Winter Skin Care
Winter is a time of boots, scarves, snuggles by the fire place, and snowflake kisses. Being in the midst of the winter months means that businesses are cranking up the heat to try and keep the winter chill outdoors. Unfortunately for me, centralized heat means desert dry skin.
With the lack of moisture outside and the heat running inside, it is so important to make sure to moisturize your skin. Since I stopped taking isotrentinoin, I would say that my skin has been more normal than dry. However, that has definitely changed again. At the beginning of December I started to notice dry patches and my makeup was looking really cakey. I started going through all of the products I had and I have been able to nail down the perfect winter skin care routine.
I am careful to wash my skin really well in the evening (full routine below). Because of that, my morning winter skin care regime is pretty quick.
I start with the GlamGlow Thirsty Cleanse hydrating cleanser ($19). This cleanser will “gently & effectively rinse away make-up, dirt & impurities while moisturizing your skin.” It leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh without feeling too tight or stripped.
In the morning, I like to use a moisturizer that hydrates but is light enough to layer makeup on top. I have been using the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream ($9) and love it! It hydrates without making me oily or causing my makeup to breakup.
The final morning product is a good eye cream. Currently, I have three that I like to switch between. My most used is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream ($20). This one is perfect for daily use and works great under makeup. When I need help covering my dark circles, I use the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream ($31) because it has a nice illuminosity. If my under eyes are extra dry, I will use the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream ($48). This one is expensive, but the sample size I have has lasted me forever since a little goes a long way.
The first step in the evening it removing makeup. Honestly, I usually just use pure olive oil to break down all of my makeup. Olive oil also acts as a cleanser by helping pull out dirt and debris from your pores.
After I feel that my makeup and mascara has broken down, I cleanse away the olive oil with the Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser ($19). This bottle lasts forever! A little goes a long way and it really to cleanse my skin even when I use it without my Clarisonic.
At night, I like to use the same moisturizer as in the morning. After the Garnier Gel-Cream, I usually use the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Cream. The biggest difference from my morning regime is that right before bed, I apply the Origins Overnight Mask ($27). This stuff is amazing and makes such a HUGE difference. I just apply a dime sized amount all over my face, lids and under eyes. In the morning just rinse off any excess and you have fresh, hydrated skin.
The very final step to banish dry winter skin is good lip care. During the day, I make sure to drink water consistently. If I do this, I usually do not need to apply a lip balm through the day. Every night before bed, I apply a generous layer of Aquaphor or Carmex. When I wake up, my lips always feel so soft!
This winter skin care routine has really saved my skin! As long as I stick to it, I find that my skin stays soft and hydrated. Even so, I can’t wait for the warm, sunny days of summer to be back.
What are some of your favorite winter skin care products??
