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It’s finally dabbling in the 50s here in Houston, TX so I’ve definitely noticed a change in my skin. It’s slightly drier, slightly more sensitive and even my body has been just a touch itchy. Because of the weather change, I knew it was time to adjust a few things (or add some things in) to my routine. I highly recommend these five winter skin care must haves if you’re also on the dry/itchy/sensitive struggle bus!
The five items I’m sharing today help me address a few different issues, so feel free to add in just one (or all) of these to start seeing some changes in your winter skin care.
FOR YOU: If your entire body is itchy and nothing moisturizes deep enough (and you want to smell like a lemon pound cake)
I got this body soufflé last year around the holidays and I was savoring it because it smells SO GOOD. I’m usually not a sweet fragrance sort of person, but it’s just really making me happy this year. Plus, it smoothes onto the skin like a gel but immediately absorbs into a nice, deeply hydrating body soufflé. Putting this on before bed is extra indulgent because you’ll be lulled to sleep like a little kid who just ate all of the cookies in the cookie jar and now is in a cookie coma.
FOR YOU: If your skin is looking a bit chapped and lackluster
Pur~Lisse is a brand I already was a fan of before they reached out to me and kindly sent me a few more products of theirs to try. These sheet masks are among my top three favorite sheet masks of all time because they actually STAY PUT on my face and they have a very delicate, soothing fragrance to them. The material is definitely of a higher quality than sheet masks I’ve tried before, but the calmed, glowing complexion I have after I wear one of these for 20 minutes is excellent.
I even sent one to a friend to try up in New Jersey who’s a sheet mask EXPERT and she totally gave it two thumbs way up!
FOR YOU: If your skin is extremely parched, irritated, dehydrated and nothing else is working
I tried a sample of this rose mask a year ago and thought it was a miracle worker, but unfortunately, only had enough for one use so I couldn’t truly endorse its magicalness. Now that I have the full size, I can validate the magic. Since this is a pricey one, I save this for extreme situations – like before an evening event or the days after Retin A use when my skin can appear a bit flaky. A little goes a long way, so even though the tube is small, you don’t need much. I like applying this as my night cream and sleeping with it on for extreme soothing, plumping, and brightening.
FOR YOU: If you just need a little pep in your regular, daily daytime and evening moisturizer without having to buy a totally different formula
I used to swear by this argan oil duo when I lived in Philadelphia in the winter because just 3-5 drops will make a huge difference without making your skin an oily slick (even if you’re an oily fiend like me). I haven’t used them in a while, but lately, I’ve been adding 3 drops of the LIGHT formula into my daytime moisturizer and 3 drops of the REGULAR formula into my evening moisturizer. Absorbs quickly but gives the skin a healthy, hydrated look and feel.
*At the time of publishing this post, it seems Josie Maran is no longer being sold at Sephora.com and I can’t locate the mini size duo of both oils anywhere. THIS LINK will take you to JosieMaranCosmetics.com where you can decide if you want the regular (more hydrating) version or the light (good for oily skin) formula.
FOR YOU: If you have oily, yet dehydrated skin. Need moisture but also need to exfoliate the dry flakes off. Want to clear up acne, fade hyperpigmentation or acne scars. Are looking for brightening/glow.
This product is a drugstore (Target) gem. I have been using the PIXI Glow Tonic and really like it, but that is a light, 5% glycolic daily toner. The Glow Peel Pads are a whopping 20% Glycolic and only meant to be used once a week (although my skin can tolerate 2-3x/week since I’ve been using acids and Retin A for 10+ years now). Swipe the pad all over your face and wait 2-3 minutes. You may feel a mild tingling, but nothing painful because the pads are formulated to be quite gentle. Rinse with cool water, apply your night moisturizer and wake up to a radiant complexion.
What are some of your winter skin care must haves you rely on this time of the year? Let me know in the comments and share this post with someone who may find it helpful! I appreciate it.
-Steffanie
