Winter is the time where most of us struggle with our skin and skin regimen because weather changes, holidays, and other factors often throw us off our regular routines and change what we’re used to.
It can be difficult, but I promise it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips and products to keep you ahead of the curve this season.
Exfoliate
Creams and body butter won’t do much if you’re packing them on dead skin cells. Exfoliate at least twice a week to renew your skin and maximize your moisturizing and cleansing efforts.
Moisturize and Seal
Without moisture/hydration, oils, waxes, and butters are almost pointless. Without oils, waxes, and butters, fully moisturized skin may be short lived. To get the most out of your products this winter, try moisturizing and sealing. Apply your favorite lotion or cream, and go over it with a lightweight oil or body butter.
Eat Better + Drink More Water
All glow starts internally! Water, fruits, veggies, and vitamins promote an overall healthy body which creates an environment for skin to flourish. Start with working in more fruits, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, and increasing water intake. You could also incorporate inositol powder into your diet to help promote healthy skin.
Tip! My parents have a mini fridge in their room for reasons too long to discuss but they might be on to something! I keep water near my bed, full bottles and when I wake up at night feeling particularly parched I would make an effort to drink the entire bottle! Trust me it will change your whole life. Drink it and go to sleep! — (So guess who now has a mini fridge?)
Detox and Cleanse
The holidays are a time where we all over-indulge a little. Especially when it comes to alcohol and our favorite foods. Sometimes our body reacts to this with breakouts and other terrible skin issues. To prevent this, try detoxing. Drinking water or tea, juice fasting, or even sitting in a sauna can help cleanse your body and hit the reset button on your skin.
Be Consistent
You can start all the regimens and detoxes in the world, but if there is no follow through, there are no results. Start simple–wash and moisturize your face day and night, then add more products and steps into your routine as you go along.
Be Mindful
Hands, towels, pillowcases, hats, and headbands are just a few of the things that frequently come in contact with sweat, dirt, and germs and then touch our face. Gross, right? Make sure you’re switching out towels and pillowcases, washing your hands, changing your hair accessories, and even washing your hair more often to avoid breakouts caused by sweat, dirt, and product build-up.
Body and Face:
Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream
Enriched with vitamins such as Vitamin B, C, and B5, Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream is the solution for uneven complexions, dryness, and dull, tired skin. Citrus fruit extracts make for bright, revitalized skin while the multivitamins contribute to overall health. Because it doesn’t leave a greasy or oily feel, it’s perfect for oily and combination skin types. While we’re on the topic of vitamins, did you know that you can get vitamins for itchy skin? This may be the solution you need in order to stop the itching leading to dry and flaky skin. You won’t know if you don’t give it a try!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
The glow is all about hydration and moisture, and while there is no better way to hydrate than to drink water, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is the next best thing. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, or the active ingredient that replenishes moisture, the gel promotes soft, supple skin that is fully hydrated and moisturized. Although it is best for dry and normal skin, the oil-free formula makes it great for oily skin as well.
Kaylux Vacation Body Highlighter Oil
Water and healthy eating? Check. An awesome skin regimen? Check! Now all we need is something to give us that extra pop, and Kaylux’s Vacation Body Highlighter will get you right. The light bronze affect will make you look sun-kissed in the winter while the jojoba and sweet almond oils make you soft and silky to the touch. However, I personally wouldn’t use this on my face or sensitive areas in general, but a nice drop in your favorite lotion and/or a rub along your legs, cleavage, or shoulders should do the trick.
Cosmetics (Any Skin Type):
Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
The idea that lightweight makeup like Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation being only for the summer needs to be “deaded” because anything that hydrates, is long-lasting, oil free, and true to complexion is definitely a grab for the winter. Of course, makeup won’t hydrate your skin by itself so remember to moisturize beforehand; but also remember that the foundation formula could very well help you seal in the moisture because it has hydrating properties of its own!
e.l.f Lip Exfoliator
Dry, cracked lips are one of the biggest complaints during the winter season. People are layering all types of chapstick, lip gloss, and whatever else on top of each other to get rid of it.
But just like with lotion and dead skin, you’re just adding product on the top of the dead skin and missing out on any real moisture and hydration. Grab e.l.f Lip Exfoliator and gently rub against damp lips until dead skin is gone. The infused jojoba, avocado, and vitamin e oils with shea butter should add a soft, silky touch.
Body Gels and Oils:
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula- Moisturizing Gel Oil SPF 15
A gel and an oil? Yep! Infused with jojoba oil, vitamin e, shea butter, and cocoa butter, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula’s Moisturizing Gel Oil was formulated to moisturize, soothe, and protect. It starts off as a mess-free, thick gel that turns into a light oil that easily absorbs into your skin. It not only gives you a healthy glow, but actually promotes healthy skin with SPF 15. We know—SPF in the winter sounds odd, but UVA and UVB rays are harmful year round, so why not get the extra moisture and the protection?
Neutrogena Body Oil- Light Sesame Oil Formula
Just like our hair, our skin can’t be completely nourished with waxes, butters, and oils; and if you try to moisturize it and leave it, it’ll dry out quickly. Moisturizing and sealing is a package deal, and Neutrogena Body Oil- Light Sesame Oil Formula makes the perfect sealant. Lightweight and fragrance-free, the formula absorbs into your skin easily and immediately locks in moisture. It works it’s best when used after a shower, or layered on top of an equally light moisturizer.
Moisturizers:
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, Fragrance Free
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream has been around for years, and has been the go-to heavy duty moisturizer for many women with dry and/or eczema-prone skin. The formula not only attracts moisture to your skin, but prevents it from leaving! It’s fragrance free, great for daily use, and has been clinically proven to soothe dry and itchy areas, making it perfect for the winter season.
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refresher Gel Cream
Fruits are typically put in products as infused oils, but Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refresher Gel Cream uses antioxidant fruit waters from grapefruit along with vitamin e to keep your skin supple and youthful. The gel-cream locks in moisture for up to 24 hours and it light enough to wear with other creams and oils, and even under makeup. Dry skin will really flourish with this formula, but since it’s not greasy–oily and combination types will do just fine.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Some of us know exactly what our skin needs to flourish, and others just know that they are extra ashy these days and want it to go away. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration is great for both people; it works as apart of our regimen, and as a quick fix. Since it’s a repair cream, it’s formulated to benefit extremely dry and distressed skin from head to toe. Colloidal oatmeal and shea butter in the mix work especially well for rough kneecaps, elbows, and feet.
Body Scrubs/Exfoliators:
Avene Gentle Body Scrub
Body scrubs are meant to help remove dead skin cells to prevent build up and help moisturizers penetrate the surface.
If you want your skin to look and be healthy, you need to invest in a good exfoliator like Avene Gentle Body Scrub. It takes a natural and chemical approach, using jojoba, non-abrasive microbeads, and sodium salicylate for a gentle scrub and peel. Use twice a week while in the shower, and you’ll see long-lasting effects almost immediately.
Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Body Scrub
Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Body Scrub similar to taking a bath with epsom salt: soothing, restorative, and revitalizing. Coming in familiar scents like Eucalyptus and Lavender, this essential oil-enriched body scrub exfoliates and moisturizes simultaneously. Gently rubbing the scrub on wet skin works the best; I recommend using the day after a shave or wax to help soften and smooth out your skin.
