Your Guide for Managing Winter Dry Skin

Hi beauties! 

I've been thinking long and hard about what to share with you today, and I figure seasonal content catered to beginners would be appropriate. It is winter, and most states are dealing with the cold and dry weather sucking the life out of their skin. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to winter dryness, but I can share with you some products and methods of keeping your skin moisturized during this time of year. You've probably heard esthetician reminders to have a skincare routine according to your needs rather than skin type. While I agree to this, I also think skin type can be helpful. I have had combination skin for years that has followed the same pattern of behavior: combination/oily in the summertime, combination/dry in the winter, and just my regular combo skin at all other times. While a change in environment may contribute to swaying in one direction versus the other, I am still always prepared. 

I am writing this post in February and my skin is combatting dryness! I finally have a good handle on it but I have to admit I had a rough start. Let's get right into it:

1. Make a milky toner your best friend. It will nourish your skin and also be soothing to your dry skin. I have compiled a list of winter serums and toners that you can find on Amazon. I included some of my favorite milky toners in there, as well. 

2. Use water + an occlusive product like Vaseline (or the store brand equivalent): This is a budget friendly option as most homes have a tub of vaseline or a similar occlusive product lying around somewhere. Dampen your skin with water and apply vaseline over it. This can be used on any external part of the body.

3. Utilize Moisturizers! Moisturizers matter even more during this time. I find myself reaching for oils and balms in addition to cream moisturizers. I have compiled a list on ShopMy and Amazon, both of which have some excellent products I have used or currently use and recommend! I particularly love it when brands come out with seasonal products. For instance, this Estée Lauder Nutritious line has been a delight. You can watch me talk about it here and shop via the post.

4. Always wear your sunscreen. It's winter but the sun is still out doing its thing. Protect yourself from uv damage, premature aging, and of course cancer. For chemical sunscreens, I prefer Korean or Japanese sunscreens (example 1, example 2) as they have more elegant formulations that are easy to wear and feel like skincare. Physical sunscreens are tougher, especially for those with my skin tone or deeper. Cotz vanishing zinc oxide (tinted and richly tinted) is the only physical sunscreen I can say boldly and loudly has nearly eliminated any issues of cast when the adequate amount of 1/4tsp for face or 1/2tsp for face, neck, and ears has been used. It is truly an elegant physical sunscreen and I hope they continue to make it. The brand makes lovely sunscreen overall but the fact that they've worked on and succeeded in a pain area for consumers of color? They have my heart.  

Try not to make a lot of skincare changes during this time. I have found that consistency and repetition have been ideal, especially is you have sensitive or reactive skin.

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