. Stick to:

  • 1–2 times a week
  • Gentle chemical exfoliants (like lactic acid)

Avoid harsh scrubs that cause irritation.

7. Night Repair Is Everything

Nighttime is when your skin repairs itself. Use:

  • A nourishing night cream
  • Facial oils (if your skin is very dry)
  • Overnight masks once or twice a week

Wake up with softer, plumper skin.

8. Don’t Forget Lips, Hands & Body

Winter dryness doesn’t stop at your face:

  • Use lip balm regularly
  • Moisturise hands after washing
  • Apply body lotion immediately after showering

Small habits make a big difference.

Final Glow-Up Thought

Winter skincare isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things consistently. Focus on hydration, barrier protection, and gentle care, and your skin will stay healthy, soft, and glowing even in the coldest months.

Also see: 5 Facts about winter skin care

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The 62 Best Skincare Products of the Year

The 62 Best Skincare Products of the Year

Our faces aren’t inanimate objects, frozen and framed in a still life. Our skin stretches with every laugh, pulls with every frown, and is a living, breathing canvas, one kept healthy by nourishing skincare. But as more people go under the knife in the name of conservation (or restoration), the visible results from at-home serums and creams can seem fruitless in comparison. “Just as celebrities are becoming more transparent about what procedures they’ve had, skincare products need to become more transparent about the dosage of the ingredients and the efficacy of their products,” says Melissa Doft, a plastic surgeon in New York City and the founder of Doft New York skincare. “Patients are looking for ingredients that increase volume and radiance and help with the fine lines that are not addressed by a facelift. They’re looking for straightforward routines and quicker results.”

Our 2026 award winners blend the latest innovations in skincare science with proven, potent ingredients to drive real results, supporting your skin across all ages, stages, and interventions.

BEST FACE AND BODY CLEANSERS

The right face wash can make all the difference. Choose one that delivers a clean slate with benefits.

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BEST TOOLS AND TECH

Our bathrooms are filled with gadgets and gizmos aplenty, but these five have become part of our world.

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BEST MASKS AND TREATMENTS

These tonics, toners, masks, and pads are here to help when your skin needs TLC.

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BEST FACE AND BODY MOISTURIZERS

These innovative formulas go beyond basic hydration and harness the latest advancements in skincare science.

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BEST SERUMS

If you’re chasing serious results for wrinkles, tone, and texture, reach for one of these award winners.

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BEST EYE TREATMENTS

Seeing is believing when it comes to the three winning eye treatments below. Each can help stave off (or amplify the results of) surgical interventions for hollow and puffy under-eyes.

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BEST SUNSCREENS

The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually want to wear day after day. These are our favorites.

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How Were the 2026 Skincare Award Winners Chosen?

The 2026 Harper’s Bazaar Skincare Award winners were selected by our team of expert beauty editors: beauty director Jenna Rosenstein, market and commerce editor Katie Intner, and beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson Davis. To determine the best cleansers, serums, treatments, and tools of the year, we tested nearly 500 dermatologist-approved products over the last 12 months to varying degrees of success. To win a spot on this coveted list, the products needed to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits as well as contain the latest in cutting-edge ingredients and skincare technology.

Looking for More Bazaar Award Winners?

Why Trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

How do you license a Bazaar beauty award?

Email cate.canny@hearst.com to help with all things licensing.

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Cucumber_Sandwich

Cucumber Sandwich Bites (Grain-Free Options)

Every summer there are certain garden crops that produce in abundance. Cucumbers are one of those. Even if you don’t grow them yourself, they’re widely available at stores and farmers markets. These simple cucumber sandwiches are a creamy and fresh way to enjoy cucumbers!

Often served at tea parties as finger food, cucumber tea sandwiches are a classic. They’re also a practical and delicious choice for snack time, appetizers, or a simple side dish. 

Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Cucumbers have a really high water content, some fiber, and various nutrients. You’ll find vitamin C and K, magnesium, and potassium. They’re a great way to hydrate during the warm summer months. Not only that, but they add a nice refreshing crunch to dishes. 

