Guys. It is so cold. The type of weather where if you stare at your skin for long enough you can literally watch it crack. I’m a northerner-turned-southerner, which is the worst kind because my tolerance for cold plummeted once I moved south and I became a big fat wimp.
But regardless of how I feel about the cold, my skin and hair go into shock and need some extra TLC. I’m sharing my winter skin care tips here and I’m hoping you’ll leave me your tips at the end of this post, so maybe we can collectively pool our best ideas and not crack and crumble into a pile of Epsom salt. Here we go…
Winter Skin Care Tips
Give yourself an at-home “mini microderm.“ One of my favorite rituals I do regularly involves only baking soda and water – that’s it. It’s so simple but so effective. I put 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 – ½ tablespoons of water in a small bowl, mix with my fingers, then massage into my face in circular motions. I also put some on my hands. It’s a mini-microderm that costs next to nothing. Doing this 3-4 times per week will keep your skin glowing more and get rid of dead skin cells, along with that dull wintery layer.
Get the Clarisonic. I hesitated to get the Clarisonic because I didn’t want one more thing taking up space in my bathroom, but I finally got it last year and I’m so glad I did. You put some of your regular skin cleanser on it and then press the setting of your choice, letting the Clarisonic do the work on your face. I sometimes do the “mini microderm” with the Clarisonic; if you have super sensitive skin, be careful, but it gives you a great cleanse and leaves your skin soooo soft.
Use almond oil. Lotion doesn’t do a whole lot for me except sit on my skin and feel heavy, so when the weather gets cold and my skin really needs nourishment I use only almond oil. It’s lightweight and is the only thing that feels like it really hydrates my skin. The key is to do it right after a shower or bath when your skin is still damp, and it will keep you nice and smooth. This is the one I use, but you can pick it up at any health store.
Deep condition your hair. I put conditioner in my hair at the very start of my shower, then let it sit while I finish my shower before rinsing it out. I tend to switch my hair products because after a while they lose their effect but lately, I am loving the Silk 18 by Maple Holistics, for dry or damaged hair. It’s totally affordable, plus it’s sulfate-free, vegan, and helps with frizziness and shine. I have a hard time finding “clean” products that work well – this one does the job. They also have a free product sample program you can sign up for – check it out here.
Use an Antioxidant oil. I use this Trilogy Antioxidant Oil for my face in the morning and at night. It has essential fatty acids and antioxidants to hydrate and repair skin and protects against environmental free radical damage. It’s also clinically proven to improve skin tone and flexibility. You only need 2-3 drops each time so the price didn’t bother me too much, and I can already see a difference in my skin.
I try not to use a lot of stuff, so the simpler, the better. Now your turn! What are your favorite products or regimens for keeping your skin and hair soft in this ridiculously cold weather?
