Are you finding your skin a bit dry as we are transitioning seasons? Here in Canada we are into fall and heading into winter and many people. including myself, start to have drier skin. I want to start off by saying that while I do have an excellent knowledge of skin and how it works that I am not an esthetician or dermatologist and your best bet to healthy skin is always personalized advice from your facialis or doctor. Here are my top picks combat dry winter skin. I currently use or have used each and every one of these products and would never recommend something that I haven't tried on myself. And I will say it again - a flawless makeup application begins with a great skincare routine!
1. A Good Non-Stripping Cleanser
If you're like me you like the feeling of squeaky clean skin after cleansing your face. This is something that I have had to get over. When cleansing your face you should never be left with dry, tight feeling skin. If you are, chances are that your cleanser is over cleaning and stripping your skin of it's natural oils in the process. I use Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel on the regular. I love that it is still foaming without stripping my skin. I If your skin is extremely dry and sensitive I also love Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser and will use it when my skin acts up with eczema or allergies. You may also want to consider oil cleansing which can be very beneficial! Try Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oill as it removes dirt and impurities without stripping your skins natural barrier.
2. A Good Exfoliation
Did you know that proper exfoliation can help your skin care products to work more efficiently? It removes dead skin cells which could otherwise clog pores and not allow your moisturizer and other products to properly absorb into your skin. Skin that is exfoliated properly will also provide a smooth canvas for a flawless makeup application as it will help to remove all those dead skin cells that makeup loves to cling to. Depending on your skin type and sensitivity level you can exfoliate anywhere from 1-3 times a week. Be careful not to over exfoliate as it can make dry skin worse and increase oil production. My top pick for exfoliation is an enzyme exfoliation as it is less abrasive. If you are using an abrasive exfoliant (think grain-like) be careful not to apply to much pressure as this can cause micro tears in the skin and cause damage. Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel is one of my favourites for gentle enzyme exfoliation as well as Sonia Roselli's sexApeel Instant Exfoliation Spray If you prefer a grain-like exfoliant Dermalogica's Microfoliant which can be mixed with water or your cleanser.
3. Adding a Moisturizing Mist
Adding a misting toner to your routine can also help your products to be absorbed properly into your skin and also deliver an extra boost of moisture. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater can be used as a toner (after cleansing and before serums/moisturizers), after makeup or throughout the day to give your skin a radiant glow. I have been usingNIOD's Superoxide Dismutase saccharide mist (say that 5 times fast) for a couple of years now and absolutely love the results. It is so much more than a toner! It acts as a daily force against oxidative stress, water loss and the look of inflammation. This too can be used during your skin care routine, after makeup and throughout the day - even on the body!
4. Hyaluronic Acid
This little wonder can do big things for dry skin! It is able to hold up to 7x its weight in water which makes it the perfect addition to add to your winter skin care routine. My very favourite is Deciem's NIOD MULTI-MOLECULARHYALURONICCOMPLEX. Starting at $35 CAD it offers 15 complexes of hyaluronic acid. For a more budget friendly version at $20 CAD Check the Deciem's Hylamyde low molecular HA (which I have most likely used on you if you've had your makeup done by me) It has 5 complexes of HA and will also do the trick.
5. Adding an Oil to Your Routine
There is a lot misinformation out there about adding an oil to your skincare routine. A lot of oils are actually non-pore clogging and have an amazing array of fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins to help support healthy skin. My favourite way to add oils to your routine is to use 1-2 drops prior to your nighttime moisturizer. I love Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil Josie Maran Argan Oil or you could try the awesome local brand Cocoon Apothecary and check out their oil blend of Rosey Cheeks Facial Oil Serum I especially love that one since it is made locally in Kitchener! On a side note - please do not use coconut oil on your face. It is extremely pore clogging and has little to no nutritional value for your skin. There are so many better options out there. Read more about why I say no to coconut oil here
6. Amp Up you Wintertime Moisturizer
Your winter time, dry skin solution may be as simple as switching to a richer moisturizer - even if it's just at night. I love Dermalogica Barrier Repair It helps your skin to repair it's natural barrier while moisturizing without any water. This is a great one for all those suffering from eczema! My daily moisturizer - one that I also use in my kit for skin prep - is Sonia Roselli's Waterblam Water Balm plumps those fine lines, smooths your skin, reduces the appearance of pores, and gives you a real life photo filter. And it is THE perfect moisturizer to wear under makeup!
*****BONUS PRODUCT*****
I add this little beauty to my skincare routine every year as we head into fall and winter. A pea sized amount morning and night is all it takes! I took this info straight from the Deciem's website - A "breathing", adaptive hydration seal for the skin that helps protect against loss of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), and supplements the skin's own moisturizing factors. NMF, largely composed of amino acids and minerals, is the skin's natural barrier against water loss—in effect, protection from loss of NMF itself is the first line of defence against protection from loss of hydration (water). This novel approach stands in sharp contrast to moisturizers that offer oils and lubricants as a method of hiding dehydration instead of respecting the skin's own barrier to water loss.
Do you have any products that you love to help your skin make it through the winter? Comment below!
Drink Lots of Water! Meghan xo
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