Summer Skin Is Made in Winter: The Importance of Exfoliation for Glowing Skin Year-Round

Summer Skin Is Made in Winter: The Importance of Exfoliation for Glowing Skin Year-Round

When it comes to achieving radiant, glowing skin in the summer, the real secret lies in the months that come before - winter. While it might feel like a time to slow down and cover up, winter is actually the perfect season to focus on skin renewal and repair. One of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in this process? Exfoliation.

Why Winter is the Best Time to Reset Your Skin

During winter, cooler temperatures, dry air, and indoor heating can leave skin feeling dull, flaky, and dehydrated. This seasonal slowdown in cell turnover can cause dead skin cells to build up on the surface, creating a barrier that dulls your glow and blocks the effectiveness of your skincare products.

By exfoliating regularly during winter, you can remove that buildup, reveal fresher skin beneath, and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more even complexion - just in time for the warmer months.

The Two Types of Exfoliation: Physical vs. Chemical

Exfoliation comes in two forms, and each plays a different role in your skincare routine:

1. Physical Exfoliation

This method uses fine particles or tools to manually buff away dead skin cells. Think of it like a gentle polish for the skin. Physical exfoliants can be ideal for smoothing rough patches and giving you that immediate silky-skin feel.

Murad’s Recommendation:
🧼 Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
This multi-tasking cleanser combines physical exfoliants (jojoba beads) with chemical exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs) for a triple-action cleanse that leaves your skin smoother and brighter - without over-drying.

🧡 Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
Inspired by professional treatments, this powerhouse facial features three exfoliation technologies - physical (golden minerals), chemical (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids), and enzymatic exfoliants - to dramatically resurface skin and boost radiance. Plus, it’s supercharged with gold-stabilized vitamin C to brighten and even tone. Use 2–3 times per week for a fresh-from-the-clinic glow - at home.

2. Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be gently sloughed away. These are great for targeting deeper concerns like uneven tone, congestion, and signs of aging.

Murad’s Recommendation:
💛 Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel
This daily bi-phase peel uses a potent blend of AHAs, BHAs, and TXA (tranexamic acid) to gently resurface the skin, brighten the complexion, and improve texture over time. Plus, the nourishing oil phase helps keep skin hydrated and soothed - essential in the winter months.

💙 AHA/BHA/Retinoid Daily Clarifying Peel
This powerful clarifying treatment is perfect for acne-prone or congested skin. It combines glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and a retinoid to smooth texture, unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and improve clarity over time - all without causing dryness or irritation. Perfect for keeping skin clear and refined while it’s rebuilding in winter.

 

Take It a Step Further: Consider a Professional Chemical Peel

For those looking to accelerate results or address more advanced skin concerns - such as acne scars, pigmentation, or deeper lines - winter is the perfect time to book in with a professional for a chemical peel treatment. Clinical-grade peels penetrate deeper into the skin than at-home products and are best performed during months with less sun exposure to reduce the risk of post-procedure sensitivity and pigmentation.

Tip: Follow up your professional treatment with Murad’s exfoliating and barrier-repairing skincare to extend results and maintain a healthy glow between appointments. Find a Clinic now.

The Winter-Summer Connection

Think of winter skincare as your training season. By exfoliating and encouraging cell turnover in the colder months, your skin is better prepared to handle sun exposure, environmental stressors, and the demands of summer activities. Not only will your products work more effectively, but your skin will also look more radiant and feel more resilient.

Pro Tips for Winter Exfoliation

• Don’t overdo it. 2–3 times per week is usually enough unless you’re using a gentle daily product like the Multi-Acid Peel.

• Always moisturize afterward. Exfoliation can increase skin sensitivity, so lock in hydration with a barrier-strengthening moisturizer.

• Wear SPF - yes, even in winter. Exfoliation makes skin more sensitive to UV damage, and winter sun can still harm exposed skin.

Glow Starts Now

Your summer glow doesn’t start in the sunshine - it starts now. By making exfoliation a priority during winter, you're laying the foundation for radiant, smooth, and healthy skin year-round. Explore Murad’s expertly formulated exfoliators to start your skin’s seasonal transformation today.

 

Shop now and get glowing - because summer skin is truly made in winter.