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I don’t know about you, but wintertime can wreak havoc on my skin.
I have combination skin (dry in some areas, oily in others) as I mentioned in my daily skincare regimen post.
Usually I can keep this under wraps most times throughout the year by using the products I mentioned here, but in the winter, it’s a whole different story!
My dry areas become much more dry and my oily areas aren’t so oily anymore.
It’s a time when I have to take extra measures to keep my skin from, well, flaking off.
Here I’ve put together a list of products that get me through the cold winter months.
And while these products may not work for everyone, they are products that I have discovered and loved, and I hope you will too!
Moisturizing Cleanser
For all of my mamas who use an acne cleanser to help manage acne/oil production, you may not want to use this in the colder months as it can cause dryness. Or at least instead of using it twice a day, you may want to only use it once, or even every other day. You will have to gauge what is best for you. But as a good rule of thumb, it’s best to stay away from a harsh cleanser in the winter if you can. I like to use a moisturizing cleanser in the cold months just to give me the extra moisture boost. I love the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This product is gentle on the skin and also moisturizes it as well. It’s a win-win in wintertime!
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is a great way to gently slough off that dry skin that is inevitable in the wintertime! Make sure you do choose a product that is gentle and not too harsh, we don’t want to cause any damage to the skin! This includes not rubbing your face with a towel or an exfoliating glove.
As I mentioned in my daily skincare regimen post, I love Dermalogica products. They also have a great, light exfoliator that you can use every day! The one I love is called Daily Microfoliant. This product helps to improve skin moisture absorption, brighten skin, and remove dead skin cells. Truth be told, I don’t use this product in the warmer months (even though I definitely should), but more so in the colder ones to help manage dry skin. I love the way this makes my face feel so fresh afterward. This will be a staple for your dry skin!
Moisturizer
Because my skin is always on the drier side in most areas, I usually use a thicker moisturizer all year around. As I mentioned in my daily skincare regimen post, I use First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream. I use it once a day in the warmer months and bump it up to twice a day in the colder months. This paired with exfoliating does wonders for my skin. Some people don’t prefer the feel of such a thick moisturizer, so another great product that I’ve used is CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel. This product is lightweight and feels great on the skin while still giving you a nice moisture boost! When moisturizing, don’t forget to apply all around your eyes as well. This is another area that is notorious for getting dry this time of year.
Moisturizing Mask
Still experiencing some dryness after using all of these products? Another product I use often in the winter is a moisturizing mask. Think spa-at home type of deal here. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask has been a lifesaver for me. What I love about this product is, that you can wear it overnight! That means no more taking up your precious time having to wash it off 15 minutes later! This product has an eight-hour moisture time release which is super cool. It is recommended to use it 1-3 times a week depending on how dry your skin is.
It is important to note that this product does have a scent similar to chamomile. I personally find it calming, but if you prefer scent-free or are sensitive to scents, you may want to be careful with this product. Don’t forget to cut up some cucumbers and place them on your eyelids before bed!
Lips
Let’s not forget about our lips! Lips are notorious for becoming dry in the winter months, which can lead to painful, cracking lips – yikes! I don’t know about you, but I prefer to have soft, moisturized lips at all times! I am an avid Chapstick user throughout the day and also do a heavy lather at night. Ah, the beauty of combination skin (totally joking) – it affects my lips too, no matter what time of year!
During the day I either use a natural beeswax Chapstick or, my favorite, beef tallow Chapstick, which I get locally. That may sound icky (it does sound icky), however, the one I get is a wonderful vanilla scent and I am telling you, it is the MOST moisturizing Chapstick I have ever used. While a little more expensive than other Chapstick’s, it is totally worth it in my opinion if you are a dry lippie girl like me. 10/10 recommend! Side note – I also use beef tallow hand lotion from the same local merchant and it’s equally amazing. You can’t go wrong with beef tallow products. If you prefer a nonanimal product, beeswax is always a great way to go too!
At night time I use a different lip product to give my lips some extra moisture. I love the CeraVe Healing Ointment. This has always left my lips supple and moisturized every morning. While using these products, I never experience dry lips!
Nothing is worse than putting makeup over dry skin (oops) while you are rushing to get ready in the morning.
If you have done this, you know it is a nightmare.
That’s why it’s best to try and avoid dry skin before it starts by using these products before it gets super cold out and gives you a bad skin day..week..season?!
I start these products once it starts to get a little bit chilly in the fall to prepare for what’s ahead.
When, you know, “winter is coming”!
Any G.O.T. fans out there?
If so, you know what I mean.
Here’s to staying hydrated, toasty, and warm this winter.
What are some of your favorite products for dry skin?
I would love to hear!
XOXO,
Katie
