My 2021 Updated Winter Skincare Routine
My skincare has undergone a transformation over the last year. I love skincare and I love trying new products. As a result my skincare shelf was quite full and my skincare routine was pretty extensive. Around spring/summer of last year, my skin started rebelling against the amount of actives that I was using. I wasn’t using as many as some skincare junkies do, but I have sensitive reactive skin. Chemical exfoliants and actives can do amazing things for your skin and they certainly helped and transformed mine. But too much of a good thing can wreck havoc on your skin. I had areas of my skin that felt quite sensitive and were prone to redness and irritation. I realized that I had kind of ruined my moisture barrier. And so I decided to remove actives from my routine completely for a period of time. I focused on hydration and gentle cleansing. And that is still my main focus.
AM Routine
My routine in the morning is simple. I focused on cleansing, hydrating and sun protection. I start with the Peach & Lily Hydrating Gel Cleanser. I started using this about a month ago and I really enjoy it. It’s a lightweight foaming gel that doesn’t leave the skin feeling stripped. It is on the pricey side, so I don’t know if I will be repurchasing it. I have a giant unopened bottle of CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser to get through first.
I then follow up with my hydrating serum. I was using the Jordan Samuel Facial Hydrate Serum - which I LOVE and highly recommend. But decided to work through my bottle The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics- which I also love and highly recommend. This was the first Hyaluronic Acid I had ever used and I still think it’s a great product at a great price. I enjoy the watery texture of it. It’s perfect for layering under heavier moisturizers. Once I have finished the bottle I will go back to my Jordan Samuel serum.
I then finish with my moisturizer and sunscreen. Glossier Priming Moisturizer is the newest addition to my routine and I have been really loving it. It is slightly heavier than the moisturizers I normally use but the feeling on the skin is more lightweight than the texture suggests. It sinks into the skin quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft, plump and hydrated. I think it would be too heavy for my skin in the warmer months but it’s perfect for the winter season. Once that has sunk in I apply my sunscreen (if I am going out or will be exposed to sunlight). I have been using and loving the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 since the start of winter. I was worried that it would be too thick or heavy for my skin but it isn’t. It’s very hydrating (notice a theme?)
PM Routine
My PM routine is much the same as my AM except for the sunscreen. And also, after a months long break I have added back one chemical exfoliant. I only use it 3 times a week and never two days in a row. I have started using The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% with HA. Mandelic acid is on the gentler side of chemical exfoliants and has been really helping control breakouts and help the overall tone and texture of my skin. I also swap out my Glossier Moisturizer for the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. I’ve been using this moisturizer for almost a year now and in the summer was using in both in the AM and PM. It’s on the lighter side as far as texture goes.
“Slugging” has become quite the trend as of late. It involves slathering a generous layer of an occlusive like Petroleum Jelly on the skin before bed. I have been doing a version of this for years but mostly around my eyes during the winter time. My eyelids can become quite dry during winter months and I used to apply a nice layer of Vaseline on my eyelids and underneath my eyes before bed a few times a week. I still highly recommend pertoleum jelly as an occlusive; it’s cheap and it gets the job done. But I have been using CeraVe Healing Ointment as of late. It ‘s 45% petroleum jelly but also has ceramides that help protect and repair the moisture barrier. I apply it 2-3 times a week on my eyes and on the areas that are healing from past barrier damage. I also will apply it to my forehead, which has been a tad dry over the last few months.
And that’s my routine. It’s pretty straightfoward and simple. My main goal for the moment is moisture barrier repair and protection. The Mandelic Acid has been an amazing edition as it has helped tremendously with controlling any breakouts. I have come to realize that my skin no longer likes or responds to Salicylic Acid. Which is a go-to ingredient for most skincare for acne and breakouts. So far, Mandelic Acid has been a great replacement for it for me.
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