Dry January Skincare: 5 Simple Ways to Hydrate & Nourish Your Skin This Winter
- Angie Ruh
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
January is often thought of as a time to detox, declutter, and start fresh. But while you're swapping wine for water and reorganizing your life, your skin might be silently screaming for attention.
Thanks to frigid air, dry heat, and a dip in motivation after the holidays, your skin’s barrier can easily become compromised — leading to flakiness, irritation, and a tight, uncomfortable feel. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire skincare routine to make a difference.
Instead, a few intentional tweaks can help restore balance, moisture, and that healthy glow we all crave during the dreariest month of the year.
Let’s dive into five skin-loving habits that’ll help you survive (and thrive through) Dry January.
1. Rethink What You're Putting on Your Skin
Let’s be real: December is gift set season. You’ve probably got a new stash of beautifully packaged body lotions, scrubs, or bubble baths. They smell divine, but here’s the catch — many of them are packed with ingredients that can mess with your skin’s balance.
Common culprits include:
Parabens – These preservatives can throw off your skin’s pH and cause sensitivity over time.
Mineral oil – Often gives the illusion of moisture but sits on top of the skin instead of nourishing it.
If you’ve ever used a product and your skin felt itchy, tight, or irritated afterward, that’s your body saying, “No thanks.” It’s okay to listen.
January is the perfect time to pare down. Choose clean, fragrance-free, and nourishing products that truly support your skin’s health — not just your senses.
2. Say Goodbye to Flakes: Try the SHINE Double E Method
Dry, flaky skin? That’s a sign your skin’s top layer is holding on to dead skin cells — and moisture can’t fully absorb if it's trapped behind buildup.
At SHINE Tanning Solutions, they swear by the Double E Method — a two-step exfoliation approach designed to gently but effectively prep your skin for hydration and self-tanning.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Dry Brushing
Use the SHINE Tan Prep Exfoliating Dry Brush in circular motions before you shower. Start from your feet and work upward. This boosts blood flow, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and sloughs off dead skin without irritation.
Step 2: Wet Exfoliation
Once in the shower, grab the SHINE Exfoliating Mitt with a mild, non-moisturizing body wash. This removes any leftover dead skin cells and leaves your skin soft, smooth, and ready to absorb both moisture and tanning solutions.
Why it works:
Gentle yet effective: Perfect for all skin types
No oily residue: So your products (or tan!) go on evenly
Improves circulation: Say hello to healthier, glowier skin
✨ January Special: Grab both the Exfoliating Brush and Mitt together for 50% off – save $9.99!
3. Consistency > Perfection in Your Skincare Routine
We get it — post-holiday burnout is real. January can feel like a gray, slow-moving blur. But this is when your skin needs you the most.
Cold air outside, dry heat inside, and irregular sleep or diet patterns can all take a toll. That’s why consistency is more important than ever.
You don’t need a 10-step routine. Just show up with the basics:
Gentle cleanser
Hydrating toner or mist
Nourishing moisturizer
SPF during the day (yes, even in winter!)
Small, consistent steps done daily beat a once-a-week skin marathon. Think of it as showing your skin some daily kindness.
4. Book a Professional Hydrating Treatment
Sure, your at-home routine is key — but sometimes, your skin needs a little extra TLC that only a pro can provide.
Licensed estheticians use treatments that go deeper than your typical mask. These services are designed to:
Hydrate below the surface
Rebuild your skin barrier
Calm irritation and redness
Tailor results to your current skin condition
One great example? The Hot Chocolate Facial at SHINE.
🍫 What is it?
A deeply hydrating, comforting facial that restores moisture, calms the skin, and supports your barrier — especially beneficial when winter dryness peaks.
✨ January Special:
Hot Chocolate Facial now $70 (regularly $85) — cozy, calming, and your skin will thank you!
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW BY SELECTING YOUR LOCATION BELOW.
5. Hydrate After Your Spray Tan, Too
Think your skincare ends after a spray tan? Nope. Hydration doesn’t stop just because you’re golden.
The SHINE Setting Spray Add-On is a total game-changer. Used after your spray tan, this lightweight mist helps lock in moisture without that greasy, heavy feeling. It's especially helpful in winter, when dry air can zap your glow in no time.
Keeps skin hydrated post-tan
Helps tan develop evenly and last longer
No oily residue
✨ January Special: Setting Spray Add-On just $5 (regularly $10) — a little goes a long way.
Wrapping It Up: Your Skin Deserves Some January Love
Dry January doesn’t just have to be about ditching the wine — it’s also about tuning in to what your body, mind, and skin really need.
By making small but intentional choices, you can support your skin through the harshest month of the year without overcomplicating your life.
Here’s your winter skin checklist:
✅ Ditch the irritating products
✅ Gently exfoliate with the Double E Method
✅ Stay consistent, even if it's simple
✅ Treat yourself to pro-grade hydration
✅ Lock in moisture post-spray tan
This month is all about resetting, simplifying, and listening to your body. Your skin is part of that. And hey — you don’t have to go it alone. The team at SHINE is always here to help guide you.
Because at the end of the day, healthy skin isn't about doing everything — it's about doing what works for you.
FAQs
Q: Can I exfoliate every day during winter?
A: Nope! 1–3 times a week is ideal depending on your skin type. Over-exfoliating can actually worsen dryness.
Q: Should I change my moisturizer in the winter?
A: Absolutely. Switch to a thicker, more emollient moisturizer that supports your skin barrier.
Q: Is SPF really necessary in January?
A: 100%. UV rays don’t take a winter break, and snow can reflect up to 80% of them!
Q: Can dry skin affect how my spray tan develops?
A: Yes! Dry or flaky skin can lead to uneven absorption. That’s why exfoliation and hydration are key before and after your tan.
