My Winter Skincare Routine

This time of year seems to wreak havoc on my skin. The cold, dry air outside coupled with the warm heat inside makes my skin so dry and and my skin texture rougher than normal. The key to taking care of my skin in winter is through a combination of gently exfoliation and thin, hydrating layers. Below is my winter skincare routine!

Wash face with cleansing balm

I love starting my evening skincare routine with an oil based cleansing balm. Currently I am using the Banila Clean It Zero balm – an old favorite. It takes off all of my makeup and leaves my skin so soft.

Double cleanse

After the cleansing balm I will do a low pH cleanser. My favorite of all time is Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. It feels so soft and hydrating and cleans my skin without leaving my face feeling stripped.

Toner

I like to use an acid toner after every cleanse. I just started using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid toner. It contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid to gently exfoliate and prep my skin for the actives in my routine.

BHA

My pores tend to get congested with dry skin in the winter. Beta Hydroxy Acid is a gentle acid based exfoliant that clears out the pores. I’ve been using the Paula’s Choice BHA liquid for years.

Retinol

I wait about 20 minutes and then apply a Retinol serum for anti-aging. I’ve worked up to using it every night and am currently using Ultraceuticals Mild Vitamin A. I also use a Retinol eye stick to help with the lines around my eyes.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic Acid holds 100X it’s weight in water. I especially make sure to do this step in the winter!

Eye Cream

I top my Retinol eye balm with a hydrating eye cream to keep my eye area from getting dry overnight. I find that the lines around my eyes stand out more when my skin is dry so this is an important step!

Moisturizer

I like a thick, hydrating moisturizer in the winter – the more I look like a glazed doughnut the better. I’ve been using the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream and loving the results.

Facial Oil

To keep my products from evaporating into the dry air overnight I top everything off with a few drops of facial oil. I love the BeautyBio Rose Hip Seed Oil. It smells so good!

Hand cream and lip balm

Finally, I slather on hand cream and lip balm. I love this La Roche Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream for repairing dry hands and cuticles. And the BEST lip balm of all time – Sara Happ. I’ll never be without it.

I hope that helps! Check out my other beauty posts for more skincare. Let me know what you think about my winter skincare routine!