gearing up for winter skin

Fires in the fireplace, boots, wool, and dry, moisture-sucking air.  These are a few things I think of when I think of the cooler months.  Just as you change up your clothes for the season, it is critical to change up your skincare as well.  Stuff that is creamier, more nourishing and hydrating is the order of the day.  For a post explaining everything be sure to read my hydrating for the winter.  Here though I'll just be recommending some superb products with quick and simple steps to care for cold weather skin.  Take note.....

First off, change to a creamy cleanser.  You may not believe it, but this is essential.  Soothing your skin from the very first step is a game-changer.  Algenist Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser is velvety and luxurious at the same time a bit anti-aging with sea algae.  It is super hydrating but gives a thorough clean, and rinses off easily leaving no residue.  And no parabens or sulfates!

Dry skin needs exfoliation just as much as oily skin, so I would alternate your Algenist cleanser with Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser, but no more than twice a week - you don't want to overdo things and make it worse.  A lovely consistency, this gently exfoliates with fruit enzymes and jojoba beads that dissolve instead of harming the environment.  Oh yeah, and it's 100% natural and can be found at Whole Foods.

Step 2: oils oils oils.  Everyone manufactures face oils now but one of the first ones, NUDE Skincare ProGenious Oil, remains my favorite.  This is all natural, full of omegas, and gives the smoothest, best glow.  It is not at all greasy and absorbs pretty much right away.**   With the market being flooded these days it kind of flies under the radar but honestly I don't think you could do better (well ok Sunday Riley might be a tad bit better but is definitely pricier).  No mineral oil!

Of course you need to think about switching to a more hydrating moisturizer and I've got an inexpensive one that fits the bill perfectly.  CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is at the drugstore and comes in a big tub.  Some people just use it as a spot treatment for particularly patchy areas but during the dry winter weather I need to use this all over my face.  It is not greasy but truly soothing and satisfying.

And as an accessory it is nice to keep a bottle of hydrating spray at hand.  A few spritzes throughout the day replenish and restore.  Especially because that indoor heating really does a number on your skin.  There are many brands.  Most popular is the Evian but the problem with that is it is just straight water with no ingredients that actually attract and penetrate hydration to your skin.  I think the the superior products are the two Caudalie ones.

Like the Evian,  Caudalie Organic Grape Water comes in an aerosol can but the difference is that the grape water calms sensitive skin (overly dry skin can become very sensitive) and jacks up the the moisture levels in your skin by 127%.  No parabens, you know the drill.

Or if you want to go whole hog you should buy their cult favorite Caudalie Beauty Elixir.  This pump spray is chock full of essential oils that are truly healing. It combats the dullness of dry skin and refreshes your makeup.  It smells totally spa-like (it's a scent you will never forget) and even comes in a purse size so you can easily keep it on hand.  No parabens etc. etc

I WANT TO TRY:  Straight up coconut oil.  I can see using it on your hair but the face I am a little nervous about.  However people do do it.  As a natural oil you can't beat it, and my skin is super duper dry.  Plus it's inexpensive.

Have you ever used coconut oil on your face?



** Another hydrating hint:  mix a drop in with your foundation!


Pics stolen from walgreens.com, vitacost.com, and the product's websites.



all products reviewed were either bought, researched, or sampled by me. I am not financially compensated for my reviews