Hello everyone!
We are half way through winter, super exciting because I am sick of the cold! Today’s blog post is all about winter-proofing your skincare. In Sydney, it doesn’t get too cold, I’m talking maybe 8 degrees as the minimum temperature around where I live, but I know other suburbs drop to the negative degrees – which I have also experienced when I was younger. Needless to say, I do not enjoy the cold and can’t wait for spring to arrive.
Like most people, my skin really feels the effects of winter, as it gets dry and sometimes flakey. Every winter I focus on ensuring my skincare routine has extra moisturising products and ingredients, whether it’s a heavier moisturiser or hydrating serum.
Here are some tips on how to winter-proof your skincare routine!
Lip balm
I would consider lip care as part of skincare. All year round, I must always have lip balm with me, in every room or drawer or bag. I have been using this one from Dermal Therapy, or sometimes I use a bit of my moisturiser and dab it over my lips.
Tip: At night, add a layer of Vaseline or something else that’s occlusive, to lock in moisture.
Lip scrub
As I am constantly wearing a mask, sometimes my lips get a little chapped. I love using a lip scrub every now and then, to buff away dried skin/skin flakes. I usually just make my own with some sugar and oil, scrub and then wash away.
Tip: You could also use a clean toothbrush to help provide a bit of extra exfoliation.
Toner
I love a good toner, the more moisturising, the better! Lately, I’ve been incorporating the Hola Seaweed Moisturising Toner* into my routine lately and it has been a game changer. I use this after my Kiehl’s toner, and I would liken it to a K-Beauty toner essence (think Blithe Vital Treatment). It’s slightly viscous but easily absorbs into the skin and has been a great help in adding extra hydration to my skin these days!
Tip: Express mask with a hydrating toner! Saturate some thin cotton pads with toner and place over areas of concern, then take off and continue with the rest of your skincare.
Essence or serum
I always try to add hydrating and moisturising ingredients into my skincare routine, I look for hyaluronic acid or propolis/honey.
I recently picked up the Hyaluronic Acid Booster from Paula’s Choice and have been loving it – I picked it up during their 20% off sale. It’s a clear, lightweight serum that easily sinks into the skin. I only use about 2 drops/dots for my whole face and neck. It glides so easily onto the skin and doesn’t conflict with any of my skincare. It leaves my skin feeling soo soft and has definitely been a game changer in my routine.
I purchased 3 trial sizes of the Booster and am almost out of them, so I’ve also started using the Hola Seaweed Moisturising Essence*. The texture is similar to a gel and I only use about 2 drops on my face because a little goes a long way.
Tip: Similar to the tip above, you can express mask with an essence or serum, just follow the same steps as above but use your favourite serum or essence.
Moisturiser
I love a thick moisturiser in winter, I tend to lean towards creams in winter. In summer/spring I might go with a gel-cream or lotion but creams are definitely better suited for winter. I use the Bioderma Atoderm Creme and I love it. I’ve previously tried the Atoderm Intensive Baume (suited for skin with frequent, severe flare ups ), but I wanted to try the OG.
Bioderma caters their products for sensitive skin so this is really good for anyone looking for something basic and nourishing. This is great for the whole family and can be used on the face and body.
Tip: Similar to the lip balm tip, use some Vaseline/occlusive product after your moisturiser, to really lock in all the moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss!
Sheet mask
I have been a bit slacker with sheet masks lately because I just want to do my skincare ASAP. Always love doing one when my skin needs some an extra boost.
Tip: Save the excess serum from your mask and use it the following day, or on other parts of your body like your elbows or knees.
Hand cream
One of my favourite hand creams is the La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume. I loveee using it on my hands, it’s suited for the face and body, and helps soothe the skin, especially flare ups and also itchiness. It’s a little on the thicker side of hand creams, but sinks into the skin seamlessly and doesn’t leave any kind of greasy feeling behind. They make two sizes for this, one comes in a tube and the other comes in a pump. I love having this nearby on my desk and I use it all the time!
Tip: Hand creams don’t always have to be hand creams. I love looking for nourishing moisturisers from brands that cater towards sensitive skin. Think La Roche Posay Cicaplast or Lipikar Baume (though they do make a hand cream), Avene Cicalfate, Bioderma, the list goes on.
Body care
I’m definitely someone who focuses a lot of skincare attention towards my face, but with winter around, it’s even more important to focus some attention on your body. I’ve love using a body scrub to keep my skin feeling soft and polished. I’ve just about finished the Almond Milk and Honey one from The Body Shop. It’s a cream-based scrub which I like because sometimes sugar/salt based ones feel too abrasive on my skin. I use this 1-2 times a week, and always follow up with body moisturiser.
I have been pairing the body scrub with the Enbacci Complete Body Firming Lotion*. Love the minimalistic packaging and that it comes in a pump! It leaves my skin feeling soft and has the slightest scent on it which I find quite pleasant.
Tip: Give your skin a little extra TLC by using a body scrub/exfoliating before using your favourite body moisturiser.
Additionally, the introduction of a humidifier is great if you live in drier climates. They help add moisture in the air to prevent any dryness that may irritate the skin/body.
How do you winter-proof your skincare?
Have a great week and continue to stay warm throughout winter!
With love,
*Products are PR samples, sent for reviewing purposes and I am not being financially compensated to feature them.
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