The Ultimate Survival Guide: Winter Skin Edition
I have been looking forward to winter this year.
As I get older, I really am appreciating the changes in the seasons. It gives a fresh start with a new wardrobe to enjoy with thick cable sweaters, tall boots, tights, beanies and scarves; different color palettes, such as forest green, berry, and mustard yellow; flavors like pumpkin spice, apple pie, toasted marshmallow to name a few. Even though I look forward to it, my skin, however, does not. Anytime there is any sort of change, my skin panics and displays all of the bad behavior it can possibly think of, and being that it is already very sensitive and prone to dullness and tantrums, I take this topic very seriously.
To minimize the frustration I turn to these current favorites:
Cleanse: Balm
It is extra important to not strip your skin of its natural oils during the harsh winter months when you clean your face at the end of the day. For a long time I couldn't find something gentle enough to not irritate my skin but strong enough to obliterate my mascara. Dizzolv'It by Cailyn is the ticket. There is a razor thin line there. Raccoon eyes isn't the right look for me personally, nor is scab face. Dizzolv'it literally melts away my entire day into this silky, oily film that turns to a milky fluid and glides off of my skin leaving it soft and clean. It reduces my waterproof mascara, 24 hour wear foundation, and stay all day lip stain to a stylized watercolor painting on my fingertips.
Prep: Exfoliating Scrub
Depending on the coarseness of the one you choose, alternate it every few days. I am currently using the Age Defying AHA Facial Exfoliator from Kora Organics. Cruelty Free, Organic, Eco Certified and in a gorgeous bottle. I simply adore Kora's packaging. This one uses plant enzimes to gently remove dead skin cells, leaving skin refreshed and untraumatized.
Repair: Mask:
I try to use a mask 4 to 6 times a week. My current favorite is the Mask of Magnaminty by Lush. Contained in 100% Recycled plastic, this handmade (thank you, Audrey 83995) minty goodness is cruelty free and vegetarian. It has a deeply satisfying cooling effect and tightens pores while brightening the skin. It's like a cup of coffee for your skin! In a pinch or fresh out of your favorite mask? I have also put a thick layer of face cream with a little oil mixed in with a layer of cotton over the top as an alternative.
Balance: Facial Mist
Usually, mists are just atomized botanically enhanced waters. It is one of the most simple things, but they can make all of the difference in the world. If you are on the fence, try one sometime after a long day and your skin will thank you for it. I use a facial mist at least twice a day after cleansing my skin or rinsing it lightly with water. This one is another gem from Kora Organics. I love the Balancing Rose Mist as I find it reduces the redness in my skin and creates a receptive base for the next steps.
Nutrient: Oil
Oils still get a bad rap, even though they have been increasingly easier to find in stores and raved about on blogs and vlogs. I owe most of my skin wins to oils. It is important to choose one that works for your chemisty and the best way to find it is by trial and error. For example, I have heard so many people sing praises of coconut oil and I love it for cooking and scrub bases, but as a facial oil, it just isn't for me. It just sits there and refuses to soak into my skin. I stumbled upon French Lavender by Mullein & Sparrow and at first I was afraid that it would have too strong of a lavender scent, but it only has a mild scent with a note of lavender leaves instead of just the petals. This gives it a distinct apothecary tone to it, which I love. I add a little to my lips, eye area and any other patches I have noticed dryness. Which usually means on my fingers and knuckles.
Lotion: Cocoa-Shea Butter
A homemade by me favorite. It is a mixture of cocoa, jojoba, rose hip and shea butters. I will share the recipe soon. I am a huge fan of the faint chocolate scent that it leaves on my bathrobe and pillow, even though it makes me crave hot cocoa.
Seal: Lip Balm
I use PoutMud by GLAMGLOW to layer on top of the oil to seal it in on my lips. This one is lovely and minty without leaving a waxy residue on my lips or pillow by morning. And don't you just adore the packaging?
If you have any suggestions for me to try, please comment below! I am always in search of other wonderful products to find.