My Winter Skin Care Routine (and no, you don't have to get all new products)

Lol too wintery a pic already?

I’ve talked about my summer skincare routine in the past (focusing mostly on SPF because that is of the utmost importance). But I’ve never talked about my winter skin care routine and actually before this year I never really had one. I just kept doing what I did during the summer, drier skin be damned. But this year, maybe because of the pregnancy, my skin is ultra itchy and dry so it’s time to take action. And by action, I mean adding two things to my usual routine.

{side note: if you’re interested in my usual routine for my sensitive acne-prone skin I detail it here in this post but here’s a quick rundown. AM: charcoal cleanser (SkinSalvation), sterilizing tonic (SkinSalvation), Moisturizer (in the summer it’s Paula’s Choice SPF Fluid (reviewed here) and I’ll review below what I’m using this winter), Suntegrity 5-in-1 moisturizing sunscreen in light (reviewed here). PM: Same charcoal face wash with microfiber washcloth to remove makeup, same sterilizing tonic, and Elemis SOS Emergency Cream. Yep that’s it. Nothing too fancy and using the same products mostly for morning and night.}

So as I mentioned above, the only real difference between summer and winter this year is the change-up in my moisturizer. I don’t need the double SPF coverage in the winter (the Suntegrity spf 30 is enough), but I do need extra moisture and the SPF fluid just doesn’t cut it. So lately I’ve been using Paula’s Choice Redness Relief Moisturizer in the morning and it’s so good! It’s made for dry sensitive skin and it really does work for my utlra sensitive skin. It doesn’t break me out and it has the added bonus of helping my Suntegrity tinted sunscreen go on super smoothly. Just this one change has really made a difference in how my skin looks and feels in the morning (I guess dryness really does affect the skin).

Another moisturizer that I’ve switched over to is the Curel Itch Defense Calming Body lotion. As much as I love the smell and luxury of my Le Labo lotion (which I now currently use instead of any kind of perfume), the Le Labo lotions just don’t cut it for the winter. Luckily I found these on sale at Target and decided to give them a shot. It’s such a good no-frills lotion that actually does what it advertises: prevents itchiness! Also the $7.50 price tag doesn’t hurt. I put this on right after getting out of the shower and then if I want a bit of scent I’ll add the Le Labo on top. Double the moisture!

And lastly this is more for the preggo people out there, but I’ve been using Earth Mama Belly Butter for my growing belly and it’s been so awesome. This all organic lotion helps prevent stretch marks and is super moisturizing without being too greasy. I originally tried the fancy Tata Harper Redefining Body Balm, also meant to prevent stretch marks, when I saw another preggo blogger using. But it didn’t work for me at all and gave me a small rash too. And for 12x the price of the Earth Mama one? No thank you! Luckily I purchased it at Sephora and was able to return it.

So anyway this is what has been working for me but I know everyone’s body chemistry is different so it might not be the same for you. But at least if you purchase things from Sephora or Nordstroms you can still return after trying (just keep the receipt!). And so if you find yourself with drier skin lately, it might be worth a shot :)

My skincare tips for sensitive and acne-prone skin

via

I have the most sensitive skin in the world.  Though that's not the biggest problem with my skin.  My biggest problem has been acne for most of my life.  Once I hit puberty at 11 until my late 20s I was constantly breaking out (and still to this day in my 30's I get zits, but I don't consider it acne).  And so really, I've been using skin care products since I was 11.  I've been through 2 rounds of Acutane.  On top of that I've tried all kinds of prescribed topicals from sulphur, benzyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.  And pretty much ever over the counter stuff there is, from Neutrogena, Clearisil (both too harsh) and Proactiv (which worked for a little while).  But in the end, I think you just have to grow out of it.  Now that I'm less concerned with acne, I'm more obsessed with the elasticity of my skin (which really changes once you hit 30).  But I still have sensitive skin issues to navigate around.  So after two decades worth of trying skin care products what have I learned?

1) Don't be afraid to try new products.  

I am constantly buying and trying products with Sephora because they have the best return policy in the world.  You can return anything.  Even products that you've opened and tried.

2) Only try one new product at a time

Like any good experiment, change only one variable at a time.  If you change your cleanser and your moisturizer at the same time and break out or have a reaction, you won't be able to tell if it's one or the other (it's a no-duh kind of tip but sometimes when you're in the spirit of experimenting you can get carried away, or maybe that's just me.)

3) Change-up the products on a daily basis if you can

I find that by alternating the products that I use, my skin is more responsive to the benefits of the product.  You wouldn't feed your body with the same stuff everyday so why feed your skin that way?

4) Also change your routine with the seasons

This might be a no-brainer to most people.  But I tend to stick with products that work no matter what season.  But in the end, the creams that work in the winter just don't work the same in the summer.

5) Always spot-test

For those with sensitive skin, this is a must.  Always test it in a spot that is the most reactive and even though you might have a red itchy spot for a day at least your whole face won't be bright red and itchy.  My favorite spots are under my jaw or if I'm testing for breakouts, I'll try my chin or cheeks.

Stay tuned for a post on the products that I currently use on my problematic skin (and I'm thinking of talking a little bit more about skin care and cosmetics since I'm always curious to know what other girls use and why.  I've already started asking some of my friends what their favorite beauty products are).