The cold dry winter air can do a number on our skin. I know I can use all the help I can get to keep my skin looking hydrated and happy! But holy moly do I get overwhelmed by all the different products out there! I haven’t the slightest clue how to go about picking the right products for my skin. It’s time to bring in the pros! I have asked a few ladies that know their stuff to shed some light on what products we need to be using especially during those cold winter months! Let’s learn about some skincare!

Combination Skin Tips by Jessica Abreu

Exfoliate – During the winter our skin needs extra care because the heat that is on is very drying, the air is dryer and the cold wind is not doing us any favors. It is important to exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week. Do not do it more than that though. Exfoliating can be done in the shower with a microdermabrasion cleanser or with a mask.

I love using this exfoliating volcanic mask to decrease fine lines, wrinkles, and reduce signs of aging. It soothes and hydrates the skin with allantoin, sweet almond oil, olive fruit oil, and beta-glucan. Antioxidants from green tea and bilberry help reduce the effects of environmental stress on the skin. Using this mask 2x a week will help you have beautiful skin all winter long.

Remove makeup with water – Washing your face with water frequently can cause your face to become drier. The reason is that as the water is removed from your face, so is some of the moisture that resides in your skin.

You should consider using a micellar cleanser. A micellar cleanser is waterless. It will remove makeup, dirt, and sweat off your face. Cleansing your face each night before bed is important, not just during the winter, but year-round. This micellar cleanser will keep your skin hydrated while cleansing, which is the perfect combination for proper skincare.

If you are buying a micellar cleanser at your local drug store, please check the ingredients to make sure the one you are using DOES NOT contain alcohol. That will dry your skin out very fast.

Micellar cleansers are also great for traveling (when we get to again) because the pH of water in hotels and different regions is different from our homes. This can cause skin irritation and breakouts. When traveling I always suggest using the micellar cleanser in AM and PM to properly care for your skin and reduce the chance of breakouts.

Moisturize – I have combination skin. Most women have combination skin. It’s great, right?! Oily in some spots, super dry in others, and maybe a small section of absolutely perfect skin. No matter the type of skin you have, you need to moisturize. If you are NOT moisturizing your skin, you are causing your skin to overproduce oils and this will cause you to break out.

Moisturizing is not just something people with dry or combination skin should do. It is something every person should do. Your skin needs to be protected and moisturized daily, especially in the winter months. You need to moisturize in the AM and PM.

Personal favorites of mine are Renewal Gelee because it will help improve hydration, provide advanced antioxidant protection, and help maintain and renew the skin’s texture. This cutting-edge formula glides across the skin effortlessly, allowing the skin to quickly absorb all the benefits this treatment has to offer.

[Interested in trying out this volcanic mask? You can order it from Jessica here.]

Skincare over 40 by Missi Stec

When I was younger, I didn’t think a lot about my skin, or how I treated it. I didn’t wear sunscreen, ever.  I didn’t moisturize, ever.  But I was also a lucky teenager with dry skin and no acne.  So why bother, right?  Seriously.  Then I had kids and became wildly anxious about all things and finally, my skin became a priority.  I have worked with an amazing esthetician over the past 12 years to simplify my routine and make it mom-proof.  Meaning- moms don’t have a lot of time.  So fast and easy is the trick when it comes to skincare.  For you all, I am going to lay it all on the table with the tips and tricks I wish I had when I was younger.

