Friends, I need your help today! Now that we’re well into winter, my skin is taking a beating and this is the year I’m resolving to figure out a combination of products that helps remedy the situation. As a bit of background, I have combination skin. In the winter I have a very slightly oily t-zone on occasion, but tend to have extremely dry skin elsewhere. Around the corners of my nose, my cheeks, and the corners of my eyes are especially bad. My skin can get so dry in the winter that any kind of moisturizer burns like crazy and it’s not uncommon for me to walk around looking like I have chapped, windburned cheeks when I do not. Pretty! I feel like I’ve tried most everything in the drugstore so this might be the year where I need to invest in my skincare essentials so I can get things under control. I’m also open to using different products day and evening if that helps – I’ve just kind of always been too lazy to think about it that hard in the past. These products are ones I’ve either heard great things about, have started trying myself or saw on YouTube and decided to add to my list. (That bit about YouTube? Totally true.)
So, ok. This is where you come in! Lay it on me. What are your holy grail winter skincare products? I want to know about your favorite serums, moisturizers, cleansers, cleansing oil and waters, toners, exfoliators, the works. I try to stick to products that are free of parabens, sulphates, fragrances and alcohol where possible, although if something works well for you I want to hear all about it even if it might not perfectly fit that bill. I know you guys are way cooler than me and have your winter skin all figured out and have some wisdom to share, so please do! I’ll report back in a month or so and let you know how I’m making out.
[Row 1: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate | Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream | Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado | Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye | Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil | Row 2: Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Toner | Bioderma Cleansing Water | Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.]
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I am partial to Dermalogica products, as that is what I work with. They do an enzyme exfoliate called Daily Microfoliant, which can be used daily & only has a slight grit to it. It can also be added to your face wash, so it saves a step. If you have broken capillaries or red skin, a heavy scrub wouldn’t be good, go for an enzyme. Many skin care lines carry them, with an acid listed as an ingredient (lactic, glycolic, salicylic). Anything with salicylic acid shouldn’t be used on pregnant women. I looked at the Clarins, the reviews sounded good! I do think it’s a little weird that you apply it, then go about your day without washing it off, especially if it’s supposed to be getting rid of dead skin. But, if people like it, it’s doing something right! :)
Dermalogica is a great line as well. They make a moisturizer called Barrier Repair & it feels like butter on your skin. It’s meant for your face, but feels great on hands too. One thing that is still important in the winter is exfoliation. 1-2 times a week is enough, and don’t use any kind of apricot scrub, as it tears up your face. Oh & I saw a comment that stated that after cleansing her skin is dry…if that’s the case, change your face wash. Most drug store cleansers are very drying in general, so it’s worth the splurge for a upgrade. Paula’s Choice is a good line too! One way to try products is to get the travel kit to see which ones you actually like & make a difference in your skin, without a huge investment. I’m an Esthetician, so any questions, just ask! :)
Thanks, Nicole! This is so helpful. Any exfoliator recommendations? I’ve been thinking about trying out the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. Right now I’m working with a deluxe sample of the Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash and I swear it’s the best cleanser I’ve ever used. Maybe a little rich for summer months, but I am loving it on my winter skin. Thanks so much for your advice!
Morgan, thank you for introducing me! This is a completely new to me brand, but it looks amazing. I’m down with the luxe over clinical part, too. All in all, I really have good skin (I think of my sister who has battled acne and blemish issues her whole life) so it just always seems excessive to pummel my skin with too many chemicals and harsh ingredients when it really just needs some love. ;-) Thanks for this!
Sydney, thank you for that suggestion! I have heard really amazing things about the Paula’s Choice line and I think the prices seem so reasonable, especially considering the amazing reputation. I am going to add this one to my list! My list is getting so long now! lol ;-)
Jill!!! This is so so so good. I’m clapping over here and will soon be going on a pinning spree so I can all of these to my board I’ve got going. ;-) lol I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to break this all down for me. I needed this…it’s inspiring me to start mixing and matching products and getting really consistent with it, because my skin currently hates me and I have to make amends with it ;-)
All about VMV Hypoallergenics! Their products are super gentle, but feel luxe, not clinical. Their line for dry skin is amazingly nourishing without being greasy, a total lifesaver. And for serious overnight skin pampering I like to use their Boo Boo Balm on my face and lips. It’s for babies but is really one of the best items I’ve ever tried! Good luck!
I am loving Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Line. My favorite product is the Moisturizer which has been the only moisturizer which keeps my skin moist and helped the best with the dryness. You can get samples to try. I have included the moisturizer I like.
http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/collections/Skin-Recovery/_/Skin-Recovery-Replenishing-Moisturizer/
Cyd, I usually just use it at night after I wash my face, since my face (surprisingly) only really dries out after I wash it (How does that happen this time of year?). Yeah, I’ve heard pretty good things too, and I intend to try more skincare products eventually. Everything I’ve got so far came as a free travel mini with my purchase XD.
Hi Cyd, I too have combination skin and this is what I have found that works for me. I’ll try to keep this as short as possible but I LOVE skincare, it seems like a lot but these products really work:
PM Routine –
Body Shop Silky Cleansing Oil, apply to dry face and this works beautifully to take all makeup off.
Aesop Purifying Cream Cleanser, really nice but also expensive so any gentle cleanser will work.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, really gentle acid toner, these have made a huge difference in how my skin looks and they really help to get rid of dry patches.
Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10, I find this is a heavier serum suitable for night.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, I know its already been mentioned but this stuff works! Another more natural option is the Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil, its only available at heath food stores that I know of but its really gentle but amazingly moisturizing.
