WINTER-PROOF SKINCARE ROUTINE

 

Ciao! Today, I am sharing with you my winter skincare routine. This is only the second winter of my life and last year's experience have definitely taught me a lot of things about my skin.

This winter, my main skin goal is moisture preservation. I found that water and oil plays a very important role in keeping my skin healthy. Basically, I amp up the use of hydrating products and layer my skincare products in such a way that my skin's natural moisture as well as the added moisture I put on are preserved and not instantly evaporating from my skin.

MORNING ROUTINE

EVENING ROUTINE

WINTER TRICKS

SKIPPING MORNING CLEANSER

As I've mentioned,  preserving my skin's natural moisture is my number one priority. Technically, our skin doesn't need a deep clean when we wake up so I just splash water on my face instead of using a facial cleanser. The use of cleansers, especially the foaming ones, can actually strip the face of natural oils which can potentially cause an imbalance in the skin's moisture. This imbalance will eventually give rise to many unpleasant skin issues like excessive oil production and breakouts.

I follow it up with the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner on a cotton pad. The friction between the cotton pad and the skin mildy exfoliate the skin just to make sure that the dead skin cells from the night before are removed. And so, my skin is prepped and ready for layering.

LAYERING PRODUCTS

I found that layering hydrating products is key to keeping the skin moisturized and to prevent it from producing too much oil. Last winter was my very first experience of winter and although it was fun finally seeing snow and snowboarding, the cold took a toll on my skin. It became very dehydrated and got oilier than my already oily skin.

I layer with these three products:

Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Rose Edition - 1st layer

Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner - 2nd layer *if my skin is extremely dry, I put 2-3 layers

Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium Lotion - 3rd layer

USING MILK CLEANSER

I am currently using the Palmea Cleansing Milk, an organic (bio) brand from Italy. Switching to milk cleansers has definitely made the biggest difference. Though they are not the most reliable when it comes to cleaning power, I found that they are the best for my skin during these drier months. They are gentle and do not strip my skin at all of my natural facial oils. My skin doesn't feel tight or dry after cleansing if anything maybe they even add moisture.

But as I've mentioned, they do not clean thoroughly as gel or foaming cleansers. I compensate by removing my make up first with micellar water followed by the milk cleanser.

USING A SLEEPING MASK

Aside from toners and essences, sleeping masks also provides an additional layer of hydration and moisture that my skin needs. I use the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask It is has a refreshing scent and the name really speaks for itself because you'd definitely feel your skin quenched with hydration after application.

ADDING LIP MASK TO THE ROUTINE

Lip mask is one of my winter essential. I just need it otherwise I'd have crusty lips every time and that's not a good look. I am using the Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask. It is VERY occlusive and sticky. Its texture is like vaseline almost but a little ointment-ish. 

For those who are curious, no, it doesn't smell of ginger. It has a hint of citrus scent. I have never tried any other lip mask so I cannot compare it with anything else but it does the job for me. I apply it every night as the last step of my routine and it has kept my lips from drying and chapping.

SEALING EVERYTHING WITH FACIAL OILS

Addition of oils to my routine is another game changer. Ironically, it has made my skin less oily. 

I did a lot of research about this and I found out that not all oils are contraindicated for oily skin. The right type of oil can actually help balance our skin's moisture and even lessen break-outs. With balanced moisture levels, our skin would actually produce less to no oil since there is no need for it. Aside from that, there are so many more benefits we can get from oil but I don't want to get off-topic so I'll save that for another post.

I am using a mixture of The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil and I Provenzali Jojoba Oil. I put 2 drops of each on the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and I gently press them on my skin as the last step of my routine sealing all the goodness and moisture in. 

I know winter has just started but I think it is safe to say that I have successfully winter-proofed my skin.

What do you guys think of my skincare routine? Let me know your winter skincare routine! I'm curious to know how you winter-proof your skin and maybe I can get some more tips from you guys. 

Until my next post, ciao ciao! xx


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