How to Winter-proof Your Skin

When I heard the high today was going to be 3 degrees, I shuddered. Why on earth does it need to be so cold outside? Seriously. The first thing I thought was, “I feel sorry for anyone who has to brave this weather.” You’d seriously have to prepare yourself. Starting with your skin!

The Cleanse

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip moisture from your skin. If your current cleanser leaves your face feeling tight and dry then chances are it’s a little too harsh for this time of year. Bench it and opt for a thicker, creamier formula like Philosophy Purity Made Simple, The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser or Boscia Tsubaki Oil Gel Cleanser.
2. Follow up with a hydrating toner. Toners help remove traces of dirt and makeup left behind while closing your pores and adding a layer of protection against environmental damage. They’re also pretty moisturizing! I recommend trying Chanel Lotion Douceur or a cleansing water, like Simple Micellar Cleansing Water.
3. Exfoliate once a week with a gentle scrub. Exfoliating is extremely important in the winter for two reasons. First, it helps your skincare products absorb more quickly and efficiently since all of that dead skin is out of the way. Second, it prevents the skin from looking dull which is inevitable in the winter. I recommend trying the Queen Helene Oatmeal ‘n Honey Natural Facial Scrub or Freeman Beauty Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask.

The Moisturize

1. Apply moisturizer for your skin type. This may seem like a “no duh” but I just had to mention it! Be sure to use a rich moisturizer that’s tailored for your skin type. Sometimes one size fit all options just don’t cut it in the freezing cold. I recommend the Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or Ole Henriksen Nuture Me Cream.
2. Apply a drop of beauty oil on top for added hydration and to seal in moisture. Or mix it into your moisturizer. Whatever works for you! Either way, adding a beauty oil to your routine is a win, win in cold weather. Beauty oils are incredibly hydrating and help lock in moisture as well as provide a ton of other skincare benefits. I recommend trying the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil or Boscia Tsubaki Oil.
3. Remove makeup using oils. Nothing gently breaks down makeup and hydrates the skin like oils. So now is the perfect time to incorporate one into your routine! Once you’re in for the night, simply take a few drops of oil and massage away your makeup. Then, follow up with your cleanser. Done! You’ll be left with a clean face that’s soft, smooth and hydrated. I recommend using extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil (like Hollywood Beauty Coconut Oil.)

It may seem like a lot to take in at first but, trust me, it’ll help your skin fight the blistering cold! My skin gets extremely dry and flaky this time of year so these are the steps I like to take to keep my skin in tip top shape. And my makeup from looking all flaky and crazy. Can’t have that either!

What do you do to protect your skin from the cold?