You wouldn’t wear your summer bikini in February of San Francisco would you? Then why follow the same skin routine from season to season? Just as you have to transition your wardrobe to protect your body from the winter weather, it’s very important that your face products are also updated as the cold, dry air comes through. Check out these simple switches that can make a huge difference in the health of your skin this winter!
Moisturizer
As if it wasn’t already stressed time after time, moisturizing is extra important as cooler temperatures and high winds this season contribute to extra drying of your skin. Kiehl’s offer the perfect formula that’s still not too heavy with their Ultra Facial Moistuizer w/SPF 15, available at kiehls.com. Even though it’s often overcast this time of year, SPF is still important. UV rays can shine through layers of clouds – which we learned the hard way, having to go to school tomato-red after a President’s-Day-weekend soccer tournament. Alternatively, if your skin is extremely dry – especially if your on acne products like Accutane or Retin-A – try Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. This cream – not the lotion – is the thickest and most effective moisturizer we’ve found (at drug stores) for a really low price!
Toner vs. Astringent
Toners and astringents serve the same purpose – to remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil. The only difference is that astringents often have a higher alcohol content and are therefore more drying. So, since the icy wind is already making your skin drier than it is in the summer, try and switch to a toner if you were an astringent-wearer before or a lighter formula if you were already a toner-girl. Jurlique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist is a great, light product that tones and hydrates and can be found at Sephora. If you’re prone to breakouts, try Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner, which can be found at most drug stores.
Lips
With Valentine’s Day around the corner you’ve got to keep your kisser in tip top shape despite the challenges the weather may bring! Our absolute favorite weapon against already chapped lips is Sugar’s Lip Exfoliant Balm, it’s never failed me! Once your lips are super smooth, follow up with Aquaphor – which is another drug store find. This extra strong formula is almost vaseline-like without getting too sticky, getting you the perfect amount of moisture in this dry season. Then, throughout the day, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Chapstick is the go-to-chapstick of preference as it is also a little more moisturizing than other brands – also available at drugstores.