I recently met with green beauty expert and seasoned esthetician, Andrea Spaulding, to collect her top tips for combatting dry winter skin. I'm excited to share some of my findings with you (see below). No matter what, Spaulding recommends picking a routine and sticking to it to see the results you want because "without a routine, your skin will consistently be guessing what will be on it, become unsettled or possibly irritated." Oh, and to wash for at least 60 seconds!
1. Avoid toners containing alcohol or witch hazel These two ingredients can be incredibly drying and they can strip your skin of natural barriers. Instead, opt for hydrating toners and/or those infused with florals and gems, such as Glo Regenerative Hydrosol/Toner. Be sure to check the ingredient list and avoid anything that contains parabens, a commonly used preservative linked to endocrine disruption and cancer.
2. Incorporate a hydrating serum into your routine at least once each day Spaulding recommends adding a hydrating serum to your routine in the winter months. If you also use an anti-aging serum, use that one at night and the hydrating one in the morning. For extra hydration, use the hydrating serum both morning and night. Beautycounter's Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum contains two forms of hyaluronic acid, one of the most effective hydrating ingredients out there.
3. Opt for cream or "milk" cleansers instead of gel cleansers (unless you are acne-prone) Gel cleansers tend to be more drying and better for oily or acne prone skin. There are many great cream or milk based cleansers on the market, but I have an affinity towards Beautycounter's new Countermatch Pure Calm Cleansing Milk . Whatever you choose, be sure to watch out for "fragrance" on the ingredient list. This is a big no-no in my book because "fragrance" can often contain upwards of 100 different chemicals that do not have to be disclosed under current FDA (lack of) regulations!
4. Exfoliate your face AND your body Spaulding recommends exfoliating your face and decollate twice each week. Be sure to choose an exfoliator that uses safer exfoliants, such as jojoba beads, like this one, or poppy seeds. For your body, she recommends dry brushing, which is not only exfoliating, but also has incredible health benefits. I like this one from Amazon. Sugar scrubs, such as this lemongrass one (my fave), or coffee scrubs are also recommended for sloughing off dry skin.
5.Opt for a hydrating mask over a clay based mask While incredibly effective at removing toxins, clay and charcoal masks can be extra drying for already dry skin. Continue use of a clay/charcoal based mask if you are acne prone or oily. If you have combination skin or breakout in certain areas, use the clay mask on those areas or as a spot treatment. Spaulding's new favorite hydrating mask is the Mint Poppy Seed Polish from Sorella Apothecary.
6. Always use an SPF, even in the winter
Sun protection is a must for Spaulding no matter the season or weather. Beautycounter's Dew Skin with SPF 20 is my go-to for daily protection. For a stronger SPF, Spaulding recommends Super Goop's Setting Mist with SPF 50. Simply spray on top of your makeup and, voila, sun protection complete. Be sure to choose non-chemical SPF filters, such as zinc oxide, and avoid their toxic and reef harming counterparts - oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Pictured: Esthetician, Andrea Spaulding, and me at our recent meeting in Bozeman.
For more tips from Spaulding, be sure to follow her on Instagram @the_montanagirl. You may also submit questions to me and we can include them in our next live video collaboration!