It seems like everyone on the internet is more glowing and moisturized than I am. As I scroll down my FYP, I’m spotting glistening skin—a gleam that can only be the result of a trip to the tropics after a day spent basking in the sun. It’s skin that reads summertime, when in reality, it’s February, when the allure of winter is long over. Just last week the wind index was in the negatives; in New York City, mounds of ice from last month’s snowstorm are still crowding every sidewalk. Morale is low! Perhaps the only way to keep our spirits up (and seasonal depression at bay!) is an indulgent nightly beauty regimen. I’ve been keeping my facial skin soft and supple, but has everybody been practicing an equally as prescriptive body-care routine without me?
Vogue’s Favorite Body-Care Products for Winter
If you grew up in a “don’t trust anyone with ashy elbows” household, this may not be new territory. But for many of us, body-care knowledge doesn’t extend much further than drugstore lotion; however, like facial skin care, there is technically an order to things. Just as we layer products from thinnest to thickest on our face, the same principle applies to the body.
According to esthetician and beauty expert Sean Garrette, the right body skin-care steps for winter are as follows: exfoliate, serum, lotion, oil, and butter. “These steps really depend on your skin type and how dry your skin is during the winter.” He adds that “during the winter, if you’re suffering from chronically dry, chapped, or cracked skin, having a consistent body-care routine is essential to keeping your skin protected and nourished in harsh weather.”
Below, I break down what I learned from Garrette and two beauty creators. Consider this our step-by-step guide to body care, along with a curated edit of Vogue-approved products in each category, informed by our team’s testing.
Step One: Exfoliate
Often overlooked, exfoliation is arguably the most important step in a body-care routine and could be the reason your favorite lotions aren’t fully absorbing into your skin. Garrette keeps it simple when it comes to maintaining soft, supple skin in the winter: exfoliation plus hydration. “You want to have a consistent exfoliation routine that helps to slough off those dead, dry, flaky skin cells and replenish the skin with moisture using hydrating serums.”
When it comes to frequency, he suggests exfoliating regularly. “I like to recommend exfoliating the skin at least 3-4 times a week.” He notes that this ultimately depends on the current state of each individual’s skin and any sensitivities. If you’re wary, he reminds us that the skin on the body is thicker and more resilient than the face, so you can exfoliate more frequently. “Exfoliate with something like a buffing bar, a physical scrub, an exfoliating body wash, or even exfoliating body serums.”
There are no hard-and-fast rules, though fellow beauty experts cosign the exfoliant agenda. Influencer Toni Bravo likes to use a body scrub “three times a week to gently exfoliate my skin and allow my skin to be as radiant as possible,” while influencer Eni Popoola sticks to a days-of-the-week method: “Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to make it easy for me to remember.”
Step Two: Serum
Once you’ve exfoliated, hydration becomes key to keeping skin soft through the winter. A body serum is technically optional, but it’s where you can layer in targeted ingredients that may not penetrate as effectively in a traditional lotion format, like retinol or ceramides. You can even combine steps by opting for exfoliating serums, which help streamline the routine.
Of course, how elaborate this looks depends on your time and energy—some days are full-routine days; others are rinse-and-go. If you have kids, we imagine getting a shower alone is the real win, so think of this less as a rigid formula and more as an ideal scenario.
The one non-negotiable, according to Garrette, is application: “Serums can exfoliate or hydrate and work best when applied to slightly damp skin after a shower.” From there, seal everything in with “a lotion, oil, or body butter for all-day nourishment and protection.”
Step Three: Lotion
The step we recommend most if you’re pressed for time is, of course, lotion. While lotion can be contentious, often because certain formulas feel slimy or require too much effort to rub in, the real issue is usually choosing the wrong texture for your skin rather than the category itself.
I, for one, have incredibly dry skin. I shower multiple times a day thanks to my fear of subway germs, and my skin definitely pays the price. Over time, I’ve learned that thicker lotions don’t always blend in easily and can sometimes leave a subtle white cast, which completely ruins the experience. That’s why I gravitate toward lightweight formulas.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options across price points, textures, scent profiles, and ingredient lists, including targeted formulas for concerns like keratosis pilaris and eczema that rely on gentler, barrier-supportive ingredients.
Step Four: Oil
If you’re following the full routine, Garrette recommends applying oil after lotion, though you can also use it in lieu of lotion depending on your skin’s needs. Popoola says that on days she doesn’t want to commit to a full body-care routine, she’ll do a quick layer of oil or a mist of body serum to help lock in moisture while her skin is still damp.
The best oils are typically lightweight and absorbent, leaving behind a subtle glow rather than a greasy finish. Of course, you can opt for something richer, fragrance-free, or even with a touch of shimmer, depending on your preference. If staining is a concern, timing matters. Popoola recommends applying oil as soon as you step out of the shower and letting it dry down while you do your skin care, hair, or makeup. A dry oil could be helpful here too, to avoid any unwanted residue.
Step Five: Butter
Nothing says “I have my life together” quite like ending a five-step body-care routine with an indulgent body butter. While it may sound unnecessary to some, for those who love the sensorial nature of body care, I’d argue it’s the best part. It seals everything in and leaves you feeling baby-soft at the end.
Garrette agrees that it’s not always essential, but it can make a difference. “A lotion paired with an oil may be enough moisture for some, but a rich, nourishing body butter might be a better option, especially for those with severely dry skin or who suffer from skin conditions like eczema.”
Popoola is also a fan, noting that she likes to go in with a thicker body butter, often one made with shea butter, to really lock in moisture. Beyond shea, you’ll often find ingredients like cocoa butter, mango butter, and ceramides in these richer formulas.
Everything You Need To Know
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to body-care products, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the body-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Sean Garrette is an esthetician and skin care blogger based in New York City.
- Toni Bravo is a beauty influencer based in Los Angeles.
- Eni Popoola is a beauty influencer based in New York City.
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