Hey Fam! Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a safe and healthy 2021, and I’m wishing you prosperity in 2022!

Soooo….it’s been a minute, and I’m excited to be back! With the past couple of years we’ve had, I don’t think I really need to explain my absence, so I’ll skip the excuses on why I haven’t posted, and jump right in. Let’s get into Part 1 of Tips for Hydrating Winter Skin!

The winter can dry out even the oiliest of skin types, but rest assured, I’m here to make sure you’re armed and ready for the battle. I’m breaking this post out into separate parts to make it as digestible as possible. In this post, we’re talking cleansers and toners!

Tip 1: Ditch Your Harsh Cleanser and Opt for a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

This tip is simple and easy enough, but I wanted to make sure I brought this up, because it’s the one thing that a lot of people get wrong, and may not even know or understand why. Washing your face sets the tone of your skin care routine, so you want to make sure you’re reaching for a cleanser that doesn’t dry your skin out prior to applying the rest of your skin care products.

It’s easy to pick up any cleanser, but choosing the right cleanser during the winter ensures your skin stays moisturized and hydrated. If you cleanse your skin and it feels dry and tight afterwards, throw that cleanser away, sis! I know using an acne or oil-controlling cleanser is tempting, but in all honesty, those types of cleansers are too harsh for daily use (unless your dermatologist approves), and actually can cause acne as opposed to heal it. Harsh cleansers strip the skin and damage its barrier, which makes your skin more susceptible to bacteria…and bacteria causes acne. Do you see the dilemma? You don’t want to strip your skin during the winter, because that’s a recipe for disaster. Let’s keep our skin barriers in-tact this winter! Stick to gentle, simple-ingredient cleansers.

My favorite ingredients to look out for in cleansers are: hyaluronic acid, aloe, glycerin, ceramides, green tea, amino acids & squalane. All of these ingredients work to soothe and hydrate the skin, prevent dryness and irritation, maintain the skin barrier, and lock in moisture.

For cleansing, I like to follow LA Beautyologist’s 60-second rule. I lather up my cleanser in my hands with lukewarm water, and cleanse my skin with my fingers (no cleansing tool!) for 60 seconds straight. This way, I’m allowing the ingredients to work without overdoing it.

Recommended Cleansers for Dry, Winter Skin

Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser

Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel

Tip 2: Give Toners a Try & Grab a Hydrating One

Some people may find that toners and/or essences are an unnecessary step in their skin care routine, and while I do usually use a toner, I don’t disagree with this opinion. If you are looking for a more simplified routine, toning is a step that you could probably skip. However, if you do have time to incorporate a toner into your routine, I would definitely recommend doing so…especially during the winter.

Toners restore your skin’s pH level after cleansing and add hydration, buttt….you need to ensure you’re choosing the right toner. Choosing an acne-fighting, mattifying toner that soaks up oils will do the exact opposite. Make sure you’re reaching for a toner that is alcohol-free and contains hydrating ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rosewater, or aloe. These ingredients will help boost hydration and moisture in your skin.

I like to apply my toners after I cleanse my face (while my skin is still a bit damp). I just pour some of the product out onto a cotton pad, and gently sweep it over my face and neck (don’t forget your neck now!).