Taking care of your skin is important all year round, but that doesn’t mean the products used in the summer are best for your skin in the winter. As the seasons change so do your skin’s needs, and in the wintertime, hydration is key (yes, even if your skin is oily!). Fighting the irritation and dryness associated with New Jersey winters can save your skin from long term damage. I have a specific nightly routine that keeps my skin hydrated with anti-aging benefits.
Whether or not I’ve worn makeup for the day, I start by double cleansing. Double cleansing is exactly how it sounds: using two separate cleansers, one specific to makeup removal and one that gives a deeper, water-based cleanse. Lancome’s Lait Galatée Confort Cleansing Milk (Ulta, $30) is my go-to makeup removing cleanser because it’s gentle and conditions the skin using Honey and Sweet Almond Extract. As part of my second cleanse, I use Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash (Sephora, $38), which contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and natural fruit enzymes to purify the skin without stripping away natural oils.
To ensure my skin is completely clean, I use Lancome’s Tonique Confort (Ulta $30), a rehydrating toner. Not only does this remove any residual makeup, but it also contains Honey and Sweet Almond Extract to immediately rehydrate.
For an extra boost of hydration while providing myself with an anti-aging treatment, I use Kate Somerville’s Wrinkle Warrior 2-in-1 Plumping Moisturizer + Serum (Sephora, $95). This product features powerful HA³, aiding in the skin’s ability to hold water for long-lasting hydration and a plumper look. While this absorbs into my skin, I use The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG underneath and around my eye contour to help combat puffiness and dark circles. EGCG is the most powerful antioxidant found in green tea!
Just a few more steps: I love to top off my skin with Farsali’s Volcanic Elixir (Sephora, $39) for the ultimate hydrating and soothing experience. Volcanic Elixir is made with 100% pure Polynesian Tamanu Oil. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, this oil regenerates skin tissue while repairing and conditioning, making it perfect for battling the effects of a cold, harsh winter.
When it comes to hydration, you can’t forget your lips. I like to use Vaseline or Laneige’s Sleeping Lip Mask (Sephora, $20) in Vanilla, both products aiding in intense hydration and restoration. My final step for this routine is jade rolling to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. I run hot water over the large side of the roller (better for absorption) and cold water on the smaller side (reduces puffiness and darkness).
Then it’s off to bed with hydrated, plump, dream-worthy skin!
