Glow-Up Guide: Winter Skincare Tips (From Someone Who Used…Water 😄)
Winter has a way of changing our skin before we even realize it. Cold air, indoor heat, and less daylight can leave skin feeling dry, tight, and a little dull. The good news? A few small, intentional changes can make a big difference.
And I say this as someone who, for most of her life, had no skincare routine to speak of.
Honestly? I use water.
If my skin felt dry, it was Pond’s.
At the beach, Coppertone.
That was it. No serums, no steps, no “regimen.”
But lately… my skin has been asking for a little more.
A Simple Winter Skincare Regimen That Actually Works
This isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing a few things well—and enjoying the process.
1. Hydration Comes First
Winter strips moisture quickly, especially if you’re indoors with the heat on. A richer moisturizer or layering a light serum underneath can help your skin stay comfortable and plump.
This was my biggest adjustment. I never thought much about hydration beyond “my skin feels fine.” Now, I notice immediately when it needs more, and when I give it that extra care, it shows.
2. Gentle Exfoliation (Once or Twice a Week)
Exfoliating removes dry, dull skin so hydration can actually sink in. The key is gentle, especially in winter.
Using something like Paula’s Choice BHA, sparingly, has been eye-opening for me. It’s effective without feeling harsh, which matters more now than it ever did before.
3. Masks Are No Longer Optional
Hydrating masks are winter skin’s best friend. They calm, soften, and bring life back to tired skin.
I’ll admit, masks used to feel indulgent and unnecessary. Now? They feel practical. Especially after a long week, there’s something grounding about slowing down and giving your skin ten quiet minutes. This is a great time to play a couple of favourite tunes, kick back and relax.
4. Seal It In With a Final Mist
A hydrating mist helps lock everything in and leaves skin feeling refreshed rather than heavy. It’s a small step, but one that makes the whole routine feel finished.
This is one of those steps I never knew I needed, until I tried it.
5. Roll, Relax, Repeat
Facial rollers help reduce puffiness, boost circulation, and feel incredible, especially in the winter.
It turns skincare into a moment, not a task. And that’s been the biggest shift for me: treating this as self-care, not maintenance.
Last Friday Night Brought It All Together
Friday’s Swiftie Pilates + Facial Night reminded me why these small rituals matter.
Pilates, facials, Taylor Swift playing, and the most incredible group of nurses laughing and relaxing together, t was joyful, light, and exactly what winter self-care should feel like.
Watching everyone glow afterward made me realize that this isn’t about chasing youth or perfection. It’s about honouring change and meeting ourselves where we are.
If You’re Evolving Too
If you’ve always been low-maintenance like me and are noticing that what worked for years doesn’t quite anymore, you’re not doing anything wrong.
You’re just entering a new season.
And sometimes that season starts with a little extra moisturizer, a good playlist, and permission to slow down.💗
A Little Invitation (Because Wellness Should Be Fun)
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that wellness doesn’t have to be serious or intimidating.
At Pilates on Plains and Bella, we’re all about fun, learning, and shared experiences. Trying something new, laughing a little, moving our bodies, taking care of our skin, and doing it together.
If you’re craving something a little different this winter…
If you want to add some fun to your life with a great group of women…
If you’ve been thinking, “I should do something just for me”…
Let me know.
I’m always happy to help create something that feels welcoming, relaxed, and joyful.
Sometimes it starts with Pilates.
Sometimes it’s facials, music, or tea and conversation.
And sometimes it’s just showing up and seeing where it leads.
Join Us: Pilates in Pyjamas ✨
If this post is making you crave a little more coziness, connection, and care… we’d love to invite you to something special.
Pilates in Pyjamas is a relaxed, feel-good evening at Pilates on Plains, where you’ll:
Move gently through a cozy Pilates class
Sip hot chocolate
Enjoy a guided journaling prompt to reflect, reset, and get ready for 2026
Come as you are. Wear your comfiest PJs. Bring a friend, or come solo and leave feeling part of something.
This night isn’t about pushing harder or doing more.
It’s about slowing down, warming up, and creating space for what you want next.
✨ Spots are limited to keep things intimate.
👉 Sign up through our website or message me directly if you have questions, I’m happy to help.
We’d love to welcome you.
WINTER SKINCARE
Our POP + Bella Facial Steps
01 — GENTLE CLEANSING
We began with a gentle, balanced cleanser to remove makeup, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin. Clean skin creates the perfect base for everything that follows.
(We used a mild, non-drying cleanser suitable for all skin types.)
02 — LIQUID EXFOLIATION
Next, we applied a gentle liquid exfoliant to smooth the skin and remove dead surface cells. This step helps brighten the complexion and allows hydration to penetrate more effectively.
(Gentle exfoliation is key—especially in winter.)
03 — SOOTHE WITH A MASK & ADDED GEL EYE PATCHES
We then applied a calming, hydrating facial mask and allowed the skin time to rest and absorb all the goodness. This is where relaxation meets results. While waiting for the mask to dry we added cooling, moisturizing gel eye patches. We also gave our lips a little love with a brown sugar scrub.
(Mask time = glow time.)
04 — HYDRATE & PLUMP
A hydrating treatment was applied to nourish and replenish moisture. This step focuses on restoring softness, comfort, and glow to winter-stressed skin.
(Hydration is the heart of winter skincare.)
05 — — SEAL & FINISH
To finish, we misted the skin to lock in hydration and gently used facial rollers to boost circulation and reduce puffiness—leaving skin refreshed, calm, and glowing.
(The final touch makes all the difference.)
06_ _ Lovely Lips
Sealed it with some kissable lips using Pro calogen peptide lip plumping gloss.
💗
Marion