We use cucumbers a lot chopped up in salads or for pickles, but I wanted to try them in cucumber sandwiches too. 

Supposedly authentic English cucumber sandwiches originated in 1870s British occupied India. The English created them to cope with the heat. Later on they became an afternoon tea time staple. And then Americans added the creamy sauce to go with the bread and cucumbers. 

I added some microgreens for extra flavor and nutrition. Plus they add another pop of color and freshness. 

Different Variations (Including Grain-Free)

For many years I didn’t eat any gluten or grains, but now I’ll eat them on ocassion. Classic cucumber sandwiches use crustless, white bread. This isn’t my first choice for several reasons, but they taste just as good on sprouted grain bread or sourdough. 

If you want to skip the grains, then there are a few different options. We also like using butter lettuce leaves as a sandwich wrap. Another option is to keep it simple and just top the cucumbers with the cream cheese sauce.

I opted for cream cheese for the filling, but some recipes use mayo for a filling. If you need a dairy-free option, try mixing a little mayo with the herbs and seasonings instead. 

Cucumber Sandwich Bites

Creamy and crunchy, cucumber sandwiches are full of classic flavor. Featuring flavorful seasonal ingredients and herbs.

Herbed Cream Cheese Spread

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or up to 1/2 cup)
  • ¼ cup green onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 TBSP fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 TBSP fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For Serving

  • 1 cup microgreens
  • black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • butter lettuce leaves (optional, for wraps)
  • sourdough or sprouted grain bread (optional)
  • Slice cucumbers into thin strips or rounds (about ?–¼ inch thick).

  • Place cucumbers in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pour in enough vinegar to cover. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

  • Drain cucumbers and lay them on a clean towel. Pat dry well.

  • In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, feta, green onion, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

  • For cucumber bites (no bread): Top cucumber slices with a small amount of cream cheese mixture. Add microgreens and a pinch of black pepper.

  • For lettuce wraps: Spread cream cheese onto lettuce leaves, add cucumbers and microgreens, then fold.

  • For sandwiches: Spread cream cheese onto sliced sourdough or your favorite bread. Layer with cucumbers and microgreens, then slice.

Nutrition Facts

Cucumber Sandwich Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 166
Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 44mg15%

Sodium 484mg21%

Potassium 145mg4%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 735IU15%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 84mg8%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Serve immediately for the best texture.

More Cucumber Recipes

Have a bunch of cucumbers that need to be used? Here are some more cucumber recipes to try!

What are some of your favorite refreshing snacks to eat? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Why skincare experts are talking about calabash

Why skincare experts are talking about calabash

Follow this guide

What’s the story

African calabash is a natural beauty secret that has been used for centuries across Africa.
The versatile fruit, known for its hard shell, is packed with nutrients that can do wonders for your skin and hair.
From moisturizing to promoting healthy growth, African calabash has it all.
Here is how this age-old remedy can be incorporated into your beauty routine.

Moisturizing benefits of calabash oil

Calabash oil is extracted from the seeds of the African calabash and is widely known for its moisturizing properties.
It penetrates deep into the skin, making it soft and supple, without making it greasy.
The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which help retain moisture and improve skin elasticity.
It can be used as a daily moisturizer or added to your favorite skincare products for an extra hydration boost.

Anti-aging properties of calabash extract

African calabash extract is packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals responsible for aging.
These antioxidants help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin tone and texture.
Adding products with calabash extract to your skincare routine can help you achieve a youthful glow.

Versatile uses in skincare routines

Apart from moisturizing and anti-aging benefits, African calabash can be used in various skincare routines.
It acts as a natural exfoliant when mixed with other ingredients, like sugar or salt, making it ideal for DIY scrubs at home.
Its versatility makes it an ideal ingredient to experiment with different formulations according to individual needs.

Promoting healthy hair growth

The nutrients in calabash oil also promote healthy hair growth. It strengthens hair follicles, reduces breakage, and improves overall scalp health.
Regular application of this oil can lead to thicker, stronger hair over time.
For best results, massage a few drops of calabash oil onto your scalp before washing your hair.

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