Words by Cassandra Campbell / Edited by Sherlyn Torres / Photos: Elle & Allure Mags
The cold beginning of winter is not just a sign that Christmas is fast approaching (just in case y’all forgot), it also means its time for a skin care routine change up!
The cold harsh weather tends to be even more demanding on our skin at this time of the year. The frigid weather leaves the skin dehydrated, chapped and highly irritated.
To help alleviate some of the havoc the winter is wreaking on your skin here are a few tips to get your routine up to par.
Before we get into actual product recommendations it’s important to remember that having a good basic skin care routine in place is still strongly advised. This means cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, spf (in the day), specialty mask (1-3x week) and, an exfoliator (1-3x a week) of your choosing.
The biggest emphasis for winter will definitely be your serum, moisturizer, eye cream and exfoliator.
Remember a serum has smaller molecules so it is able to bring the hydration further into the skin.
Your moisturizer helps to lock in the serum and gives surface hydration. Get a moisturizer that is ‘heavier’ than your summer moisturizer. When you apply it to the skin it should feel pretty hydrated.
Recommendation: Laneige hydration trial pack. It’s an amazing value for a skin care starter set. It's water based so it will help combat the appearance of dehydration.
As the eye is still the most delicate area on the face do not skip this step. Age shows here first. One word, actually two - crow's feet, yikes!!
Recommendation: Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream – great for hydration, dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles
Exfoliation can make or break your skin care routine. If you over exfoliate, the skin will become thin and dehydrated. If you don’t exfoliate the keratinized (dead) skin cells may not come off quickly enough to allow the products you apply on the skin to penetrate properly. Making most of your skin care routine not effective. Did I mention exfoliation brings you one step closer to radiant skin, who doesn’t love looking radiant?!
Recommendation: Peter Thomas Roth Peel Fx – Multiaction enzymes, glycolic & ahas that gently roll away dead skin cells when massaged into skin
A tip for multiple layer product application is to apply each layer sparingly as they will build on each other.
Below are a few more product recommendations that you may want to try during the cold winter months...
Finally, adding a facial into your routine every 4-6 weeks would really help to give you the results you are looking for. Not only are facials a great way to relax, they all have a purpose. It’s kinda like going to the mechanic they tune up your car but it’s the maintenance that you put in after your trip to the mechanic that determines how well your car continues to work. (*if you don’t like this one you can use this analogy*- It’s like going to the dentist for a clean and fill, after the appointment you still have to brush and floss to maintain good oral hygiene, its really the same concept.) Estheticians are there to get you started on the right track but if you skip home care you’re wasting your money.) In an effort to combat dry, dull skin try getting a customized facial from a professional. You will notice an instant difference in the way your skin looks and feels.
Last but not least, the temperature is just beginning to dip and will likely get worse in January so remember to bundle up & keep the skin on your body supple too! Chime in below to let us know some of your favourite facial & body moisturizers.