Winter can be especially tough on sensitive skin. Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating strip moisture quickly, often leading to tightness, flakiness, and redness that feels uncomfortable throughout the day.
You don’t have to accept this as inevitable. Targeted adjustments to your routine and the right dermatologist-developed products can help strengthen your skin barrier and deliver real relief.
Explore the SOOTHE Regimen, formulated specifically for sensitive skin that needs calm and hydration. Add targeted support with gentle skincare designed for reactive skin or follow the steps in an effective winter skincare routine.
Ready to build a routine that works for your sensitive skin? Visit Rodan + Fields today.
Why Sensitive Skin Faces Extra Challenges in Winter
Sensitive skin has a thinner protective barrier that loses moisture more readily. In winter, dry outdoor air combined with indoor heating intensifies the issue. Wind and rapid temperature changes can quickly trigger visible redness and flakiness.
Many find that products they normally tolerate suddenly feel harsh or leave skin feeling tight after cleansing. This occurs as the skin barrier weakens and struggles to retain hydration. Recognizing these changes allows you to address them directly with the right care.
Start with Gentle Cleansing Every Day
Harsh cleansers remove natural oils and worsen dryness. Choose a cream or gel face cleanser that effectively removes dirt and makeup without foaming agents or sulfates that can irritate.
Use lukewarm water and limit washing to under a minute. Hot water may feel good but draws moisture from the skin. Gently pat dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing to minimize friction and irritation.
If your skin feels especially reactive, cleanse only in the evening. Many can manage mornings with just water. This approach helps prevent the tight, pulled sensation common after winter cleansing.
Layer in Powerful Hydration for Lasting Relief
Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while skin is still damp to lock in hydration. In colder months, opt for richer cream textures over lightweight lotions. Use them on your face, neck, and any dry areas.
Targeted face serums that attract and hold moisture provide additional support beneath your moisturizer. They help reduce the appearance of flakiness and support skin comfort. Reapply hand cream and lip balm multiple times daily, as these areas lose moisture fastest.
Nighttime is an ideal time for richer formulas that support repair while you sleep. Consistent use helps build a stronger barrier, so skin feels softer even on the coldest days.
Select Soothing Ingredients That Support Sensitive Skin
Look for ingredients such as ceramides to help rebuild the skin barrier and retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid draws hydration into the skin without heaviness. Glycerin and shea butter deliver softness while helping calm redness.
Oatmeal extracts gently soothe irritation, and niacinamide helps reduce the look of redness. These work together to address flakiness and support balanced skin. During winter, avoid formulas with fragrance, alcohol, or strong exfoliants that may increase sensitivity.
Always patch test new products on a small area first.
Adopt Supportive Daily Habits That Protect Your Skin
Take short, lukewarm showers to preserve natural oils. Use a humidifier in your bedroom to restore moisture in the air and reduce overnight dryness. Drink water consistently throughout the day to support internal hydration that shows on your skin.
Wear soft scarves and gloves when outdoors to shield cheeks and hands from wind. Choose breathable fabrics that won’t rub against or trap heat on your skin. These habits help minimize irritation from daily exposure.
Shield Your Skin from Outdoor Elements and UV Rays
Cold wind and temperature shifts can cause immediate redness and tightness. Cover exposed skin when heading outdoors. Apply a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days, as UV rays still reach the skin.
Use a protective lip balm to prevent cracking and apply hand cream before going out to create a barrier against dry air. These steps help keep sensitive areas comfortable throughout the season.
Avoid Common Winter Skincare Pitfalls
Over-exfoliating or using strong actives like retinol too frequently can compromise your skin barrier and increase flakiness. Save intensive treatments for milder weather and maintain a gentle routine. Skipping moisturizer after cleansing is another common mistake that leads to discomfort.
Summer-weight products often fall short when humidity drops. Layering richer, more supportive formulas delivers better results. Pay attention to your skin and adjust as needed if you see increased redness or dryness.
Rodan + Fields Solutions for Sensitive Skincare in Winter
Rodan + Fields develops dermatologist-developed skincare that directly addresses these winter challenges. The SOOTHE Regimen calms redness, reduces dryness, and helps strengthen the skin barrier with gentle, effective steps.
It features the Calming Gel Cleanser, which cleanses without stripping, the Sensitive Skin Treatment for fast relief from irritation, and the Moisturizing Rescue Cream that locks in hydration. Pair it with Daily Mineral Sunscreen for gentle, effective protection.
