Whether we love winter or not, the dry air and indoor heating really takes a toll on skin! I wanted to share a few of my tips that I found have really helped my skin survive winter and stay hydrated and comfortable.
Face. My skin is very much combination, with an oily t-zone and dryness around the cheeks. Also with rosacea, I find the winter air to be very irritating. I tend to use a thicker moisturizer in the winter and to regularly use hydrating masks. I use the Peter Thomas Roth mask I’m linking below every day. I put it on before I take a shower and rinse it off after. This is by far one of the most gentle, refreshing yet hydrating masks I’ve ever used. I keep it in my skincare fridge and it’s so cool and refreshing in the morning, but also deeply hydrating. I also swear by facial oils. I never in a million years thought that I would ever put oil on my face! But if you find the right oil for your skin type, it really will transform your skin. In cold weather, switch to a creamy cleanser. I just discovered Pond’s cold cream makeup remover. It’s been around for 150 years and now I’m understanding why! I use this every evening to help take off my makeup and my skin feels so dewy and soft afterwards, but not greasy! I was worried about potential breakouts, but so far so good! Not sure if I will use it in the summer, but it really has helped my face feel less irritated.
https://www.ponds.com/us/en/products/collection/cleansers/fragrance-free-cold-cream-cleanser.htm
https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/collections/f-a-c-e/products/lapis-facial-oil-1
Body. As with your face, the winter air brings all kinds of woes to your body…itchy, dry, flaky skin. The number one thing you need to do, is stop taking hot showers! Hot water is so bad for your skin. Not only does it increase your body temperature and blood pressure, but it just promotes inflammation. Turn the shower and bath temp to just medium warm. Your skin will thank you! The other recommendation is to switch to a cream-based shower product. I like just the basic shower creams by Dove or Oil of Olay. Shower gels are drying, as is anything that has a lot of fragrance. When I switched to a shower cream, I immediately noticed my skin was not so dry or irritated. If you are taking a bath, the same applies. Don’t take a steam bath! Use a bath product that is hydrating and soothing. Look for products that are labeled “milk bath”, those I find are the best and most soothing. Again, stay away from anything that is heavily perfumed, as this could irritate your skin and cause UTI’s (ugh!) Post-bath, look for thick, rich moisturizers. My number one favorite is Kiehl’s Creme de Corp. I buy a fresh bottle every year during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. I am never without this product. Drugstore options have a great offering as well, especially lotions by Dove, Neutrogena and Cerave. Also, if at all possible ladies, do NOT shave every day. Daily shaving causes skin irritation and damage even if done carefully. Save the daily shaving for summer! Ouch!
https://www.sephora.com/product/rice-sake-bath-P12857
https://www.lushusa.com/shower/body-butters-conditioners/scrubee/9999907188.html
Hair. The best advice I can give about hair? Don’t wash it every day! Make dry shampoo your friend! In the winter I only wash my hair twice a week. In the summer, three times a week. On the off days, I use dry shampoo and restyle. This has SAVED my hair. If you color your hair and/or use heat tools, your hair will basically be fried if you wash it every day. Use a deep conditioning hair mask at least once a week and air dry your hair before using the hair dryer. I let my hair air dry at least 50% before I use start up the hair dryer, it’s actually much easier to style when it’s partially air dried.
With the weekend coming, take a nice milk bath, wrap your freshly washed hair in a towel while a hair mask does its magic, apply a nourishing face mask and unwind! You deserve it! XO, Char
