Just when you think you have you skincare routine mastered (in the summer months), winter comes by and knocks you out of sync. In 2017 I decided to take full control of my skincare collection and routine by establishing a solid routine and what my staples would be. I came to learn a number of things.
Some of my concerns during winter:
- I experience dry eyelids (both top and bottom)
- Around my mouth needs much more moisture
- A serum is a must for me to maintain hydration
- My lips need extra moisture with a lip oil
- My face prefers projects with a gel consistency
- Toner is my skins guilty pleasure in any weather
- A gel SPF can work wonders as my skin
- I made a few changes since 2017, however during the pandemic I chose to simplify my skincare routine and I have now identified my skincare staples. My 9 step skincare routine is based on my oily-combination skin. These staples work for me on a daily basis and here's why.
Pre-Cleanser
Depending on how oily your skin is or how much debris you gather during sleep, you my need to pre-cleanse your skin before using a cleanser. This is to avoid trapped oils, dirt or sweet that may have been accumulated. Ensure your pre-cleanser is of a balm consistency, to avoid over stripping. It is the winter so we want to maintain as much hydration as possible. My skin is oily and I recommend these pre-cleansers.
Gentle Cleanser
Reach for a cleanser that cleans your skin though roughly and has a gentle to mild consistency. You want the cleanser to foam up, however when placed on you skin does not feel like it immediately dries you out. A great way to test this out is to move your face around, does it feel tight? if yes, this cleanser may not be suitable for winter, if no, you have found the right one. The emphasis of the term 'gentle' but 'thorough' is very necessary for a successful routine. See my recommended cleansers.
Gel, Sheet and Balancing Mask
Traditionally when we think of masks, what comes to mind are makes have offer clay and/or tightening properties. Gel, sheet and balancing masks, provide a relaxing experiences that are friendly and not harsh. I enjoy using all 3 as may categories which fall under these. From rejuvenating and renewing, to hydrating and brightening, this category is endless. See my recommended masks.
Bead Friendly Scrub
Scrubs are so beneficial for your skin. So much so that not just any scrub should be applied for your skin. Dead skin will always be a subject matter because we all have it. Renewing the skin to maintain a bright and clear complexion is always necessary, even in the winter. An alternative to a beaded scrub for people with extra sensitive skin is a microfoliant. See my recommended scrubs and microfoliants.
Balancing Toner
Being mindful when it comes to overstripping the skin matters in the summer matters just as much as it does in the winter. My routine is in need of a toner regardless of the season as I have oily skin. The importance of a toner that cleans, balances and restores the skins PH levels, without leaving residue is so important to any skin routine. This approach allows products to work to their maximum capacity. See my recommended face toners.
Rich Eye-Cream
Eye-creams come in different consistency, however as we are on the subject matter of the winter time a rich eye cream is more weighted. This weight in an eye-cream is beneficial as we wish to replenish the dryness that winter influences as well as wanting to provide our standard level of hydration in this area. See my recommended eye-creams.
Concentrated Serum
Serums are a holy grail, simply because they set the tone and base for a moisturiser. It took me a while join the serum club simply because i wish to find one that greatly matches my skin, vs trend led. My learning from a serums are that they should target a specific concern, benefit or include an ingredients. Examples include hyperpigmentation, complexion, repairing collagen etc. ingredients offering hydration, that include hyaluronic acid, latic acid etc. See my recommended serums for day and night.
Hydrating Moisturiser
When it comes to moisture, it is definitely expected to do what it says on the tin, which it to offer moisture. Hydrating moisturisers are often more water, based and are made a specific type of formula. The importance to look for both moisture and hydration in a moisturiser caves skincare a journey of success. Taking into account that we need to drink water in order to have our body fully function and our skin radiating, it is the same for what we apply to our skin. See my recommended hydrating moisturisers for day and night.
SPF
The formula which seals the deal, making our skincare investments completely worth it, (an SPF). Wearing sunscreen is imperative, as it protects us from experience sunburn and damaging uv rays. Most importantly helps preventing skin issues and the development of hyperpigmentation. See my most recommended SPF.
