Winter should feel cozy, but for people with oily skin, it often feels like a battle. Your skin looks greasy yet feels dry, your pores seem larger, and acne breakouts appear when you least expect them. Add in dullness, flaky patches, and the constant confusion of whether to moisturize or not, and winter becomes one of the trickiest seasons for oily skin. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In 2025, with changing weather patterns, pollution, and busy lifestyles, oily skin needs a smarter, more balanced approach in winter. This guide will walk you through exactly why oily skin behaves differently in the cold season, how to build the perfect winter routine, and which mistakes to avoid - so your skin stays healthy, fresh, and glowing all winter long.
Why Oily Skin Behaves Differently in the Winter Season?
When the temperature drops, humidity levels also fall, leaving the air drier. For oily skin, this creates a double challenge. On one hand, your skin barrier loses water, leading to dehydration. On the other, your sebaceous glands overcompensate by producing more oil.
The result? Skin that feels both greasy and tight at the same time. Indoor heating, long hot showers, and heavy winter creams only add to the problem, clogging pores and causing breakouts.
That’s why winter skincare for oily skin isn’t about removing oil completely - it’s about finding the right balance of hydration, protection, and oil control.
Step-by-Step Winter Skincare Routine for Oily Skin (2025 Edition)
Cleansing
Start with a gentle, sulfate-free face wash that removes dirt and excess oil without stripping your skin’s natural barrier. Over-cleansing can lead to rebound oiliness, so stick to twice a day.
Exfoliation
Exfoliate 1–2 times a week to prevent clogged pores and dullness. In winter, opt for mild exfoliants with lactic acid or fruit enzymes rather than harsh scrubs.
Toning
Use an alcohol-free toner to balance skin pH, refine pores, and give a light hydration boost. Look for ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera, or green tea.
Serum
This is where transformation happens. Lightweight serums with niacinamide (to control oil and fade marks), hyaluronic acid (for hydration), or vitamin C (for brightness) work best for oily skin in winter.
Moisturizing
Never skip moisturizer. Choose a gel-based or oil-free cream that locks in hydration without clogging pores. Remember: hydrated skin produces less excess oil.
Sun Protection
UV rays don’t take a vacation in winter. Use a matte, oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30+ every morning to prevent pigmentation, tanning, and premature ageing.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Winter Skincare
- Hydrate from within: Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or green tea to prevent dehydration.
- Balanced diet: Include omega-3 rich foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables for skin health.
- Avoid hot water splashes: Use lukewarm water to wash your face to prevent barrier damage.
- Stress & sleep: Poor sleep and high stress trigger oil production; aim for 7–8 hours of rest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Winter Oily Skin Care
- Over-cleansing or using harsh foaming cleansers.
- Skipping moisturizer assuming oily skin doesn’t need it.
- Using heavy, pore-clogging creams.
- Forgetting sunscreen because “it’s not sunny.”
- Over-exfoliating, which can trigger irritation and more oil production.
Explore Dr.Rashel’s Winter Skincare Collection
At Dr.Rashel, we know oily skin needs gentle yet effective care. Our Cucumber Gel hydrates without heaviness, while Papaya Serum targets pigmentation and oil balance. For winter radiance, the Coconut Cream nourishes while keeping pores clear.
Every product is dermatologically tested, cruelty-free, and designed for Indian skin and climate. With the right winter routine and Dr.Rashel’s skincare essentials, you can say goodbye to greasy, dull winters and hello to a balanced, glowing complexion in 2025.
FAQs About Winter Skincare
What is the best skincare routine for winter?
The best winter skincare routine focuses on balancing hydration + protection + gentle cleansing. A simple order to follow:
- Step 1: Cleanser: Mild, sulfate-free face wash (2x/day).
- Step 2: Exfoliation: 1–2 times a week, gentle acids (like lactic acid) or enzyme scrubs.
- Step 3: Toner: Alcohol-free, hydrating toner.
- Step 4: Serum: Niacinamide, Vitamin C, or Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and brightening.
- Step 5: Moisturizer: Oil-free gel cream for oily skin; thicker creams for dry skin.
- Step 6: Sunscreen: SPF 30+ daily (even if it’s cloudy).
Can I use vitamin C serum in winter?
Yes, vitamin C serum is excellent in winter. It helps brighten dull skin, fades pigmentation, and provides antioxidant protection against pollution.
Which serum is best for winters?
For oily skin in winter, the best serums are:
- Niacinamide: Controls oil, shrinks pores, and strengthens skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Locks in hydration without making skin greasy.
- Vitamin C: Brightens skin and improves collagen production.
Choose a serum depending on your concern: hydration, oil control, or brightening.
Is niacinamide good for winter?
Niacinamide is one of the best ingredients for oily skin in winter. It balances sebum production, reduces redness, repairs skin barrier, and prevents winter-induced irritation.
Which moisturizer is better in winter?
For oily skin, opt for a gel-based or oil-free moisturizer enriched with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. Avoid thick, greasy creams that clog pores. The goal is to hydrate without suffocating the skin.
Can I use hyaluronic acid serum in winter?
Yes, hyaluronic acid is perfect for winter. It draws water into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. For oily skin, apply it on slightly damp skin, then seal it with a lightweight moisturizer.
How often should I wash my face in winter?
Wash your face twice a day - once in the morning and once at night.
Which products are good for winter?
Good products for oily skin in winter include:
- Foam/Gel Cleanser (oil-free)
- Mild Exfoliator (2x/week)
- Alcohol-Free Toner
- Hydrating Serum (Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid)
- Gel-Based Moisturizer
- Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Which is the best face pack for winter?
For oily skin, choose a clay-based face pack with hydrating ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera, or niacinamide. Clay controls excess oil, while hydrating extracts prevent dryness. Use once a week for fresh, balanced skin.
How many times should I apply moisturizer in winter?
Moisturize at least twice a day - morning and night. If your skin feels tight or flaky, you can reapply a thin layer midday. Stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas.
