winterize your skin care routine
The truth is, I've been looking especially shitty lately. Maybe not what you want to hear from your "go-to beauty blogger" but hey, I'm trying to be transparent here. The good news is, I'm pretty sure of where I've gone wrong. Yes, I did do my fair share of stuffing my face and boozing during the holiday season yet, I think my appearance's downfall is more than just some extra junk in my trunk. It's late January, and I'm just realizing I never winterized my skincare routine. What works for us in the summer, when the air is moist (cringe) and the sun is always shining is a big departure from the super-dry, cold, gray days we're currently facing. And it's time that our beauty regimen reflected these changes. SO.... below are my must-haves for glowy winter skin:
1. BUY A HUMIDIFIER TODAY: This is the most critical thing you can do for your winter beauty regimen. Ugh, really? Yes, really. Dip into that annoying bevy of Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons you keep receiving in the mail and purchase a decent humidifier. Humidifiers are clutch when the weather gets really dry because, simply stated, it puts moisture back into the air. Dry air is a real bummer for skin. It can cause bloody noses, cracked lips, itchy skin and the list goes on. I keep a multiple galloned humidifier in my bedroom, blowing directly on me. Selfish you say? I'm a mother of three (actually four including my husband) and I don't even visit the toilet without a minimum of two sets of eyes on me, so I'm going to take this small victory.
2. Saline Nasal Spray: So, I have a superficially deviated septum... sexy, I know. In the winter, I am prone to sinus infections and all-around stuffiness. To combat these afflictions, I buy a generic brand of saline spray and keep it stockpiled by my bed. Every night, I squirt a couple drops each nostril et voila! I'm way less stuffy, I sleep better, I probably dodge a few colds and even better, dissuade any romantic gestures from my husband.
3. Aquaphor: I never even knew about the benefits of this Vaseline-like stuff until I had kids. This thick ointment is the answer to all your parched skin prayers. It repairs deeply cracked skin and severely chapped, itchy, lips. Most importantly, it's the anecdote for our super chaffed wintery hands- the ones we've been obsessively washing in hopes that we will somehow, by the glory of the good Lord, avoid the fucking stomach bug this year. It's fragrance and preservative free so go ahead and lube the whole family up with this stuff and pray you survive another brutal winter.
4. COCO ROSE Body Scrub: So I know what you're thinking... why would an exfoliant be something to use in the winter? But Herbivoire's Coco Rose isn't just ANY body scrub. This scrub delivers a double-whammy by sloughing off dead skin yet drenching your body in moisture. Coco Rose's essential ingredient is virgin coconut oil which is rich in many proteins, which aid in the reparation of damaged skin. Coconut oil is also insanely moisturizing which is just what the doctor ordered this time of year. Herbivore's brand is quickly becoming one of my all-time faves and a staple on my bathroom shelf.
5. Oil Based/Gentle Cleanser: In the wintertime, we have to be more calculated with what's being applied to our skin. Products that are somewhat abrasive and deep cleansing may be ok for the summer time, but can really damage and throw off the balance of our skin in the winter. Because of this, I like to switch up my face cleansing routine with something that is ultra gentle and nourishing. This oil cleanser by Bionova still effectively removes my make up but doesn't strip my skin which is critical when the air around us is so unforgiving.
6. Hyralaunic Acid: If you haven't heard of hyralaunic acid yet, then it's time I deliver the good news... this stuff will save your skin during the cold winter months!!! It can hold 1,000 times it's weight in water making it worth every single penny of it's hefty price tag. So which one should you buy? At first use, I wasn't a huge fan of Sunday Riley's Tidal... I think it felt too heavy because I was using it in summer when my skin was already supple and dewy. Now that my skin is bone dry and I look like Skeletor's mom, this moisturizer is my go-to. I also love SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel which you can add to any ol' moisturizer you have laying around.
7. Eye Cream: I don't know about you guys, but for some reason during the colder months, my eye area looks super tired and super dark. It could just be a lack of vitamin D or maybe a lack of desire to even get out of bed when it's sub below outside, nonetheless I needed help. I recently started using Ole's newest skincare product Banana Bright Eye Crème and I AM OBSESSED. It is so brightening, super hydrating and illuminating. There are days I even fool myself into thinking that I am a well-rested, fully functioning, vibrant human being.
8. Body Oil: I think most people know that during winter time, skipping body lotion is a "big mistake, HUGE mistake!" (Pretty Woman anyone?) In my opinion, however, regular body lotion won't get the job done. I turn to products containing Shea butter, essentially Vitamin A when the weather turns cold. Not only does it moisturize like crazy, it is also shown to have exceptional healing properties as well. Since I'm always short on time, I like to take care of my entire body routine with one bottle. Ouai's Rose Hair & Body Oil is that bottle. This oil contains the coveted Shea Oil (among other potent oils) and hydrates dry skin AND hair while locking in moisture. It is a true multi-tasker. I apply Ouai's oil fresh out the shower when my skin is still a little wet. The scent alone will convince you this is one worth buying over and over again.
9. Lip Polish: Every single winter, without fail, I succumb to what I like to call "Ronald MacDonald lip syndrome." My lips and surrounding skin become clown-like: inflamed and itchy- it ain't pretty and I don't dare leave my house. This year, I'm determined to beat my usual fate. For the past two months, I have religiously been using Fresh's Sugar Lip Polish. I take a dime size amount, massage onto my lips and wash away with a washcloth. I do this about twice a week. This polish contains shea butter (ding, ding, ding) and jojoba oil and it leaves my lips feeling soft and smooth and ready for a million kisses... from my children... who then, cough right into my mouth... I can't win.
So there you have it, my winterizing skincare routine. I know this seems like a lot of change-over from the products of summer, but rest assured that most of these items are pretty basic and can even be found at your local drug store. I do want to preach, though, that the most critical thing you can do for your skin year round (YES EVEN IN WINTER) is applying SPF. Even without the scorching temps, our skin is super susceptible to damaging UV rays. And ladies, we ain't trying to speed up the aging process are we? I didn't think so.
