It’s January in Boston and yes it’s freezing and my skin is not happy about it! If you’re a New Englander like me you know the struggle is real when it comes to keeping your skin feeling moisturized during the winter months aka half the year! Unfortunately, just one product won’t do the trick – so I’ve learned. Just like your skin has many layers you need to also layer on skin care products to help the absorption. The products you choose to put on your skin must contain certain active ingredients as well – and also must not contain ingredients that could potentially irritate and dry your skin out further. In addition to staying hydrated, drinking plenty of water, below are my 5 tips to getting that smooth summer-like glow all year round.
Tip 1 – Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
I have very sensitive skin and I was always worried about exfoliating my skin. But this is a must if you want smoother skin and for your products to absorb deeply. About three years ago I purchased a Clarisonic Mia Fit brush and it was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made for my skin. Not only does it give you a mini massage while you wash your face but helps lift the dead skin and dirt that your hands or makeup wipe won’t do. I know some people might say the Clarisonic doesn’t technically “exfoliate” but whatever it’s doing the job and working for me. I tend to only exfoliate when I’m in the shower about 2-3 times a week MAX – I’m still very cautious about irritating my sensitive skin and found this frequency works best for me. My husband, on the other hand, will use it every day – especially before he shaves. If you’re not into splurging on a device you can try an exfoliating cleanser. I’ve been loving Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser in the shower – I don’t use this daily as I have drier skin. I usually use this cleanser before using my Clarisonic (note do not use this with the Clarisonic as it has texture).
Tip 2 – Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid should be your best friends
I’m all about my skin looking fresh, bright, and plump – I mean who isn’t!? To make sure you get #skingoals this winter you need to look out for the right ingredients. I tend to gravitate to products that contain some sort of Vitamin C and/or Hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C will help your dry tired skin look brighter and more alive while the Hyaluronic acid with help moisturize your skin and also help other products absorb better. What’s better than getting both of these ingredients in one product? I’ve been hooked on Kiehl’s Powerful-Strenth Line-Reducing Concentrate. It can sting slightly when first applied but to me, it feels like it’s doing its job and after my skin feels quite comforted.
Tip 3 – Don’t be shy with oils
I love layering oils as part of my skin care routine. I never used oils until about two years ago when I started leaning toward cleaner products and discovered Josie Maran. I love using her 100% Pure Argan Oil as the last step in my routine day and night – primarily on the sides of my face and forehead (a facialist told me to avoid my nose area for the sake of my pores). My husband was always scared of having “oily” skin but realized after using this his skin was more balanced – ditto! At night, I like to also use Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate – the hints of lavender is very soothing to skin and mind and gets me ready for bedtime because Zzz’s are needed for skin cell recovery and rejuvenation.
Tip 4 – Use sheet masks!
I love using sheet masks, especially after a shower. I tend to use only one brand and have stocked up whenever I can find them on sale at a Marshall’s or TJ Maxx – cuz girrrlll CVS Pharmacy is overpricing The Creme Shop sheet masks HARD and I’m not down with that. After I tone and mist my face after I get out of the shower I put on a sheet mask while I’m drying off and lotioning up the rest of my body… I tend to leave them on until it dries on my face completely and then I follow up with my normal routine. Of course, you can use any brand but I prefer The Creme Shop – they have such a variety to choose from! Below are a few of my go-to’s in the winter.
Tip 5 – Avoid fragrance in skin care products
About seven years ago I was suffering from extremely dry and itchy skin, especially around my chin/neck area. I would slather on expensive creams but nothing worked – until I did some research and started to pay attention to the ingredients listed in the products I was using on my face and body. At the same time, I discovered the brand First Aid Beauty and their products have changed my skin in ways I couldn’t even imagine. First, I was drawn to FAB because they were a local company based in Newton, MA and I love supporting brands close to home. Second, most of the FAB products are fragrance-free or naturally fragranced. Third, the products are moderately priced and I’m a firm believer in that good skin care shouldn’t be expensive. After switching to FAB, I noticed my skin wasn’t reacting anymore, my dry patches were disappearing, and I was falling in love with my skin again. My husband is also a huge fan and we both use two of their cleansing products religiously – the FAB Pure Skin Face Cleanser and the Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay (my husband calls it “the red stuff” – he can’t live without it!). I’ve also replaced my shaving cream with the FAB Pure Skin Face Cleanser and I’ve never experienced any irritation and I’m able to get the closest shave ever on my legs. We also love their Ultra Repair Lip Balm because not only does it protect your lips but actually helps heals them. My husband also loves that this balm isn’t shiny or glossy and has a relatively matte finish which I also prefer. Lip liners and lipsticks glide on like a dream after using this. The FAB lip balm has really been our go-to for years and other alternatives we’ve tried just don’t seem to match up.
Hope you enjoyed my tips and hope you’re able to incorporate them into your daily routine. Also, don’t forget to drink water! What are your winter skin saviors? I would love to learn about which products keep your skin glowing all-year round so please leave a comment below!
© BEAUTY HILL
BEAUTY HILL 