It may not be snowmageddon (at least not yet), but it IS time to winterize your skincare routine. And for me that means its time to step up my exfoliation game. (Remove dull, dry skin, boost cellular turnover and help reveal a more even, healthy complexion? Yes, please!) During the warmer months I typically exfoliate approximately 2-3 times a week, but with winter and it's dry, freezing wind coupled with my hot air heating, its time to up the ante, in a gentle, skin-pampering way, of course! Here's how I keep my skin in shape when the weather turns chilly.
- A gentle exfoliating cleanser. I have tried a TON of exfoliators, but having pretty sensitive skin, I've learned to steer clear of cleansers that are a bit too gritty. (You know which ones I'm talking about.) These can be a bit too abrasive and can actually leave micro-tears. Instead I look for a gentle scrub that I can use daily. This one from VMV Hypoallergenics is amazing! I love that it has a Dry Skin option that doesn't leave my skin feeling tight and itchy.
-Toner. I know so many people are anti-toner, but I'm a believer! Some people have a mask for every skin situation, I have a toner. Breakouts? Dark Spots? General skin prep? Got 'em covered (much to the chagrin of Mr. C, the collection of beauty products that lives in our bathroom seems to multiple overnight). Right now, I'm using this one which is formulated with unbuffered glycolic acid to help cell turnover and force new, younger, brighter cells to the surface. Maybe it's just me, but I find it strangely satisfying when I see a bit of left over dirt or makeup on the cotton ball after toning. It makes me think just how much is left behind by cleanser and how my skin is now squeaky clean. I use mine twice daily.
- Clarisonic. I'll be the first to admit that I was late to the Clarisonic party. Seriously late. But having recently received the Mia 2 for Christmas, I can say that I'm thoroughly smitten! After getting a little too brush happy, I've scaled back and starting using using it every 2 to 3 days with a gentle cream cleanser, and I'm really happy with the results. Afterward, I use a toner to seal the deal, obviously.
After all this exfoliation, I layer on a lightweight cream with SPF for day or a heavier, more nourishing cream or oil at night to help lock in moisture.
How do you get your skin winter-ready?
-MC-