• There is no substitute for a real, deep facial by a professional twice a year.  Your skin needs a deep clean.  A reset.  And it takes off years.  My skin has never looked better since I started this habit.  I love the diamond microdermabrasion facial ($125-150) and it is the best spa-level service I have ever paid for in terms of return on investment.
• Sunscreen.  Every day.  Makeup with sunscreen or a moisturizer with sunscreen does the trick.  With my dry skin, I can use any sunscreen, but I stay away from those that have heavy chemical components.  Generally, if it is reef safe, it’s face safe.  I love the Two Pea’s ($15) product.
• Cleansing.  Cleaning my dry skin is actually pretty simple.  And I keep it very inexpensive.  For 10+ years, I have used the Neutrogena Face Wipes ($6) These babies are easy, portable, and effective.  They get my face clean, fast.  I also use a makeup eraser when I am at home.
• A good serum and moisturizer make a dramatic difference.  While I only spend $6 a month to clean my face, investing in serum and moisturizer have become a priority.  I love Beauty Counter Products.  This company’s mission is to lead a movement to a future where all beauty is clean beauty.  They ban harmful ingredients in their products and they have formulas for all kinds of skin.  Their Countermatch system is AMAZING for aging.  And again, it’s fast.  The whole is set is pricey ($179), but I live by the serum ($49) and the adaptive moisture lotion ($49) every morning, and the night cream before bed.  But a few pumps once a day, and my skin is so very happy.
• An occasional mask helps get out the gunk.  Charcoals are all the rage and I agree.  My charcoal masks a few times a month gives me a stunning glow. I use the Counter+ ($49) because of the control of harmful ingredients, but you don’t have to be fancy with this one.  You can pick up a simple charcoal mask for $5 at the drug store.
• Simple, everyday makeup can be easy on your skin and beautiful.  I am addicted to the Loreal Glotion.  It’s cheap ($12) and I use it every day to moisturize and give me a healthy glow.  Rub it in, add a few swipes of your fav mascara and a lip balm or gloss and you are good.  I am digging the EOS stick lip balm ($3) yet another company that works hard to make sure you have good, quality, nonharmful products.  I have one of those at hand at all times, especially in the winter months.
• Your hands get neglected.  I promise, they do.  When you finish your skin routine, use your extra product on the backs of your hands.  You will thank me when you are 80.  I also moisturize at bedtime with this Dionis Goat Milk Cream ($7).  A few times a week, I also swipe my cuticles with all-natural cuticle oil.  I have a friend that makes mine (lucky me), but almond oil or coconut oil will do the trick perfectly.
• Botox.  I will not dive deep on this one, but if you want to smooth out the forehead or prevent crow’s feet, Botox will be your bestie.  I don’t recommend it every 6 weeks but judiciously and with an abundance of caution.  So many 20 and 30 somethings have turned to Botox to prevent future wrinkles and it absolutely works for that.

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All in all.  My routine is 5 minutes daily. If I add a quick makeup fix (see number 6) it’s maybe 10 minutes.  I keep products like hand moisturizer and lip balm by the bed for convenience.  But all these years of saying I didn’t have time for skincare, only to realize that I have 5 minutes a day.  The best advice for dry skin to keep moisturizing.  You can’t really over-moisturize your skin and dry skin looks old.  Add that step no matter what. You can go budget and I did for many years.  As I get older, I am more careful which what I am willing to put into my body, so I read more labels and am likely a bit extra when it comes to researching products.  My goal is to love the skin I’m in, literally.  This skin.  And you should love yours too!!

Simple Tips by Liz Lovell

Liz Lovell is a licensed esthetician. Besides her passion for healthy skin and helping others, she loves her husband, is a busy mom of two, and aspires to be a hobby farmer. She has a dog and rare Lavender Orpington chickens. 

Winter skin can sometimes be tricky. Your skin can feel dry, cracked, exposed to windburn, and get flaky or you can be overly oily. Some of the easiest things to do to keep your skin healthy in the winter are to stay hydrated, use appropriate products, and see your skincare professional for specialized treatments.

Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water and staying away from alcohol at holiday get-togethers is great for your skin. Caffeine and alcohol can actually dehydrate the skin, so stick with water or natural juices, the less sugar the better. Make sure to choose healthy food choices also, as some foods can flare the skin and cause breakouts.

At-home professional products can help to keep the skin balanced and protected doing the winter months. Professional products are products that you can purchase from a licensed esthetician or dermatologist. They can give you a better boost for your skin than the drug-store, mall, and MLM brands and often for about the same cost.  One of my favorite products to use daily to protect my skin and my clients is the Daily Power C Serum by Glo Skin Beauty.

This serum is packed with antioxidants and 15% Vitamin C, so it helps to protect the skin from winter damage as well as repairing past skin damage. I also love to use a hydrating moisturizer in the winter. Everyone should be using a moisturizer in the winter, even super oily clients. Another important tip for winter products- don’t forget your lips and your eye treatments! For professional recommendations on any product and what is best for your skin type, see your esthetician. 

Many of my clients in the winter season want to address issues such as aging, fine lines and wrinkles, and also pigment issues in the skin. Winter is the perfect time to do more aggressive skincare treatments for these issues because we spend less time in the sun and elements than any other time of the year. Great winter treatments to see a professional for are microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing treatments.

Thank you to all the ladies that contributed to this post! As we know, everyone’s skin is different and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your skin! But I would say these tips are a great place to start! If you have a favorite skincare line, drop it in the comments below! My personal favorite is Tula Skincare!

Now that you have some knowledge about skincare, head over, and learn some tips about interior design!