Winter Survival: Skin Care Edition
If you are anything like me, every winter my skin goes into panic mode. Between the cold dry air and the forced heat (oh, and the dry hospital air) my dry skin becomes dry and dehydrated. Even if your skin isn’t dry, you likely notice your skin feels tight and burns and/or itches during the cold winter months.
Are you hoping to avoid the dragon skin look this winter? I have a few ideas for you.
1. HUMIDIFIER
It’s such an easy step, but overlooked so often. If you don’t yet have a humidifier in the bedroom, winter is the time to add it. And it's such an inexpensive step!
2. OIL CLEANSE
If you haven’t yet jumped on the oil cleanse train, TODAY is the day. Using an oil cleanser as the first step of your cleanse is a great way to keep your skin from feeling tight and itchy after washing. Its absolutely the most gentle way to remove your makeup. This is a great one to start with.
3. MILKY CLEANSER
If you aren’t ready to join me in using an oil cleaner, consider switching to a milky (instead of gel-based) cleanser. Again, more gentle. Bonus points, oil cleanse and follow it up with a milky second step! I personally love this one.
4. HYDRATING TONER
Toning helps set the stage for all your skincare to follow. And in winter, consider switching to a hydrating toner for an extra layer of moisture and protection. Something like this is a go-to for me.
5. SERUMS AND OILS
The next step in your routine should be any “actives” i.e. serums and oils with active ingredients. Along with your Vitamin C (an everyday for everyone), consider adding serums and oils to address dryness and any other skincare concerns. Hyaluronic acid is a great choice since its claim to fame is that it holds 1,000 times its weight in water.
Struggle with eczema in winter? Consider Squalane oil. Or find an oil/serum with several ingredients that work together to address your concerns. Here are some of my fames.
6. EYE SERUM/OIL
If your under eye looks and feels like the saharan desert, consider an eye oil or serum to layer under or over your eye cream. Just remember to treat your delicate under eye area before you apply products to the rest of your face.
7. THICKER TEXTURES
If you use a light-weight/oil-free moisturizer the rest of the year, I recommend switching to a thicker and more occlusive formula during the winter. Look for products that will help repair your moisture barrier and protect from all the harsh winter elements.
8. MAKEUP PREP
Last but definitely not least, prep your skin for makeup! Look for products that are hydrating and free of drying alcohols. Consider a spray that you can also set your makeup with. You may love this one!
9. BODY CARE
My two favorite products for the rest of the skin on my body are a shower oil followed by a moisturizing cream with salicylic acid to slough away all the dead skin. Life saver. Check these two out!
Switching to a winter skincare routine can be daunting, especially if your climate is normally hot and humid, but a few small changes will have you embracing the season change with confidence. Find what works for your routine and have your most glow-y winter yet!
Amber Benson,
Guest Blogger and Big Sister to me! Amber lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband and their two dogs. She loves working as a PICU nurse and is also a self-proclaimed product junkie:)