For added hydration, incorporate Active Hydration Serum. It boosts moisture levels and layers well under SOOTHE moisturizers. The SOOTHE Moisturizing Rescue Cream is especially effective for its rich yet non-greasy texture that helps ease flakiness.
Calm sensitive skin.
Our dermatologist-developed 4-step regimen for sensitive skin reduces visible redness, relieves dryness and irritation, and fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier. 60-day supply.
DETAILS
What it is: A targeted skincare routine for sensitive skin that calms dry, itchy skin while replenishing moisture and protecting against environmental aggressors.
Why you need it: When the skin barrier is weakened, sensitivity, redness, and dryness increase. This regimen helps strengthen the barrier to support visibly calmer, more balanced, and comfortable skin.
ITEM NUMBER: HSORG001
KEY CONCERNS
Dryness, Irritation, Visible Redness, Sensitivity
SKIN TYPE
Suitable for all skin types
KEY BENEFITS
Calms + reduces visible redness and relieves dry, irritated skin
RESULTS
- 100% had less visible dryness*
- 88% had less visible redness + blotchiness*
- 79% felt their skin was more balanced + less sensitive*
- 78% of participants with eczema felt they experienced less bothersome itchiness*
- 71% said their skin looked calmer and more relaxed*
FULL STUDY RESULTS
Skin shows visible improvement in flare-ups due to eczema and atopic dermatitis over time.
Instant Results*
Improves visible dryness and redness
After 4 Weeks*
88% had smoother skin
88% had less visible dryness
76% said flare-ups feel more comfortable
76% had less visible redness + blotchiness
After 8 Weeks*
100% had less visible dryness
94% had smoother skin
88% had less visible redness + blotchiness
88% said skin felt nourished + moisturized throughout the day
82% noticed a more even-looking skin texture
82% said skin looks and feels soothed
71% said their skin looked calmer and more relaxed
79% felt their skin was more balanced and less sensitive
78% with eczema felt they experienced less bothersome itchiness
Calms dry, itchy skin for better sleep
Helps relieve dry, itchy skin associated with eczema
HOW TO USE
Step 1: Cleanse
Apply AM + PM
- Wet skin and gently massage evenly over face, avoiding the eye area.
- Rinse well + pat dry.
Step 2: Treat
Soothe Sensitive Skin Treatment
Apply AM + PM
- Apply evenly to face until it blends into skin, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse.
- Reapply throughout the day as needed.
Step 3: Hydrate
Soothe Moisturizing Rescue Cream
Apply AM + PM
- Apply evenly over face, avoiding the eye area.
Step 4: Protect
Soothe Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Apply AM
- Shake well before use.
- Apply over face + neck, avoiding the eye area.
Warnings: For external use only. Keep product out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum
Boosts hydration levels by 200% by drawing moisture to the skin’s surface.* Add to any regimen for enhanced results.
Recommended Usage: Once daily in the PM for normal, combination, or oily skin. Twice daily, in the AM + PM for dry skin.
Size: 30 mL / 1.0 Fl. Oz. U.S.
DETAILS
What it is: A lightweight face serum that balances hydration levels and preps skin to better receive the products applied after it.
Why you need it: Hydrated skin looks and acts younger. This best-selling serum helps maintain continuous hydration for up to eight hours.*
*Based on an 8-day U.S. clinical and consumer study.
ITEM NUMBER: ENHEFG1
KEY CONCERNS
Dry, Unnourished Skin
KEY BENEFITS
Boosts hydration levels by 200% for all-day hydration*
RESULTS
- 100% had an increase in skin’s moisture retention after 1 week*
- 94% saw an improvement in moisture after 2 weeks**
FULL STUDY RESULTS
R+F Active Hydration Serum increases your skin’s hydration level by 200% after just one use and keeps it there for 8 hours.*
100% of participants had an increase in skin’s moisture retention after 1 week*
94% of participants saw an improvement in moisture after 2 weeks**
*Based on an 8-day U.S. clinical and consumer study.
**Based on a 2-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.
HOW TO USE
Use nightly and adjust frequency and amount based on your skin’s needs. We recommend nightly use for oily or combination skin. Use twice daily (AM + PM) if you have dry skin.
- Twist cap counter-clockwise to unlock and remove.
- Push the top of the cap to pump one application of serum into your hand.
- Apply product over face, avoiding upper eyelids.
- Immediately follow with the next step in your Regimen (Step 2 for SOOTHE, Spotless and Recharge, Step 3 for REDEFINE, REVERSE and UNBLEMISH).
Ready to build a routine that works for your sensitive skin? Visit Rodan + Fields today.
