I change up my skincare routine based on the season. Winter seems to wreak the most havoc, so I pull out some of the “big guns” to make sure my skin stays hydrated.
Below are my favorite products for this time of year.
Face
My daily routine during the winter months includes a bit more product than the other three seasons, partly due to the drier air.
Morning Routine
Micellar Water
Micellar water, also known as cleansing water, is somewhat of a new product. Each morning I apply it to my face and neck using cotton rounds. My skin has a tendency to get super dried out of traditional cleansers, so the micellar water is much gentler. My go-to is below!
Pixi Glow Tonic
I have first introduced to toner and in particular Pixi Beauty’s Glow Tonic a little over a year ago. The toner is applied to my face using the same type of cotton rounds as used with the micellar water.
I couldn’t believe that there would still be “stuff” on my face even after cleansing. The Glow Tonic gives me that extra clean feeling and tightens my skin.
My big guy uses wipes every morning – I love it!
Eye cream
The skin around your eyes is very delicate and thin, so it’s super important to find a cream that is both sensitive and moisturizing. My all-time favorite is the Full Circle Day Formula by Circadia.
Serum
Before I apply moisturizer, I make sure I apply my Circadia Vitamin C Reversal Serum. You only need a few drops to help tighten your skin and promote collagen creation.
Moisturizer with Sunscreen
I cannot profess enough the importance of sunscreen. It doesn’t matter if it is sunny or cloudy out if you’re going to be outdoors for ten minutes or ten hours.
You NEED to apply sunscreen.
AND, you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
I visit my dermatologist annually for a thorough skin check. This past time she discussed an interesting fact. Even though when we drive, we have glass windows between us and the sun, the rays still penetrate through. Ever notice that the left side of your face has a bit more color and or/darker spots than the right?
Right now I am switching back and forth between a few moisturizers. My most-used ones are:
Nighttime Routine
Face wash
I am obsessed with the Circadia Micro-Exfoliating Honey cleanser. Aside from the heavenly scent, my skin feels amazing afterward.
I go back and forth between the honey exfoliator and the Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid.
Serum
Kiehl’s Midnight recovery serum has been my go-to for the past two years.
Eye Cream
I opt for the Circadia Full Circle Night Formula or the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery eye cream as part of my nighttime routine.
Night Cream
I am officially obsessed with the Circadia Night Time Repair cream. It is heavy enough to quench my skin, but not too heavy as to clog my pores. I also love the scent!
Lash Boost
Rodan & Field’s Last Boost is the last step in my nighttime routine. I saw initial results after about four weeks of nightly use, and love it! I only have to apply one coat of mascara in the AM to look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Body
My skin gets DRY. I try to drink a lot of water throughout the day, but the products you use can definitely make a difference.
Body Wash and Scrub
I’m all about the Dove body wash, but also switch off with a body scrub to help exfoliate – removing the dry skin is key! When I use a cream body wash I do use an exfoliating washcloth. Every little bit counts.
Body Lotion
My new favorite body lotions are either the body butter from Trader Joe’s or this new one that I received from Anthropologie. I am loving the Coconut scented version, but there is a handful to choose from.
Hair
Shampoo and Conditioner
I read somewhere that you should switch off between shampoo and conditioners, so I keep two different ones each in my shower.
L’Oreal EverStrong has done wonders for my thin hair. My stylist even noticed a difference in strength and thickness. This will forever be in my shower!
I swap between the L’Oreal and Kevin Murphy’s RePair series – shampoo, rinse, and leave-in product.
Hair Masks
Yes, there is a product called a hair mask! Your hair, just like your skin, is exposed to the elements and needs a little TLC.
Once a week I use one of the masks below. I shampoo and condition my hair, then slap on the mask and do the rest of my shower-related items.
Your hair will thank you!
What’s Next?
I hope these recommendations help during the cold winter months. What products do you swear by? I’d love to know!
Alexandra says
I recently discovered Micellar water, and am so pleased with the results!
I will have to check out your other product recommendations 🙂
I need to start using hair masks, too!
