We’re deep in the snow up here in the North East which means one thing and one thing only for me: Dry Skin. The air is dry, we’re outside shoveling, the heat is pumped up drying out the house, and my skin is full of scales and cracks. The one good thing after having dry winter skin all these years is that I’ve gotten a pretty good system of affordable products. And in honor of Winter Skin Relief Day this weekend, I’m sharing my top products for keeping your skin moisturized or save it from the cold weather cracks.
A quick disclaimer, I am not an esthetician or dermatologist. If you’re experiencing severe skin issues, please speak to a professional!
This post contains affiliate links to items I use and love. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I make a small commission. Your clicks support this blog and this dog, we both thank you!
Stay Clean
Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser
I use Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser for my face, and I only use it every other day. Crazy, I know, but stick with me. I still wash my face once a day, and I use a makeup remover if I’m wearing any. Using any face wash too frequently kills my skin. Using the foam-free version of Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser is key as well, it has fewer surfactants. Surfactants cause the foamy lather in soaps, which aids in removing product, but can also remove too many oils from your skin, which can give you a dry feeling. Foam-free face washes don’t have those bubbles, making them easier on your skin!
Morning Routine Essentials
La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Sunscreen forever and for always y’all! I don’t care that its winter and you’re working inside, always start your morning routine with an SPF. I love La Roche Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, but it’s definitely pricier, one of the few expensive items in my routine. For a super budget-friendly alternative, the Up & Up Morning Lotion is a great alternative.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil was the first “real” product I incorporated into my skin routine. I needed more moisture and wanted a little shine in my minimal summer makeup routine. In the winter though, this oil is essential in my morning routine is a fantastic way to get a little bit of moisture in first thing, without being slimy all day. I also use this a lot for dry patches that need a quick, light spot treatments. I love the Rosehip Oil from The Ordinary, it’s cheap, it’s light, and it feels good on the skin.
Combat Chapped Lips
Aquaphor
Don’t buy into the overpriced, fancy schmancy lip balms. Aquaphor is queen! It’s cheap, it comes in every possible size, and it works amazing. This bottle is different packaging than I have, but it the same great product!
Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment
There are plenty of lip treatments and masks and scrubs out there. Personally, I can’t justify spending $20+ on basically fancy chapstick. The Burt’s Bees Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment is super affordable, just $9 for a jar, and there’s plenty of product in there to last a long time.
Nighttime Routine
Pond’s Dry Skin Cream
The key to a good strong moisturizing routine is ending your routine with a nice thick moisturizer. I love Pond’s Dry Skin Cream, it’s thick, it’s not heavily scented, and it’s super affordable. Only thing I would recommend, look for a pump or scoop for the jar. This is better than just using your fingers to scoop it out, as it prevents bacteria from getting into the cream itself.
Seal it in with Slugging
Petroleum Jelly
Slugging is the slimy K-Beauty skincare gift that keeps on giving! Popularized recently by Charlotte Palermino of Dieux Skin, slugging is the concept of sealing in all your skincare products overnight with an occlusive, often petroleum jelly. This method is designed for people with dry skin. Layering the thick product over top prevents transepidermal water loss, keeping moisture in your skin. Learn more about slugging here. I slug three days a week once the weather gets dry using Up & Up Petroleum Jelly not too often to block your pores for so long, and hand to god, I wake up with velvety skin.
Skincare is such a personal journey, but I always appreciate learning more and getting opinions from others with similar skin. What are your best tips to healthy skin in this dry weather? Let me know if you’ve used any of these products and what you think of them!
