Winter is a time of coziness, jewel tones, coziness, home cooking, and the pure bliss of hibernation. However, it is also a season of dry skin.
For many, dry skin and winter can be itchy, tugging, flaky, and uncomfortable.
If that sounds familiar, here’s an easy and affordable guide to caring for super dry skin in winter. For skin care beginners!
Add humectant products
Moisturizers are ingredients that attract and retain moisture in the skin. The most popular and gentle humectants are glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Fortunately, there are many affordable serums with these ingredients that you can add to your regimen.
I love the affordable Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum ($7.50). Apply it after cleansing and toning and before applying moisturizer.
This is a great way to boost your regular daily SPF moisturizer, so you don’t have to invest in a new one for winter.
Use a hydrating night mask.
Your daily moisturizer (which should contain SPF!) is not enough for the night. Take the opportunity to apply an ultra-hydrating night mask that is absorbed into the skin while you sleep. It’s so good, but I don’t think it’s a mask. It’s just an intense moisturizer. It’s not greasy or sticky. It’s perfectly rich and leaves your skin feeling like heaven in the morning.
A more affordable but also fabulous option is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream ($20.99).
Use rich facial oil
There’s something luxurious about applying a facial oil, especially after cleansing and moisturizing your skin at the end of the day. In addition to moisturizing, facial oils can create a protective barrier and help regulate sebum production (so you don’t have to deal with pimples on dry skin).
My all-time favorite facial oil is rosehip oil. I have sensitive skin, and it is so gentle yet effective. It has vitamins A and C and many fatty acids to nourish the skin. Rosehip oil can even brighten the skin and help reduce lines and wrinkles! Magic.
Many blended facial oils on the market use multiple ingredients, and they are great! However, I love the simplicity of a reliable oil.
Apply a few drops of facial oil to the skin at night after serums and creams and in the morning before SPF and makeup.
Stay away from rough peels. But exfoliate anyway
The last thing you want to do is scrub your dry face with a physical exfoliant, as it further removes precious moisture. Dry skin can clog pores and create a barrier that prevents water from entering.
Opt for a gentle chemical peel, such as the 7% glycolic acid exfoliating toning solution ($10.00). It will break up, remove dry skin, and brighten skin tone.
Use only at night (it can make skin more sensitive to UV damage during the day) and follow with your serum.
Choose an oil-based cleanser.
If your spring/summer skin is oily, your winter cleanser may be too harsh. The key is to find a cleanser that removes dirt and makeup residue but doesn’t damage the skin’s precious barrier. This means you can be gentler with your cleaner because the makeup will be long gone.
Tatcha Rice Wash skin cleanser ($38.00) is divine because it contains hyaluronic acid and was developed especially for dry skin cleansing. A cheaper option is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($15.99).
Have a hydrating mist on hand
Finally, a moisturizing facial mist is a secret weapon for keeping skin fresh and hydrated throughout the day.
The standalone beyondbeautyevents Mist facial mist (starting at $14.99) is truly amazing. First, the spray nozzle is on point, with no big streaks in sight. Also, it smells divine, but most importantly, it hydrates and refreshes the skin.
