3 Winter Skincare Staple Items

Winter is a time of very exciting get-togethers and activity, and often with that comes the occasion to dabble in extra fun, sparkly, glamourous makeup. However, wintertime also brings some of the harshest conditions we face with cold air, biting winds, maybe snow, harsh sunlight, and indoor heat to compensate for the cold. So I have compiled a list of three types of products (and personal recommendations) that I always ensure I have when winter approaches,

An Ultra-Hydrating Lip Balm: If there is one area of our body that feels the brunt of dehydration at the very first it is our lips. Lips do not have any oil glands of their own and therefore have no way to lubricate themselves to or to effectively seal in any external hydration long-term. This makes lip balms super crucial. While I do love a comfortable, juicy, creamy lipstick formula as well, a clear ultra-nourishing treatment overnight is what I think makes the biggest difference in the way not only my lips feel, but also look, during this season.

A recently discovered favorite of mine in this vein is the Shea Butter Ultra-Rich Lip Balm from L'Occitane (0.3 oz tube, $12.50 USD Loccitane.com) This organic lip balm is packed with all the classic moisturizers and lip hydrators known to most formulas out their including a base of 10% shea butter, which feeds the lips with protective fatty acids, as well as lightweight and hydrating sunflower oil, Vitamin E, and moisture-sealing beeswax. What makes this product unique, though, is that the formula is lotion-like, not a waxy balm. The creamy texture might not layer that well with other lipcolor, so I prefer it as a standalone product usually to use at bedtime. But the consistency allows it to spread around the mouth and soak into the lips quite easily, and they just drink it in all night long. My lips areso smooth by morning, and there is absolutely no peeling whatsoever. The formula also has no scent or taste, which is great if that is a concern for you and it may be hard to find scent-free lip balms in other brands.

A Great Hand Cream: Hands are another part of the body that really takes a beating during winter. Not only is dry weather a culprit, but also paying extra attention to washing your hands often to prevent getting sick is also a factor. I even did a whole article concerning hands-specific skincare tips awhile back. But regarding specific hand creams, I have several several favorites, but I must give my best award to the Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream 3.4 oz full-size tube, $24 USD, Ahava.com) . Comprised of many ingredients combined to help hold in moisture, curb soreness, and enrich its overall vitality (including sea salt and other sea minerals) I really have found no better. Plus, the formula is lightweight and sinks in quickly, yet its effects wear quite long on the skin. There is also a fresh, salty (and even a touch floral) light smell to this product that I just can't get enough of.

A Light Yet Occlusive Moisturizing Cream: Facial oils and serums of many kinds have become my go-to’s that I depend on to treat my dry skin texture, heal any acne, and feed my skin healthful ingredients, as their usually thinner textures work to deliver those concentrated ingredients deeper into the skin. However, actual moisturizers and creams have their place, most especially during winter to help to not only seal in the ingredients from the serums and oils underneath, which becomes more challenging when the skin becomes drier or more dehydrated from the elements, but also to keep the surface of the skin from having a tight feel. Lately, I’ve been loving experimenting with lighter weight creams than perhaps typically recommended for my dry skin type. A few really good ones of this type include the Josh Rosebrook Ultra Peptide Cream ($60 USD, 0.75 oz) a fluid yet deep-sinking, rose-scented cream that delivers amino acids in the form of naturally- derived peptides from pea abd quinoa to plump and build the skin barrier. And for another option i have been loving the Blissoma Awake Firming Moisturizer ($44 USD, 1.3 oz). this silky, waterweight lotion, though marketed as a daytime cream, has been a tried aNd true moisturizer for both day and night for years now. With raspberry seed oil and tamanu, and a host of other fruit-based ingredients delivering a host of antioxidants the combination of mineral-rich herbs like heather, blue yarrow. and witch hazel work together with 2% niacinimide to enhance ingredient penetration and keep skin calm and clear while improving its ability to hold on the moisture and water content from all the many ingredients that compose this formula. It truly feels like nothing is on my face when I use this, yet it is both smooth to the touch and comfortable from the inside all day and night long. This moisturizer offering a more natural looking matte finish compared to the Josh Rosebrook makes me feel it will appeal to those with oily skin and dry alike. Plus, it layers super well with makeup due to its quick absorption. The scent of this one is very light (less prominent than the Josh Rosebrook) and is a melange if earthy green herbs mixed with a kiss of warm jasmine.

Winter skincare is at its core about keeping the skin calm and moisturized, and this is true of any person of any skin type at any age. But looking for your best versions of these three types of products will help keep your routine simple and effective but amped for the time ahead.