As much as I’ve grown to love winter this season, I can’t say I care for what it does to my skin. While typically my skin is combination/dry, in the winter it’s dry at best. On the worst day, my face is peeling like a reptile. I’m assuming I can’t be the only one dealing with this so wanted to share what’s been good for my skin during the winter months. Oh, and my very first skin related freak out. Read on for the beauty horror story with a happy ending…
Body lotion is an absolute must for me in winter. Without it, my legs get ashy, flaky, and uncomfortably bone dry. Because I’ve heard good things about applying body moisturizer while your body is still somewhat wet, I’ve started using this method. And I feel like there’s some truth to it…I have found the body lotion absorbs better and lasts longer. As opposed to getting sucked in like a sponge where I need to keep lathering it on. I still really like the EOS body lotion while the Philosophy body mousse is a new favourite.
In an effort to stay as health conscious as I can, I’ve been really wanting to ditch the aluminum based antiperspirant in favour of a natural deodorant. I have a natural mint deodorant that I use but I prefer the LoveFresh Moroccan Rose based on the scent. While I haven’t quite made the switch to natural deodorant only yet, for those days when I work from home I opt for the natural deodorant hands down.
Altho a word of warning to anyone thinking of trying natural deodorant: you need to know that the first few times when using it you will be stank. Not even stink but stank. You will probably find yourself asking if it’s even possible to smell that bad…Yes, it is but this does improve in a couple of weeks. I assume the body goes through a detox from using a chemical-based antiperspirant to a natural alternative.
Dr. Hauschka’s rose nurturing body wash smells lovely and plays into my rose obsession perfectly.
The captivating rose fragrance is pleasant in itself while the formula nourishes my dry skin. To get the most out of a moisturizing body wash, make sure to use a loofah to exfoliate dead skin cells prior to lathering up.
Let’s move onto the face now shall we? A few weeks ago I got in front of the mirror to do my makeup and completely freaked out…I noticed my first ever dark spot! While I’ve heard of these things I have never actually had to deal with hyperpigmentation before. You’d think having had severe acne as a teenager, and now dealing with aging skin in itself I’d be spared the dark spots…but no. No such luck.
I tried not to panic while attempting to cover the dark spot underneath my left eye with concealer. But it wasn’t going anywhere. Much to my shock even with MAC concealer, the holy grail of concealers, it was still there….just faded. What was throwing me off most about the whole thing is that it’s the middle of winter. There’s no sun. So how and where does this dark spot aka sun spot come from? (Probably all the years of sun worshipping…I mean abuse, finally rearing its ugly head).
Sigh. Acceptance finally kicked in. Skin ages and becomes damaged. I had also fallen out of my usual skincare routine ever since we moved. A factor which could have contributed to the situation. Immediately I had to revive my skincare routine. I unpacked whatever was left of my Vichy Idéalia line as well as a few other products.
The timing of this happened to coincide well with attending Vichy’s LiftActiv launch. The LiftActiv line was created to nourish and restore dry skin, so it was perfect for me. But most notably, at the event I had the opportunity to speak to Natalie about my particular skin concern. In speaking to her she suggested I try the radiance activating night peeling care from the Idéalia line. Using the night peeling care takes a bit of commitment and so I vowed to use it regularly.
That being said my current winter skincare routine for dry skin involves cleansing my face with a moisturizing cleanser. (Whereas typically in the summer I opt for a more deep cleansing cleanser.) Followed with Vichy LiftActiv cream, and in the evening time I have been consistent with the peeling care and am happy to report that the dark spot underneath my left eye is almost all gone! However would you believe me if I told you a few days ago one appeared underneath my right eye?! But it’s ok, this time I’m not panicking because I have a solution – just need to stick with my bedtime routine.
Also, if you’re on a budget then the Body Shop Vitamin E lotion is a great face moisturizer for dry skin too. And in case you are wondering about the soap, lately I’ve been buying bee pollen soaps only.
How does your skin behave in the winter? Let me know if you have any great recommendations for dry skin, I would love to hear ’em. For those of you who’d like to shop this post, I’ve linked the items below.