Amanda Yorton says
I need to try micellar water! I definitely need something different.. Almost 30 and still getting breakouts. AH!
Dana says
Amanda, that is AWESOME! You are probably taking great care of your skin, making sure those breakouts don’t occur!!!
Tara Pittman says
The hone face product sounds awesome. I also like the hair mask as that is needed for my dry hair.
Amber Myers says
I need to try these out for sure. I’ve been wanting to find some good products for my skin, especially in the winter when it is so dry.
Joan Cajic says
I love the pixie glow tonic and Murad, I am all for finding great working skincare products.
Dana says
Me too, Joan!!
Julie says
Great post! Micellar water is incredible, I’ve been using it for about 2 years now as a makeup remover and it’s a million times better than all the wipes.
Dana says
Thank you, Julie! I completely agree with you that micellar works wonders compared to the wipes!
Heather says
Considering we live in FL, the weather is pretty much the same all year long. So, I don’t really have to change my routine.
Joanna says
My skin tends to get dry in the winter, when the weather is very cold. Whilst most of the year I don’t use hand creme, in winter it’s a must for me.
Dana says
Joanna, I walk around with my hand cream all day in the cooler months!
Bindu Thomas says
Wow..these all looks like great skin product for the winter. My skin is too fast to get dry and tired. I want to check them out soon fast.
Dana says
I hope they can help you out too!
Traci Frett says
I love a good skin care routine! I am going to have to check out these products, thanks for sharing!
Dana says
Thanks for checking it out, Traci!
Jessi Joachim says
This is great! I love trying new skincare, even though I live in Florida and we don’t get much of a winter.. or weather is so hot/cold that it can do some damage to the skin!
Dana says
Jessi – I’m in Florida too! Whereabouts are you?
What Corinne Did says
That would make for an extensive skincare routine indeed! I use the garnier micellar water! it’s very good isn’t it!
Dana says
It is a lot of products, but my skin gets SUPER dry. The hair masks are used once a week though.
Dani says
What a great round up of products! Thank you for such a detailed review!
Dana says
I’m glad you liked it, Dani!
Sarah Bailey says
My skin 100% needs a bit of a different routine when it comes to the winter. These are some great sounding products as well and I’ve been looking for a new micellar water to try.
Dana says
Sarah, the Garnier one I use is great because it is for sensitive skin. AND it takes off my waterproof mascara 🙂
Fatima Torres says
I’ve always felt that a nighttime skincare routine can be quite rewarding. Loved how you threw in Pixi beauty products.
Dana says
I love Pixi! Their glow tonic is amazing 🙂
Gladys Nava says
Wow! You have lists of amazing products! I hope that all the products you share to us are also there in my country. Skin routine is so important to make your skin healthy!
Dana says
Gladys, I believe almost everything I saw is going to be worldwide.
Farrah Less says
I am familiar with some of the skin products you mention above. On the long winter months moisturizer is my best friend. My skin can easily get dry and it hurts when when you get some cuts.
Neha says
You have recommended great skin care products here. I absolutely love pixi! Need to check Micellar water out now!
Dana says
Thank you, Neha! Yes, Pixi is great!! 🙂
Pradnya says
I use a night lotion and a body moisturising lotion during the winter as my skin gets really dry and itchy.
Dana says
The itchiness is what gets to me the most!!
Rosey says
I’ve been seeing Pixi around quite a bit lately. I’m getting more and more curious to give it a try.
Dana says
Rosey, it’s a great brand! You can find their line at Target.
Echo says
Now that I am getting up there in years, I should really up my skincare routine. However, I am terribly lazy and still only use lotion.
Rebecca Talbot says
Some great tips here! Following this advice should really help everyone have a happier, healthier 2019! X
Dana says
Thank you, Rebecca! I hope you have a healthy and happy 2019!
Kiwi says
Lots of great beauty product suggestions. I like Fresh Beauty and Kiehls products.
Kayla says
These all seem like pretty good products! I don’t really have a good skin care routine.
Dana says
Check them out and tell me what you think!