Winter Skincare Routine for Combination Skin in Delhi

Winter in Delhi: what changes

Switch to a cream cleanser and a richer ceramide moisturiser. Add a few drops of squalane at night if you feel tight.

Exfoliate less often (once or twice a week). Cold, dry air plus acids equals flaking.

Winter smog peaks now. Double cleanse on high-AQI days and use an antioxidant serum in the morning.

Every morning

Cleanse Gentle foaming gel cleanser Shop

Treat Vitamin C + E + ferulic serum About Vitamin C Shop

Moisturise Ceramide cream About Ceramides Shop

Protect Matte gel sunscreen SPF 50, PA++++ About Sunscreen Shop

Night rotation

MonActive nightGlycolic acid 5–8% toner

1
CleanseCleansing balm or micellar water (removes SPF, pollution)
2
CleanseGentle foaming gel cleanser
3
ExfoliateGlycolic acid 5–8% toner
4
MoisturiseCeramide cream + 2 drops squalane

TueRecovery nightHyaluronic acid or snail mucin essence

1
CleanseCleansing balm or micellar water (removes SPF, pollution)
2
CleanseGentle foaming gel cleanser
3
HydrateHyaluronic acid or snail mucin essence
4
MoisturiseCeramide cream + 2 drops squalane

WedTreatment nightNiacinamide serum

1
CleanseCleansing balm or micellar water (removes SPF, pollution)
2
CleanseGentle foaming gel cleanser
3
TreatNiacinamide serum
4
MoisturiseCeramide cream + 2 drops squalane

ThuRecovery nightHyaluronic acid or snail mucin essence

1
CleanseCleansing balm or micellar water (removes SPF, pollution)
2
CleanseGentle foaming gel cleanser
3
HydrateHyaluronic acid or snail mucin essence
4
MoisturiseCeramide cream + 2 drops squalane

FriActive nightGlycolic acid 5–8% toner

1
CleanseCleansing balm or micellar water (removes SPF, pollution)
2
CleanseGentle foaming gel cleanser
3
ExfoliateGlycolic acid 5–8% toner
4
MoisturiseCeramide cream + 2 drops squalane

SatRecovery nightHyaluronic acid or snail mucin essence

1
CleanseCleansing balm or micellar water (removes SPF, pollution)
2
CleanseGentle foaming gel cleanser
3
HydrateHyaluronic acid or snail mucin essence
4
MoisturiseCeramide cream + 2 drops squalane

SunTreatment nightNiacinamide serum

1
CleanseCleansing balm or micellar water (removes SPF, pollution)
2
CleanseGentle foaming gel cleanser
3
TreatNiacinamide serum
4
MoisturiseCeramide cream + 2 drops squalane

Tips for your skin

In cold weather, cut exfoliation in half, switch to a cream cleanser and add an occlusive (squalane, shea) at night.

On high-AQI days, double cleanse every night. A morning antioxidant (vitamin C or niacinamide) helps neutralise pollution damage.

Patch test every new product on your jawline for 2–3 nights before using it on your whole face.

Budget tip: Indian D2C brands sell single-active serums for ₹300–₹700 that match premium formulas. Pay for sunscreen first.

For the reasoning behind these swaps, read our winter skincare routine guide.

Delhi has regular poor-air days. Our pollution skincare routine covers what to add on those days.

Other seasons in Delhi

Summer routine Monsoon routine Year-round routine

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Winter skincare routine for combination skin in Delhi?

Morning: gentle foaming gel cleanser, vitamin c + e + ferulic serum, ceramide cream, matte gel sunscreen spf 50, pa++++. At night: glycolic acid 5–8% toner on active nights, and hydration and barrier repair in between.

How should I change my skincare for Delhi winter?

Switch to a cream cleanser and a richer ceramide moisturiser. Add a few drops of squalane at night if you feel tight. Exfoliate less often (once or twice a week). Cold, dry air plus acids equals flaking. Winter smog peaks now. Double cleanse on high-AQI days and use an antioxidant serum in the morning.

Winter skincare routine for combination skin in Delhi