Winter skin care Favorites
This winter has been brutal to say the least. I experience the "bomb" cyclone in New York City over the holidays and the random cold spell in northern California. My skin is definitely paying for it, especially my face. I can keep the rest of my body moisturized and covered from the elements, but no matter how high i wrap my scarf my face is exposed.
Having a winter skin care routine is important, as a matter of fact it was one of the top priorities i think every women should consider focusing on in January (click here to read). Now i know what you are thinking, the beauty industry has been pushing seasonal skin care routines for years. Yes ! And although i am usually one not to jump on every beauty or fashion trending bandwaggon, from my own experience i know that my skin needs more in the winter than it does in the summer. And no, that does not mean spending an extra $100 bucks at Sephora on one product.
As an oily skin girl i need moisture, moisture, moisture, to balance my overly oily T-zone. I know that most girls and boys with oily skin are often told to strip away oil and mattefy their skin. This is the worst possible solution for oily skin. Our skin produces its own natural oils, to strip it away leaves is open to breakouts and possible changing of the PH of our skin. As someone who has tried every beauty product known to man from the age of 13, i can tell you that stripping away oils makes things alot oilier, but balancing the skin with nourishing products keeps access oils at bay.
I have six main skin care products that i use throughout the year, and especially load up on during the winter time, none of which will drain your bank account. Here are my top six products that have worked for my over the last 7-10+ years.
1. Exfoliant , St. Ives Even and Bright Pink Lemon and Mandrin Orange Scrubs (Target.com )
The microbeads in this scrub will exfoliate your skin without scratching the skin, or creating redness. It is tough enough to remove dead skin, and gentle enough to keep your skin feeling smooth and moisturized.
2. Cleaner : Philosophy Purity made simple. (Sephora.com )
I can not tell you how much of a God send this product is. I have used it for almost 10 years, and my skin still responds so well to it. It not only cleanses the skin, but it removes all make-up without the dry skin feel that many make-up removing products have. This is a non foaming cleanser, and more of a cream based product that cleanses and moisturizes. After one use your skin feels clean, soft and fresh.
3. Moisturizing mask. Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask. ( Sephora.com )
This mask smells amazing. Because of its pure brightening citrus ingredients, it is not uncommon to find small pieces of nectar in your jar. The consistency is that of a preserve spread that you would eat ( NOT FOR CONSUMPTION) without the sticky residue. For best use apply in the shower after your cleanse your face. The steam from the shower will open up your pours and soak in all of the vitamins in this mask.
4.Day time Moisturizer. Aveeno Clear Complexion (Target.com )
I started using this product more than 10 years ago when my best friend who has dry skin swore by its power to balance her skin and calm her eczema. I gave it a try, and many many bottles later, its is my year round go to moisturizer. Although this is a thicker consistency it is light weight. Its non greasy formula makes it appropriate for use in the summer, but still moisturizing enough for winter time use. During the winter months i apply a little extra to make sure my skin is getting what it needs.
5.Night time moisturizer . Clinique Moisture surge Extended thirst relief. (Sephora.com )
Our skin is its most thirsty at night. Rather than use my same day time moisturizer i wanted a thicker super charged cream to prevent my skin from drying or flaking at night. Clinique moisture surge has been on the market for a very long time, with a very good reputation for doing exactly what it says, creating relief for thirsty skin. This moisturizer has a cooling cream consistency that soaks into the skin creating a glowing complexion. After use at night, In the morning my skin is always super soft, and moisturized. Since using this i have avoided having dry, flaking patches on my skin for years. It is definitively worth a try. An extra tip.. If you have problem skin when you fly use this moisturizer. My skin gets extremely oily when i fly, which is mostly because the air on airplanes are recycled and dry. This moisturizer keeps my skin balanced throughout my flight without the greasy feeling.
6. Avalon Organics, Intense Defense with vitamin C. ( Target.com )
A few weeks ago my best friend started telling me about this vitamin c cream that has changed the way her skin looked. Her skin tone was even, her skin was clear of blemish and her skin seemed to glow. Because of her obvious great results i had to try it out for myself. I have been using this product for three weeks and i can honestly say that my hyperpigmentation is starting to smooth out and fade. This is a new product for me so i was not expecting such great results so fast but i am happy with how my skin looks and feels. Adding this to my routine was pretty simple, i layered it under my clinique moisture surge at night before bed. As time goes by i hope to share more of my results with you.
*Have any great skin products that have worked well for you? comment below and share what you love, i am always looking for a great product to try.*
