Winter in Canada definitely has its downs, and this includes very dry and flaky skin. Even with combination skin, my complexion still manages to feel dehydrated. It’s so important to have a current skincare routine that works for your skin needs, especially once the weather changes.
Besides drinking lots of water, finding and committing to a good skincare routine in the winter is essential for healthy skin. After testing many products for quite a few winters, I finally feel like I’ve nailed my winter skincare regime!
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CLEANSE
First up in my skincare routine is a good cleanse. Having clean skin is a must for me since my t-zone is oily and has larger pores. My go-to cleanser is the First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (CAD $26). It’s extremely gentle, yet effective – my face is left feeling squeaky clean without the actual squeak. Of course, I also have to thank my Clarisonic Mia Smart (CAD $229) along with the Daily Radiance Brush Head, for deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation, making my skin smooth and radiant.
TONE
Next up in my routine is toner. This step is crucial because toner helps remove the last traces of dirt on the skin while balancing its pH. My favourite toner, which I recently discovered, is the Pixi Glow Tonic (US $29). After using it every night for just one week, I noticed a significant increase in the brightness and smoothness of my skin. Most importantly, the Glow Tonic does not dry out or irritate my skin, even though it does contain Glycolic Acid.
To begin adding moisture back to the skin after cleansing and toning, I first spray a light and even layer of Caudalie Grape Water (CAD $24) all over my face. Not only is this product hydrating due to its ability to retain water, it also acts as a calming treatment, which is perfect for the harsh winter conditions.
SERUM
Serums are fantastic helping to hydrate and nourish the skin. The winter time is when my skin is highly dependent on hyaluronic acid as it helps maintain and replenish the skin’s moisture. My favourite is the Tarte Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum (CAD $55). I’ve gone through a whole bottle of this, and my skin has never looked more healthy!
After applying hyaluronic acid, there are two serums that I alternate from, both with very different benefits: Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 12.5% Vitamin C (CAD $79) and Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Transformation Gel (CAD $58).
I’m sure you’ve all heard how important vitamin c is for your body and health. Likewise, vitamin c is also imperative for the skin. It helps improve the skin’s texture and radiance, while its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from harmful particles in the environment. My skin has definitely looked brighter and felt smoother after incorporating a vitamin c serum into my routine.
The Ole Henriksen Gel is an anti-aging serum that contains potent AHAs including glycolic and lactic acids, to exfoliate the skin and reduce the looks of fine lines and wrinkles. Even though I’m still in my 20s, I’m already taking preventative measures to keep my skin looking as young as possible. Since I introduced this serum into my routine, my pores have looked much tighter, and my skin looks and feels plumper.
MOISTURIZER
In the winter time, I like my night creams to be thick to provide a barrier between my skin and the cold air. A thicker moisturizer also helps lock in all the serums I put on my skin so that they can do their jobs throughout the night. That’s why the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Moisturizer (CAD $52) is my favourite for this time of the year. Not only is this cream intensely hydrating, it also does an amazing job at securing all the products I put into my skin without feeling heavy or greasy.
Phew! If you’re still reading this, you’ve made it to the end of the post! Hopefully my skincare routine can provide you with some insight on which ingredients and products to add to your routine to improve your skin’s condition this winter.
Let me know down in the comments what your skin saviours are during the winter time!
Thanks for sharing your winter skincare routine. Mine’s pretty simple – wash, tone, moisturise haha!
Winter is such a tricky season for my skin! It feels so dry, but is so oily at the same time 😂 these products are tried and true and have worked really well for my skin throughout the year!