No matter how much we look forward to everything winter has to offer- the holidays, snow, cute sweaters, and peppermint mochas from Starbucks- our skin dreads it. Winter is our skin’s worst enemy, making it dry and dehydrated. Thus, we have to take extra steps to ensure its well being.
For starters, in the colder months, it is very common for skin to become dull and dried out. To combat this, it is recommended that you use an exfoliant to scrub away the dead skin on your face. If you exfoliate twice a week, you’ll remove any dry skin while leaving your skin luminous and more nourished looking. I personally like using the Mario Badescu Botanical Scrub ($26 at ULTA for the full size) because it’s suitable for all skin types and it noticeably brightens my skin.
For the other five days of the week, using a daily facial cleanser will unclog your pores, remove any dirt accumulated throughout the day and maintain your skin’s health. Pick a cleanser that targets your skin type and problem areas. There are cleansers for nourishment, clarifying, brightening, and everything in between. I’ve used Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (starting price of $8.99 at ULTA, depending on size) since I was thirteen and it’s never let me down. I use it to treat my acne and clean off my makeup. IMG Source
After scrubbing and cleaning your face, a toner is a nice follow-up step to ensure you’ve removed all of the excess dirt off of your face. A toner’s main purpose is to seal the deal and correct any skin issues such as acne or an uneven pH balance. The Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner is available in most stores and is a great way to help your skin.
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Finally, to rehydrate your skin you have to moisturize! Night creams are a heavier moisturizer that add additional hydration while you sleep, whereas daily lotions provide a nice base for your makeup and keep your skin hydrated during the day. Both are necessities to keep your skin healthy, especially when the winter comes around. Any preferred moisturizers will add the necessary hydration and balance out your skin.
Side note: eye creams, chapstick, and face masks are additional ways you can care for your skin. Applying eye cream every night (such as the Kiehl’s Avocado Under-Eye Treatment) will hydrate your under eyes, reduce darkness, and lessen the likelihood of wrinkles. Chapstick will prevent your lips from peeling and leave them looking smooth, and a face mask is a nice treatment that can be very relaxing.
The transition from summer humidity to colder fall and winter can be detrimental to the skin. By religiously performing these steps your skin will be glowing, hydrated, and healthy throughout the darkest, coldest time of the year.