An Esthetician's Winter Skincare Routine + Favorite Products

The winter months can be downright harsh on your skin. It's so important to maintain a good skincare routine when it's cold out. So many clients ask me for my favorite products.  I've rounded up my favorite products that I am loving right now, plus I've included all my top winter skincare regimen tips. Enjoy and glow on!

EXFOLIATION

When it comes to wintertime exfoliation, I recommend avoiding scrubs at all costs. I prefer AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). AHAs work by dissolving the "glue" that holds skin cells together, whereas scrubs slough cells off.  Because they work manually, they can scratch and tear the skin, leaving tiny lacerations that lead to sensitivity and dehydration. If you just can't part with your scrub, though, try mixing it with your cleanser to soften its effects. My favorite AHA to use on winter skin or sensitive skin is lactic acid. It’s the most gentle and hydrating of all the AHAs and has additional brightening benefits.

AND MY FAVORITE EXFOLIATORS ARE...

My Lueur Facial treatment is my favorite! But for home exfoliation, I like Luzern Micro-Exfoliant because it does a great job removing dead skin cells without irritating or drying the protective layer of skin. For extremely dry skin, you can add a few drops of oil into this creamy cleansing scrub. For dry lips I like to make my own scrub with organic manuka honey and sugar to polish off dry skin and hydrate afterwards with Kjaer Weis' The Lip Balm.

CLEANSERS

Winter's a great time to switch to milky, creamy cleansers if you have normal, combination, or dry skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, try an oil-based cleanser formulated specifically for breakout-prone skin. It’s essential to choose a formula designed for problem skin to prevent your skin from breaking out.

AND MY FAVORITE CLEANSERS ARE...

I love the uniqueness of CIRCCELL Geothermal Clay Cleanser. Don't be afraid of the word "clay" even if you have dry skin—this product was specifically designed to perform in dry climates, and leaves the skin feeling hydrated.

SERUMS

After cleansing, apply a serum targeted for your specific skin condition. If you use an oil, make sure to either mix it into your moisturizer, or apply your moisturizer on top. This locks in the moisture from the oil, preventing dehydration. (Remember: oil dissolves oil.)

AND MY FAVORITE SERUMS ARE...

I love winter serums with hyaluronic acid, which helps with dehydration and the look of fine lines by plumping the skin. Luzern Absolute Rehydrate Serum contains hyaluronic acid and instantly plumps dehydrated, flaky skin. I also like CIRCCELL Extraordinary Face Oil, applied directly to the skin or mixed into my moisturizer.

MOISTURIZE

You can't forget about your post-serum moisturizer. It'll seal in the hydrating serum, and protect your skin from cold weather and wind. After you apply your moisturizer, make sure to wear sunscreen—even when it's cloudy and cold and the sun feels like a distant memory!

AND MY FAVORITE MOISTURIZERS ARE...

I like to use a pre-moisturizer—my favorite is Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator. I love Luzern Force de Vie Creme Luxe for a winter moisturizer, and January Labs Advanced Eye Cream to hydrate the eye area without a heavy, greasy feel. And because it's extra important to keep your hands moisturized in the winter, I recommend using Tata Harper's Rejuvenating Hand Cream overnight. It'll leave your hands deeply nourished.

AN EXTRA STEP

To keep your skin looking plump and dewy, add a hydrating mask to your skincare ritual. Another way to increase hydration is by using a humidifier in your bedroom, increasing moisture in the air. This is a great remedy for those with oily, acne-prone skin who don’t want to buy a rich moisturizer that could potentially lead to breakouts.

Image via CIRCCELL's Instagram

READ THIS NEXT

Check out Allison's guide to sensitive skin and how to calm it down. Plus: CB Founder Robin recommended the best face oils for winter.

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