Keihl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, amazing as you already know.
AM Routine –
Bioderma Micellar Water, gentle and fast for a morning cleanse.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+, I use this as a serum step and its great for keeping the odd pimple at bay. If spots aren’t an issue for you then the Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum is a really lightweight serum and works well under makeup.
La Roche-Posay Rosaliac UV Legere, this is a moisturizer with SPF and its formulated for people with a lot of redness. Again, its hydrating but light so it creates a nice base for makeup.
Biotherm Skin Best Eyes, hydrating and cooling eye cream that is wonderful in the morning.
Finally, I try to use a mask a couple of times a week, two are are in constant rotation are the Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment which is a great deep cleanse and the Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask.
Sorry for the long post, I hope it helps :)
Ladies, for anyone following the conversation here, I’ve added all the above products, others I’ve been eyeing and your suggestions from the comments here and readers on Facebook to a Pinterest board so you can find them all in one place if it’s helpful for anyone other than me! ;-) http://www.pinterest.com/cydconverse/beauty-%2B-skincare-products/
I normally get extremely dry skin in the winter and wearing BB cream makes it show even more. When I switched to Kiehl’s daily moisturizer, I got a sample of the Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Needless to say I was HOOKED! It’s a hefty price to pay for a little bottle, but seriously that thing lasts for-ev-er. I apply it liberally every night and this is the first year I haven’t had dry blotchy winter skin (and I live near Minneapolis – about as cold and dry as it gets). Most definitely give this stuff a try!!
Yesss! Thank you, Jilly, for saying that! I’ve been THISCLOSE to dropping the dough on the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, but good grief it’s pricey. That said, if it works like a charm and lasts a long time it may just be entirely worth it so thank you! I felt the same way when I bought my first Kiehl’s product (the creamy eye treatment with avocado) but it works perfectly as an everyday eye cream and it takes forever to use up so I can’t complain in the end. :-)
Thanks, Elle! I’ve heard the most amazing things about Clinique’s skincare products (like the Take the Day Off cleansing balm above) but haven’t experimented with any of them yet. I am adding this to my short list! Do you use it day and night or just one or the other? :-)
I have to say, I haven’t had much experience with all the different types of skin-care products. But right now I am really loving Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. I think It’s different than most moisturizers, but it’s super light and refreshing on the skin! So far, it’s done wonders for my skin.
Alright, comin’ in hot with the cheap stuff. I get some of those dry patches, too. The sides of my nose and mouth, especially. On top of that, my skin starts to feel like it’s stretched too thin, and my usual moisturizer doesn’t cut it. So! My solution is to add moisturizing elements to EVERYTHING. Clean and Clear morning burst (the hydrating one with cucumber) in the morning with aveeno moisturizer. Pond’s cold cream cleanser and Pond’s dry skin creme at night. I LOVE Ponds, even if makes me smell like my grandma. I only use them at night, because they feel a bit more heavy, and especially in the beginning made my face feel super oily. Since I’ve been using them, though, my dry spots have completely disappeared. Not to mention that the cold cream cleanser is the best cleanser/makeup remover I’ve ever used, and it doesn’t break the bank!
Thank you, Hannah! This is so great. And I’m all about the cheap stuff, because I fully believe there are a lot of amazing products that work fabulous and don’t break the bank, so I welcome these suggestions with open arms. I definitely think I need to move toward something heavier at night so I can really load up on the moisture while I’m sleeping and don’t need my skin to look matte. Thank you! I’m going to be loading up on some of this stuff for sure. :-)
I SWEAR BY Dove’s Winter Care bar soap.
I get dry patches on my arms each winter (sorry if that’s gross!) and for years I have been trying everything to manage/get rid of them. Eucerin, Aquaphor, every other moisturizer under the sun, Vaseline, other “moisturizing bar soaps”….nothing works! (disclaimer, normally I love these brands and still use them, but they didn’t work for this particular problem)
Anyways, I finally find this Dove soap and it is amazing and keeps my skin moisturized and awesome all winter long!!
Allie, thank you so much for chiming in! I definitely get really dry patches on my arms (ugh the elbows are the worst) in the winter, too, as well as my calves. I have Italian blood running through my veins sooo basically my hair type demands daily shaving, but during the winter it just dries my legs right out and then they’re so itchy they hurt. I always tend to avoid bar soaps because I think they get a reputation as being extra drying, but I am going to find this Dove soap! Love that it’s such an affordable brand, too, because as much as I’m feeling ready to invest, I can’t forgo my love for good, high quality, inexpensive drugstore products!
Have you watched any of Jaclyn Hill’s videos on YouTube? I’m completely obsessed and am guilty of binge-watching her recommendations on skincare routines (she’s super dry & sensitive like me). She mentioned Philosophy’s “Purity” cleanser, which I switched to recently and will never stray from. It’s amazing – cleans well and doesn’t freak my skin out or over-dry. I haven’t tried the Kiehl’s listed above, but do use their eye cream (the one with the copper top) and it’s amazing.
Cheers!
Hey Kathryn! So Jaclyn Hill is not yet on my YouTube rotation, but of course I’m now going to have to go check her out. I do love Philosphy’s Hope in a Jar moisturizer and the appropriately named When Hope Isn’t Enough, but I find they’re best for daytime. I might need to look for something more intensive for nighttime to help me out. All of that said, I still haven’t tried the Purity cleanser even though I’ve heard good things, so I’m definitely going to try it out now. Thank you! I so appreciate the input, because I hate what my skin does this time of year. lol