Winter weather can be harsh on our skin, leaving it dry, dull, and sometimes even flaky. With so many skincare products out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right one that truly delivers on its promises. As someone who has tried countless hydrating serums, I am excited to share with you my tried and true serum that has helped me achieve the coveted winter dewy skin.
After testing hundreds of products, I have found that the key to achieving hydrated and radiant skin in the winter is through a high-quality hydrating serum. Hydrating serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that penetrate deep into the skin to deliver moisture and nutrients. They often contain humectants, which are ingredients that attract and retain moisture, as well as antioxidants, which protect the skin from environmental stressors.
In this blog post, I will be sharing the hydrating serum that has worked wonders for me, along with tips on how to incorporate it into your winter skincare routine. Say goodbye to dry, lackluster skin and hello to a radiant, dewy complexion!

How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for Winter Dryness and Achieve Dewy Skin, Even with Oily Skin
Usually, I have skin that is both combination and oily. During the warmer months, my primary concern is avoiding looking excessively oily by 10 a.m., rather than focusing on keeping my skin hydrated. However, as soon as November rolls around and the bikinis are packed away, my skin stops producing excess oil. At the same time, the start of dry skin season is signaled by the clanging of the steam heating in my New York City apartment (if you know, you know). This causes the air to lose its dewy moisture, resulting in my skin feeling dry.
Having had oily skin all my life, I’ve learned that using light layers of skincare products is the way to go. Applying a thick cream can quickly lead to an oily complexion. I stick to this principle even during the colder months. Last winter, I came across a serum that was a lifesaver for my dry and flaky skin. The Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum was the secret to keeping my skin looking hydrated and supple, without weighing it down or causing my makeup to slide off.
Shop now: Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum, $64
The texture of the Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum is similar to other hyaluronic acid serums as if you added a thickener to a water-based serum. However, don’t dismiss it as just another serum yet. The reason why this elixir is different from other serums I’ve tried is that its formula relies on three types of hydration. To explain this, let’s compare it to our medical system, but a better one. Algae are the first responders that work quickly, like a band-aid for your skin’s dryness. Polyglutamic acid acts as the emergency room, replenishing your skin’s water reserves. Finally, hyaluronic acid (HA) is your primary care physician, providing a long-term plan to prevent dryness from recurring. HA drives hydration deep into your skin, keeping it radiant and avoiding future dryness. Together, this powerhouse team works at different levels to break the cycle of dryness.
Related: La Roche-Posay’s Retinol B3 Serum Review: Gentle Glow for Sensitive Skin
My morning skincare routine consists of the essentials. First, I apply the Circular Hydration Serum, followed by a vitamin C serum, and finished off with an SPF that provides extra moisture during the winter. If you’re looking to add more hydration to your nighttime routine, after cleansing and toning, apply the Circular Hydration Serum, followed by retinol or another active ingredient. I personally recommend the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, which is also favored by Selena Gomez. She also uses the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner and Smart Response Serum for her full regimen, if you want to try it out.
Shop now: Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, $92
Shop now: Multi-Active Toner, $43
Shop now: Smart Response Serum, $145
The Circular Hydration Serum has become like a Liquid IV for my skin, transforming it from dry as a glass of chardonnay to juicy and dewy in just one step.
More Dermalogica Products to Achieve Dewy Skin
- Prisma Protect SPF30 Moisturizer, $69: A daily moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF30 protection that helps prevent UV damage and skin aging. It also contains light-activated intelligent technology that enhances skin’s natural luminosity and provides long-lasting hydration.
- Barrier Repair, $54: A restorative moisturizer that helps to reinforce the skin’s natural lipid barrier and protect against environmental triggers that can lead to skin sensitization. It contains shea butter, oat extract, and bisabolol to soothe and nourish the skin.
- Daily Microexfoliant, $65: A gentle exfoliating powder that helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin’s surface. It contains a blend of rice enzymes, salicylic acid, and papain to brighten and smooth the skin, leaving it looking more radiant and youthful.
Photo: Dermalogica
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