During the winter, everyone’s skin goes through changes. What was once healthy can turn dry and cracked after spending time in the below-freezing weather. During the ongoing pandemic and quarantine, I was able to take time to realize that I had been seriously neglecting my skincare routine during past cold winters. After trying out various products and binge-watching videos from popular skincare YouTuber Hyram, I was able to make a list of my current favorite products.
Cleansers
The first step in any skincare routine is of course to cleanse the skin of any dirt or oil resting on it. For the wintertime, I love these soothing cleansers.
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Before actually cleansing my skin, I use Dermalogica’s Precleanse oil ($13.50 for 1 oz or $45 for 5.1 oz) to remove any makeup or sunscreen I wore that day. While this product is expensive, I find that you need so little that the 1 oz container is enough to last a long time (and save you some money). For a makeup remover that won’t break the bank, use the Garnier Micellar Water ($6.79 for 13.5 oz). These products are less irritating than makeup wipes, and most importantly, much better for the environment!
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I love the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($9.89 for 8 oz or $13.99 for 12 oz/ $16.99 for 16 oz) as an everyday face wash. This product cleans my skin without drying it out, but if you have more oily skin (like I do in the summer), CeraVe also makes a Foaming Facial Cleanser. After Hyram recommended this face wash, I had to try it, and I’m so glad that I did!
Exfoliants
While exfoliation is admittedly a newer addition to my skincare routine, it is still super important to get rid of those dead skin cells, no matter the weather. Chemical exfoliation, while it may not feel as satisfying as a scrub, can prevent you from accidentally getting tears in your skin.
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I received the Drunk Elephant T.L.C Glycolic Night Serum in the Been a Long Day Duo, and, while miniature, it lasted forever. At night, I would either apply it under or mixed with my moisturizer to spots where acne was prone to develop.
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For intense chemical exfoliation, I use The Ordinary AHA 2% and BHA 30% Peeling Solution (around $7 at Ulta or Sephora). I use this about once a week on my face when my skin is not too dry, but in the winter, I can really only use it to exfoliate my feet due to how strong it is!
Moisturizers
The best way to soothe dry skin- hydration!
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For an everyday moisturizer, I have been liking the Elf Holy Hydration Cream ($12 for 1.80 oz). I love this because it is rich and hydrating, but most importantly, pretty inexpensive. I have combination skin and I have found that it is able to soothe the dry patches I tend to get during winter.
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Another winter moisturizer I enjoyed was the Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisturizer Cream ($18 for 0.5 oz or $58 for 2 oz). I got the mini size just to try it out, and so far I’ve found it lightweight yet hydrating. If you don’t have super dry skin but are still looking for a good level of hydration, this moisturizer is a great choice.
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For a lightweight moisturizer, I loved trying out the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer ($22 for 0.67 oz or $52 for 1.7 oz). I received a couple of samples of this product from Sephora, and it absorbed into my skin instantly but still managed to hydrate it well.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important part of a skincare routine. If it is not worn (yes, even in the winter,) your skin becomes subject to sun damage, offsetting all of the other great things you just did for it.
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For a moisturizer-sunscreen combo, I use the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 ($13.40 for 3 oz). While it does have a little bit of a “sunscreen” smell, it gets the job done.
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For a tinted sunscreen, I always use the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50 ($15.50 for 0.4 oz). Not only does this product protect from the sun, but it instantly makes your skin look smooth and glowy. I either mix it in with moisturizer or wear it on top of my moisturizer, depending on how heavy it makes my skin feel.
The most important part of a skincare routine is consistency- just doing it every day, making sure to apply each one of your steps. Taking care of your skin in the winter is not always a huge change, but it is very rewarding!
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