You don't need makeup to hide dry skin in winter, follow this trend to get the glow back

Thermal Glow helps rejuvenate skin by boosting circulation, improving product absorption, and restoring a warm glow even in harsh winter conditions (Image: Pexels)

Winter is here and so is dry skin. It’s that time of the year again when your cheeks might feel like they’re dusted with fine white flakes, and every hand wash leaves them tight and itchy, as if your skin is asking for more warmth and moisture.

The cold weather outside and indoor heating can leave your skin feeling tight, flaky, and just generally miserable. So, as you rummage through old remedies and skincare tips, also keep an eye on the new trends in skincare. One such trend is, the ‘Thermal Glow’.

Unlike makeup tricks that merely add shine, Thermal Glow is all about nurturing your skin so it radiates health naturally. Dr Milli Sinha, Aesthetic Physician at La Clinique and Expert at Oteria, tells Moneycontrol, “This winter, it’s less about layering highlighters and more about cozy, gentle routines that bring warmth and vitality back to your face. During winter, cold temperatures and prolonged indoor heating tend to steal your skin’s moisture. Thermal Glow helps rejuvenate skin by boosting circulation, improving product absorption, and restoring a warm glow even in harsh winter conditions.”

Dr Sinha shares 5 ways to get your winter glow on:

Begin with facial steaming: A simple 5–10 minutes of facial steaming once or twice a week works wonders. “The gentle heat opens pores, loosens impurities, and improves blood flow, giving skin a naturally rosy flush,” explains Dr Sinha. Steaming also helps serums and moisturisers absorb better, making your skincare routine far more effective.

Choose heat-responsive actives: Ingredients like niacinamide, polypeptides, and hyaluronic acid can gently warm the skin while hydrating and repairing the barrier. This combination encourages a fresh, energised look that feels as good as it appears—perfect for battling cold, dry air.

Opt for warming textures: Winter skincare isn’t just about what’s in the tube, it’s how it feels. Balm-to-oil cleansers and cream-to-serum formulas create a subtle warming effect when massaged into the skin. This tactile ritual removes impurities, unclogs pores, and leaves skin soft and soothed.

Layer with deeply nourishing moisturisers: Locking in hydration is key. Ceramides, Vitamin E, and gentle retinoids strengthen the skin barrier, prevent water loss, and promote smooth, resilient texture. “Consistent use keeps the skin protected while delivering that coveted warm glow,” says Dr Sinha.

Finish with glow-boosting oils: A few drops of rosehip, argan, or Vitamin E oil completes the ritual. Massaging it in stimulates circulation, nourishes the skin barrier, and leaves a supple, luminous finish. It’s a simple indulgence that transforms winter dryness into radiant comfort.