hydrating for the winter

It's like a switch is flipped; the moment when perfectly normal air turns arid, sucking every last bit of moisture from your skin.  And we all know when that happens lines and wrinkles appear out of nowhere.  I totally believe the key to anti-aging is hydration. So if you haven't moved on to a heavier moisturizer and a winterized skin care routine, now is the time to do it.  It will involve the following steps:

#1 CHANGE TO A CREAMY CLEANSER:   Doing this will start you off right, and believe it or not will make a difference in how moist your skin stays.  My preferred creamy cleanser is REN Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk.  It is extremely gentle, and rinses off easily without leaving residue.  Made with botanicals, it is all natural including no sodium laurel sulphate.  A real winner!

#2  EXFOLIATE GENTLY AND REGULARLY:  You'll want to get rid of all the dead dry skin that sits on top and gives you a dull look, as well as prevents your other products from working properly. I'd do it twice a week. The best bang for your buck is Fresh Sugar Face Polish because it is gentle (the sugar is a hydrating ingredient), and if you leave it on an extra few minutes it acts as a mask too.  It is sure to get your glow on!

#3 ADD A FACE OIL:  Nowadays face oils are uber popular and pretty much every brand makes one.  You'll find that most oils actually absorb quite well.  If you have oily or combo skin use it alone or if you are dry, layer it over your moisturizer (let the moisturize absorb first). Do this at least at night and if needed in the morning as well.  I'd try Boots Botanics Facial Oil 100% Organic  because it is super inexpensive but gorgeous and refined.  It is available at Target and sells out all the time.  Clearly I am not the only one who loves it!

#4 STEP UP THE NIGHTTIME HYDRATION:  Sleeping with a humidifier on (cool mist) will make it so that you don't wake up as parched and drawn.  You could also try sleeping with a nighttime mask such as Korres Greek Yogurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial.  Spread this creamy concoction all over your face and leave it on until morning when you wash it off.  Actually most of it will have absorbed by then so your skin will look nice and plump.  Korres is another all natural brand and this new mask of theirs has taken off like wildfire.

#5 FOR TRULY CHALLENGING SKIN:  My secret weapon for the driest of skin is L'Occitane Certified Organic Shea Butter.   It feels like a balm, almost vaseline-like, but is 100% shea, 100% natural (and most products have less than 18% shea).  It may not seem like it absorbs all the way but is in fact one of the most hydrating things you can do for your skin   Despite the thickness it is noncomedogenic and shouldn't break you out.  I like to use it as a neck cream because it is often recommended for pregnant women to keep their skin supple and prevent stretch marks so I'm counting on it keeping my neck firm!

If you try all these tricks you will have silky smooth skin despite the trying times of Winter, but even one or two steps should help make a difference.  Good luck!

all products reviewed were either bought or sampled by me. And product pictures were stolen from the link's website. I am not financially compensated for my reviews