With harsh winters, cold weather, and inevitably neglected skin, the season of dehydrated skin is upon us. Winters can be tough on our skin, making it feel chapped, dry, and prone to breakages. And these days, finding viable yet effective solutions without breaking the bank seems extremely difficult, but fear not because I've compiled a list of affordable yet amazing skincare products that are sure to combat all your winter blues.
1. cleanser:
Our skin loses moisture as a result of the dry environment around us when the temperature drops and the humidity levels fall. To help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the cold weather throughout the winter, switch to a moisturizing cleanser that can assist to hydrate dry skin and reinforce the skin's barrier. Additionally, it assists in washing away dead skin cells without leaving the skin tight or dry.
Recommended product: CeraVe Hydrating facial cleanser
This cleanser is jam-packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acids to replenish dehydrated skin and help restore your skin’s protective barrier. The cleanser also retains moisture and is not irritating+fragrance free, and is best suited for normal to dry skin types.
For acne-prone users, CeraVe also has an acne facial cleanser, which can be found here
2. Toner:
Toners are an essential part of any skincare routine as they maintain your skin's pH level, tighten your skin pores and most importantly, provide hydration and nourishment. After using a toner to revitalize your skin, any lotions, serums, or treatments may readily penetrate and work to their total capacity inside your epidermis.
Recommended product: Dot and Key Hydrating Toner
The most important ingredient this toner contains is rice water, which is known to promote collagen growth, strengthen the skin barrier and shrink pores, all benefits that should be taken advantage of, especially during the winter. This toner is also alcohol-free, doubles as a probiotic, and is packed with hyaluronic acid.
3. Eye cream:
You might be asking yourself if you need eye cream, but your eye area's skin is significantly thinner, more sensitive, and unique than the rest of your face's skin. Dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines are the problems most frequently observed around the eyes, and they require a solution designed particularly to address them. Here's where these creams come in.
Recommended product: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
The Neutrogena rapid wrinkle repair eye cream contains retinol, which is known to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and smoothen skin. The cream has a gel-like consistency which makes the product easy for application, absorption, and most importantly, hydration. It also exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and boosts collagen production, making it a must-have on your skincare shelf.
4. Serums:
Serums are my go-to for any type of skincare routine. Serums are customizable, buildable, and most importantly, have acids and minerals that take care of your individual skincare needs. In the winter, serums jam-packed with hyaluronic acid(hydration) collagen) and niacinamide (regulation of oils and minimization of pores) are the best to keep your skin moisturized and nourished.
Recommended products: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% & The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Both these serums come highly recommended not only for their transparency in ingredients but also because of how effective they are at their rates. The serums are jam-packed with acids and minerals that benefit your skin immensely and should be a great addition to any type of routine.
5. Moisturizer:
To lock in all the hard work your other skincare products have done, a good moisturizer is essential. Another essential component of moisturizers is that they help to prevent dryness and soothe your skin against harsh winters. moisturizers should also have a cooling effect to replenish your skin and can be considered one of the most important steps of skincare.
Recommended product: Ponds Super Light Gel with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E
This cream is jam-packed with vitamin E, which acts as a great antioxidant, softens skin and helps reduce acne scarring, making it the perfect component in any moisturizer. This cream also contains hyaluronic acids, which replenish dehydrated skin and help restore your skin’s protective barrier. Finally, due to its lightweight texture, it doesn't feel greasy or irritating on the skin.
6. Lip treatments:
Perhaps the harshest effect of winter is dry, chapped lips that leave little room for the plump soft lips we all acquire to maintain. Your lips need the most moisture and hydration out of all and drugstore lip balms/lip masks rarely do a good job. But, brands like Vaseline and Laneige understand this the most and have 5-star products that last for 7+ hours(yes you read that right) and deliver the most hydrated, shiny, plump, and soft lips.
My recommendation is to use the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask at night, wipe it off in the morning, and then use the Vaseline Lip therapy the morning after. By retaining moisture, they aid in lip healing and prevention. They also moisturize your lips for a very long time and give them a subtle rose scent and color.
While these products can perform miracles for your skin, remember it's always almost 80% of your diet and water regulations, not to mention habits. Make sure to make it a point to regularly hydrate yourself and keep yourself warm enough during this harsh winter. I hope this skincare routine works!
