WINTER SKIN CARE ROUTINE

The chilling temps have entered the chat. I live in Coastal Virginia, and we’ve just hit the 40s and 50s . Our autumns can be quite toasty near the coast, but now that the cold has arrived, we have had to turn on the heat and I’m using my heated blanket religiously. Who doesn’t love these cozy months? With a book in hand, I’ve been cuddling up by the fire. However, I’ve noticed something—MY SKIN IS CRYING FOR HELP. It's dry and thirsty for moisture.

I used to use the same skincare products all year long, but in the last five years I change my skincare routine with the season. I’ve revamped my skincare routine to keep my skin more hydrated, supple and youthful-looking through the winter months.

Here are eight of my holy grail WINTER SKINCARE TIPS:

A Good Foundation:

Our bodies are temples, and glowing skin starts from the inside. I stir away from sugary drinks and only have a sweet treat occasionally. My number one skincare tip is all about hydration and nutrition. If you're looking to bring back that youthful glow, drink plenty of water to flush out toxins—especially around the holidays. Between spiked cider and all those Christmas cookies, our skin can feel bloated and puffy. To combat the bloat, eat anti-inflammatory fruits and veggies. Berries, nuts, seeds, ginger, turmeric, and green tea are staples I keep on hand. Gua Sha and facial cupping are also great tools to use in the winter months. I use these with a gentle oil in the mornings to get my lymphatic system moving. Gua Sha and facial cupping help depuff and improve blood flow to the face.

Remove Your Makeup (Properly):

Imagine you've had a fun night out, you're in full glam, and you can’t wait to lay your head on the pillow. BUT WAIT—don’t forget to remove your makeup! Makeup remover wipes, although convenient, can be harsh on your skin’s natural barrier. I tossed them from my routine a couple of years ago. Now, I use a cleansing oil to remove all my makeup, leaving my face feeling clean but without stripping its natural oils. The Camellia Cleansing Oil is a cult classic. Tata Harper’s Nourishing Oil Cleanser and Core Ritual Cleansing Oil for are also great options.

Shower Temperature Matters:

I love a hot bath or shower, but extreme temperatures aren’t the best for our skin. I recommend keeping your shower temperature lukewarm. According to Healthline, “Hot water damages the keratin cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. This disruption can lead to dryness, irritation, and the loss of natural oils.” Hot water can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. Shorter showers are also better for your skin.

Apply Products Right After Showering:

When your skin is still damp from a shower, it’s the perfect time to apply your skincare products. This helps your moisturizer absorb better and locks in moisture for more nourished skin throughout the day. When your skin is well-moisturized, your makeup will apply more smoothly as well.

Choose Your Moisturizer Wisely:

Even oily skin types need moisturizer in the winter! Opt for thicker formulas that will help trap moisture in. Look for Non-Comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores or make your skin more acne-prone.

Sunscreen ALL YEAR ROUND:

Sunscreen is a must, even in winter. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30 on your face daily. While it may seem like the sun’s rays aren’t as strong in winter, they still shine through car windows, reflect off snow, and reach your skin. This is why I believe sunscreen year-round is essential! Sunscreen is the foundation for youthful, wrinkle-free skin.

Gentle Cleansers:

Gentle cleansing helps preserve your skin’s natural oils and protective barrier. According to Neutrogena, gentle cleansers use non-irritating ingredients that cleanse without causing dryness or sensitivity. Personally, I don’t wash my face in the morning; I just rinse it with cool water. I save the cleansing for the evening when I remove my makeup. This way, my skin stays naturally moisturized for the next day.

Exfoliate Wisely:

Chemical exfoliators are better than physical exfoliators because they are less likely to irritate the skin. Physical exfoliators can be rough and cause microtears, leading to redness and blemishes. For winter, I recommend using PHAs or Azelaic Acid, which are gentler than AHAs and BHAs. Great options include products from Paula’s Choice, The Ordinary, and Open Formula..

HERE’S TO GLOWING SKIN THIS WINTER

XOXO