Post-holiday, as we settle into the quiet rhythm of the season, we start to realize just how much winter asks of our bodies. At a basic physiological level, winter slows the skin’s natural lipid production, weakens the protective barrier, and increases transepidermal water loss. Add in brisk Seattle winds, indoor heaters and hot showers, reduced sunlight, holiday stress, less exposure to humidity (we could go on forever), and the skin can quickly move into a state of imbalance. When the barrier is compromised, skin becomes more reactive and vulnerable. Even the most resilient skin can start to show signs of inflammation, tightness, flaking, redness, breakouts, or dullness. This isn’t a sign that your routine is failing you; it’s simply a reminder that when the seasons shift, so do our needs.
This season invites us to reconnect with our skin through slow, thoughtful rituals. At Spruce, we offer targeted, results-driven spa treatments, but we believe that supporting the skin’s natural functions with intention at home can make a profound difference in how the skin feels and functions through the colder months. Small shifts, like changing your cleanser or choosing an omega-rich oil, can make a world of difference in maintaining balance.
Believe it or not, your winter rituals don’t need to be overwhelming to be effective. Below, we’re sharing our founder’s favorite seasonal rituals and winter skincare essentials, each rooted in experience with holistic skincare in mind. From favorite products and tools to daily practices, these are the Spruce-approved ways to support your skin with softness and consistency.
Protect Your Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is your first line of defense against environmental stressors. Naturally, the colder air leaves the skin more vulnerable and prone to sensitivity and dehydration. When the barrier is compromised, it’s important to cleanse gently, hydrate consistently, and use ingredients that nourish and support barrier function. This will set the tone for healthy skin year-round.
Jenn’s ritual: “My winter skin rituals always include leaning into an oil cleanser and more layering, especially at night. I also like to finish my nighttime routine with the Éminence Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque as a moisturizer/mask a couple times a week for extra support.”
Tiann’s ritual: “Marie Veronique’s Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser is one of my favorites because it’s truly multifunctional. You can cleanse with it or use it as a deep, barrier-supportive treatment. I love applying it to dry skin in the morning, letting it sit while I make coffee and get the kids ready, then adding water, massaging, and rinsing before continuing my routine.”
Target and Exfoliate With Intention
While shedding dead skin cells and supercharging cellular overturn helps improve texture and product absorption, over-exfoliating during colder months can weaken the barrier and increase sensitivity. This is why how you exfoliate and what serums you use matter more than ever. Winter calls for choosing gentler methods like chemical exfoliants and no-downtime peels, rather than physical exfoliants like scrubs. These exfoliation methods will support skin renewal without compromising your barrier.
Jenn’s Ritual: “In winter, we all think of upping hydrating products, which is important, but what’s also key is to exfoliate the dead, flaky cells off the surface of the skin to allow our products to work better and bring back our glow. I try to exfoliate two times per week. I love the ease of the Moss Morning Sleep Peel, and the gentleness of Botnia’s Essential Enzymes, which can be used as a cleanser or enzymatic mask.”
Tiann’s ritual: “Winter is an excellent time to incorporate Vitamin C for collagen support, cell turnover, and overall skin vibrancy. Two options I love: Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum (a beautiful, accessible option) and Éminence Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum (a more concentrated treatment approach). Think of Vitamin C as your daily ally for brightness and resilience as we move through the darker months.”
Nourish With Omega-Rich Oils
As the skin’s natural oil production slows in the winter, replenishing lost lipids becomes essential. Omega-rich oils help support the skin barrier, improve elasticity, and reduce inflammation, all while sealing in moisture. Rather than sitting on the surface of your skin, well-formulated oils work synergistically to restore softness and hydration.
Jenn’s ritual: “A richer facial oil or balm is non-negotiable. My extra dry winter skin has really felt supported by Linné Nurture Face and Body Balm and the Marie Veronique Barrier Lipid Complex.”
Tiann’s ritual: “Hydration in winter goes beyond water. It’s about replenishing the skin’s natural lipid structure. Omega-rich oils closely mirror our skin’s own lipids, allowing them to absorb with ease while reducing inflammation, softening texture, and restoring balance. I always reach for Éminence Facial Recovery Oil or Linné Balance Oil because they are especially supportive when skin feels tight, reactive, or depleted.”
Don’t Neglect Your Body
While facial care tends to take center stage around here, the body experiences many of the same seasonal stressors and deserves a little extra love, too. Hot showers and cold, dry air can lead to dryness, itching, and compromised skin head-to-toe. This is an ideal time to slow down and turn your body care into a ritual. Focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and consistency.
Jenn’s ritual: “For the body, Bathing Culture is my favorite body wash. Nothing beats the scent and how it makes my skin feel—hydrated but so clean and fresh. I also prefer balms for the body, too, like Linné Smooth Balm or the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter.”
Tiann’s ritual: “Massage oils into the skin with presence, allowing circulation and breath to guide you and practice gentle lymphatic flow with slow, intentional movements rather than forceful techniques.
Support Skin From Within
As we know, skin health is deeply connected to what’s happening internally, and this season can place additional stress on the body as a whole. Lower hydration levels, changes in diet, reduced sun exposure (Seattle, we’re looking at you!), and increased stress can all show up on the skin. Supporting the skin from within helps strengthen its ability to adapt and repair. A holistic approach that considers both internal and external care creates a more balanced, healthy complexion year-round.
Jenn’s ritual: “Internally, it’s helpful to up the omega 3s, keep up your water and herbal tea intake, and eat lots of healthy fats like avocados and walnuts.”
Tiann’s ritual: “As a lymph-fascia led esthetician and massage therapist, Magic Magnesium is a MUST for nervous system support.”
Winter care is less about perfection and more about presence. Take time with your body daily. Tune in to what your skin is asking for and allow your routine to evolve with the season. When we slow down and care for our skin with intention, we create space for long-term skin health.
The rituals don’t need to be elaborate. If you’re feeling unsure where to begin or are craving a more personalized approach, our team is always here to support you. Whether that looks like a thoughtfully tailored holistic facial or guidance on building a routine that truly works for your skin, we’d love to be a part of your care. Consider this your invitation to soften, slow down, and let this be a season of restoration.
