Winter can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry skin, flaky patches, dry or even burning sensations? Girl, we have all been there. Over time, our skin begins to lose its natural moisture and lipid barrier due to natural aging and progression, so it is our duty to give it some extra TLC to keep our skin looking youthful all year long!

Ask yourself, in the middle of the day, if you do not apply a thick layer of moisturizer… how does your skin actually feel? Do you feel tight and uncomfortable all over? Are some areas flaking off, due to dead skin and lack of skin cell turnover? Does your makeup tend to collect and almost grip to specific areas of the face? Do you ever struggle with your skin “drinking” your foundation into it by the end of the day?

Lack of proper hydration may be a huge proponent as to why you are struggling with your skin. First things first, consider how much actual water you consume on a daily basis. Are you getting atleast the required minimum amount of ounces for you? (Dependent on which resource you utilize, the suggested minimum is 8-14 cups of water daily). When your skin is dehydrated, it is important to begin working from the inside out and implementing extra water. I always encourage my bridal clients to opt out of the night before celebrations, get a good night’s rest, and drink plenty of water, while avoiding coffee and alcohol that will potentially cause you to become dehydrated.

Next, you should be using a cleanser that effectively cleans the skin without stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier. An amazing option that I use to melt away my long-wear makeup is the Cleansing Balm (link here) from Beautycounter. In addition to working hard for you, it is never hard on you. This amazing little gem can be used overnight as a sleep-in moisture mask, or also used to calm down eczema or even diaper rash.

Toning the skin is crucial to ensuring your skin is in balance and prepped for your treatment options, I recommend the Countermarch Hydra-Gel Radiance Toner (link here). Apply two pumps to a reusable cotton pad, and sweep over the skin after cleansing to remove any residual toxins or pollutants and prep your skin for exfoliation and serums.

For exfoliation, I used to be a firm believer in the power of a scrub. As I age, my skin changes, and I develop new sensitivities – I have learned that I much prefer using an overnight chemical exfoliator. With powerful enzymes that will increase cell turnover, a chemical peel is the answer we have all been searching for. I can tell when I skip out on the Overnight Resurfacing Peel (link here) because my skin is just not the same. The Overnight Resurfacing Peel does a phenomenal job of helping to even out my skin tone, increasing luminosity, and minimizing lines and texture. I recommend this to all of my clients as an addition to their current regimen to amp up their results.

Treatment options are vast and you can truly select whatever corrective products you need, there is something for everyone! For customers that struggle with dryness, I recommend a serum that focuses on hydration and also something that creates a plumpness to the skin. I enjoy using the Intense Moisture Serum (link here) morning and night as a final prep step before my moisturizers. Think of it as pushing the serum deep into the skin’s layers, and then in turn, locking in the benefits by applying a moisturizer.

Eye cream, please, please, please invest in an amazing eye cream! In your younger years, a hydrating eye cream is usually sufficient – I really enjoy using the Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream (linked here) on all of my clients because it is safe, gentle, and adds an amazing level of hydration without ever being too heavy. If you have issues with your concealer creasing or moving around, incorporating a great eye cream may be part of the answer to your prayers! I highly recommend this to everyone I chat with.

Finally, the cherry on top of the sundae – moisturizers. I recommend oil-free formulations that take advantage of hyaluronic acid and other natural hydrators. Your daily (morning) moisturizer should offer protection against environmental stressors and even SPF. Yes, during the winter you do still need to use SPF. Environmental stressors and UVA/UVB rays can actually accelerate the signs and rate of the aging process. I highly recommend the Countermatch Adaptive Moisturizing Lotion (link here) to use during the day. This moisturizer is light-weight and offers a custom approach to your skin care. By utilizing custom adaptation technologies, the Countermatch Adaptive Lotion gives your skin just what it needs throughout the day and never leaves the skin oily or uncomfortable! In the evenings, I like to use the Countermatch Recovery Sleeping Cream (link here) to take advantage of the skin’s natural regeneration process! This cream offers a thicker consistency, but never clogs the pores and it helps lock in added hydration to refresh your skin for the day to come! On days when the Minnesota weather is extra awful, I will even use this guy during the day for an extra moisture boost! So good.

You can probably tell by the end of this blog post that I’m a bit biased when it comes to skincare. I discovered by Beautycounter products, and I will probably never go back to my other favorite brands, that being said – finding skincare that works for you, your budget, and your lifestyle are also key components. If you have used these products before and you’re looking for something else, still reach out! I would love to help you find something that works for you!