Your Skin's Winter Sanctuary

person angelina swanson
calendar_today Dec 16, 2025
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As winter settles in and the air becomes drier and colder, our skin shifts right along with the season. Moisture loss increases as heaters kick on and dry out the air, cell turnover slows, and even the healthiest skin can feel tight or fatigued. At aos, we approach this time of year with a blend of comfort and science. Plants, lipids, and clinically supported actives come together to create a ritual that strengthens the skin barrier, restores hydration, and keeps your complexion steady through the cold months.

Each of us has unique skin with distinct needs and so we reach for different products to match, but here's an example of a nightly ritual highlighting our most hydrating and comforting skincare.

STEP 1: Cleanse with the Youth in Bloom Hydrating Cleanser

A winter routine begins with a cleanser that supports, rather than strips, the skin barrier. This cream based formula combines nourishing plant oils with hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds water at the surface. As you massage it in, it dissolves buildup while maintaining hydration and keeping the skin’s protective lipids intact. The result is a clean, supple base that sets the tone for every step that follows.

STEP 2: Exfoliate with a Double Exfoliation Ritual

Because cooler weather slows natural cell turnover, gentle exfoliation becomes essential for keeping skin bright and receptive to moisture.

Start with the Coconut Lactic Peel.
This 5 percent sugar derived lactic acid cream mask loosens dead surface cells while supporting hydration. Lactic acid is one of the most moisture friendly exfoliants, making it ideal for winter skin that needs renewal without irritation.

Follow with the Cucumber Face Polish.
Once the peel has softened the outer layer, the round beads made of natural organic jojoba wax provide a satisfying manual exfoliation without creating micro tears or disrupting delicate skin. This step polishes the surface, improving texture and giving your skin a smooth, refined feel.

Together, these two exfoliants create an optimal reset, revealing a fresh canvas ready to absorb hydration.

STEP 3: Tone and Adjust pH with Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol or Frankincense Hydrosol

Toning is especially important in winter. After exfoliation, your skin is primed to take in hydration, and restoring an optimal pH helps maintain barrier strength.
Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol delivers gentle hydration with naturally occurring compounds that soothe and soften. Frankincense Hydrosol offers a grounding experience with supportive terpenes that calm reactive or dry winter skin. Both help prepare the skin to receive treatments more effectively.

STEP 4: Treat with Blue Sapphire Concentrated Brightening Oil in the Honey Avocado Rescue Mask

This step layers deep nourishment with targeted treatment. The Honey Avocado Rescue Mask provides a base of humectants, enzymes, and essential fatty acids, creating a cushion of moisture. When you add a few drops of Blue Sapphire Concentrated Brightening Oil, you infuse the mask with potent botanical antioxidants that support brightness, even tone, and repair.

This synergy offers long lasting comfort and visible radiance.

STEP 5: Deeply Nourish with a Winter Night Cream

The final facial step seals everything in and supports overnight repair. Winter demands richer formulas that strengthen the barrier and prevent moisture loss.

Choose what your skin needs most:

Saving Grace Night Cream for dense, protective nourishment.
Beauty Sleep Overnight Brightening Mask for hydration paired with overnight brightening.
Herbal Night Cream for the deepest moisture when the air feels especially dry or harsh.

Each formula reinforces the skin’s natural repair process and protects hydration through the night.

And in The Morning...

Our skin needs protection all day long and even though many of us, especially in northern climates, don't get as much sun, we still highly recommend wearing sunscreen every day. We offer facial moisturizers with natural mineral SPF and a whole face + body sunscreen with spf 30+ for when you'll be outside and need more protection.

Caring for the Rest of Your Winter Skin

Face care is only half the story in winter. The rest of our body experiences the same dehydration, barrier disruption, and environmental stress, so supporting it with thoughtful exfoliation and rich moisture makes all the difference.

Smooth and Renew with a Sugar Scrub

Our therapeutic sugar scrubs have organic evaporated cane juice, a whole-sugar option that’s healthier for both our bodies and the environment. Sugar is naturally antibacterial and far gentler than soap in winter, making it an excellent substitute when you want to cleanse and exfoliate without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier.

The scrub is enriched with hydrating and calming shea butter (sustainably wildharvested, of course!), which melts into the skin as you polish away roughness. The result is instant smoothness and a surge of moisture right in the shower.

Hydrate with Oils or Creams Based on What Your Skin Craves

If you love the glide and absorption of oils, we have the luscious seasonal Cardamom Vanilla Bath and Body Oil. Year round, we offer the brightening Blue Sapphire Illuminating Body Oil. Both are packed with skin supporting ceramides, antioxidants and natural essential oils.

If creams are more your style, reach for the Chamomile Dream Ultrarich Body Cream. For the richest, most protective hydration, scoop up the limited edition Cardamom Vanilla Body Butter or go all in with our richest formula, the Deep Tissue Massage Butter.