For those of us poor souls who suffer from dry skin all year long, winter is an especially trying time of year. The freezing weather dries out our skin even more, leaving us to deal with tight, flakey, unhappy skin. It’s not that we aren’t looking forward to all the time off with all the holiday parties and family celebrations that winter brings, but it also brings along a massive amount of anxiety. The anxiety comes with knowing about all the events and cute festive picture opportunities you’ll be apart of. You want to make sure you look your best and feel confident, because it’s not just you going to that party, it’s you and your dry skin. It’s not easy putting on makeup and getting holiday ready when your skin looks like vintage textured paper. Yuck. Don’t cancel your parties quite yet! I have the five skincare products that are going to keep your skin hydrated and vibrant this season.
1. First Aid Beauty’s Face Cleanser
This is my must-have, all-time favorite cleanser. I will never use another cleanser again, because I don’t have to; I found my one and only. As you can see, I’m very passionate about this cleanser, but that’s because it does exactly what it’s supposed to. This cleanser cleans my skin without stripping me of all my moisture, or leaving me dry. It calms my skin when it’s irritated from the crisp, cold air, and nourishes and hydrates my skin back to its’ original state. There are no strange chemicals that break me out, or cause any flare ups. This facial cleanser is even gentle enough to use twice a day. I love this product because it works and I can count on it. My cleanser doesn’t play games, it’s dependable the way men should be.
2. Lush’s Let The Good Times Roll
If you suffer from dry skin, you KNOW how important it is to exfoliate. You need to scrub those dead skin cells off your face to keep your skin looking plump and healthy. Technically, this scrub is under their ‘cleansing’ products, but I’d consider it more of an exfoliant. Again, this is my favorite exfoliant that I’ve ever tried (and trust me, I’ve made the skincare rounds… *wink*). I continue to repurchase this scrub because it’s an all-natural, gentle exfoliant. Let The Good Times Roll is made of maize flour, polenta and popcorn to gently scrub off your dead flakey skin, leaving you and your skin happy and healthy. Plus, if you save your containers and return them cleaned and emptied to Lush, you’ll receive a free face mask! WINS.
3. Cetaphil’s Daily Advance Lotion
There’s nothing fancy about this facial lotion, and I think that’s why it’s so effective. This no-frills lotion was recommended by my dermatologist, and honestly, it’s done wonders for my skin. It’s light enough to wear underneath my makeup without balling up my foundation, and heavy enough to nourish my cracked skin. I wear apply it right after my acne medication in my skincare routine, and it never leaves me irritated or itchy. There are so many lotions out there that cost a bazillion dollars to “nourish” your skin, while doing little to nothing to actually restore your complexion. Not only does this lotion hydrate and replenish my dry skin, it’s drugstore priced. Deals on deals on deals.
4. Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
This product has grown in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. I love this rosewater spray because it’s so refreshing and gives my skin a nice little pick me up throughout the day. It’s small enough to take in my purse or backpack to spray when I have a long day, and am out longer than usual. I use this product before I put on my foundation as a refreshing toner, after my foundation as a setting spray, throughout the day to hydrate and keep my makeup looking fresh, and after my night cream to lock in that moisture. If anything, this puppy is my secret weapon. There are many benefits to adding rosewater to your daily skincare routine such as leveling your ph balance, reduces puffiness, soothes sunburns and slows aging. All of which sounds good to me, plus it smells really good. Spray on!
5. Zenpy Nano Ionic Facial Steamer Warm Mist Humidifier
If you are feeling a little boujee, add this product to your shopping cart. Immediately. In my opinion, this is the step in your skincare routine that will transorm your skin, and make the most visible difference. In the winter, all your skin really needs is some serious moisture. By allowing your skin to just sit and soak up all the warm steam, it will give your skin the time and treatment it needs to heal. Warm steam opens up your pores and allows you to really clean out your pores. Clean pores translate into smoother, softer skin. I use this machine every night after I take off my makeup and right before I wash my face with my cleanser to optimize my results. Not only does it replenish my skin, it’s relaxing and helps me unwind from my day.
Skincare is always an important topic. Everyone wants to keep their skin looking and feeling healthy. Just because it’s cold and miserable outside, doesn’t mean it needs to reflect on your skin. Take some time for yourself, and make sure you have the products that are going to help your skin stay hydrated and plump this winter.