I know that this post is slightly different than some of my other ones, but I think that taking care of yourself is too important not to cover! And Winter is mean to our skin, so I thought I would share my winter skin care tips with you!

It is quickly getting colder and while that means late night cuddles, hot tea, and all things pumpkin spice, it also means dry skin.

During the winter, your skin dries out, and if you continue with your usual summer skin care routine, you might be causing even more damage to your skin. Dry skin can lead to clogged pores, redness, uneven skin tones, flaky skin, wrinkles and more. 

That is why it is important to have a winter skin care routine as well as a summer one. 

Personally, I like my winter skin care routine better than my summer one. I just feel like I give my skin more attention in the winter, and it rewards me with a warm glow. 

There are many products out there that can help you combat against dry, winter skin, but you want to make sure that the products you are using are safe for your skin. Some things that you want to avoid in your winter skin care products are:

• Petroleum
• Parabens
• Synthetics
• Mineral oil

Personally, I like to make as much of my own products as I can, but some things I am just not capable of. However, I have found some products that I have added to my winter skin care collection because they are just too good not to use. 

Here are some tips for keeping your skin happy this winter…

Cleanse

Cleaning you skin is always important! Cleaning your skin allows you to get rid of dead skin cells and hydrate your skin. In the winter, washing your face in the morning and right before bed will make your face super happy! 

Choosing the right cleanser is important as well. You want to choose a hydrating cleanser and not one that is going to dry your skin out. Avoid acne cleansers during the winter as these are known to contain chemicals that can dry your skin out.

I love this, Soy Face Cleanser from Fresh! Not only is it gentle on your skin, perfect for winter, it is only $15! 

Exfoliating

When people think about exfoliating, they usually think about the face and that is it. Well, I am about to change your life and introduce you to full body exfoliating. 

In the winter, you want to exfoliate a little bit more than you do in the summer, but not too much more. Exfoliating too much can dry out your skin, which is what you are trying to avoid. However, exfoliating can remove dead skin cells, dry patches, and open your pores, which is important during the winter. 

Okay, so what is full body exfoliating, just want it sounds like. There are many ways that you can exfoliate your body, my personal favorite are my exfoliating gloves. I just slip these bad boys on, add soap, and rub. It leaves me feeling extra clean and my skin is so, so soft! 

Exfoliating before you shave can also help you to get a cleaner shave! 

As for the Exfoliator, you want to make sure that it is a gentle one. I love this one from Aveeno! Or you can make this one yourself. If your have naturally dry skin, I would test this product before you add it to your routine as the witch hazel might make your dry skin worse.

Moisturize Ya Face Queen! (or King)

This is my number one tip to you. If you do nothing else from this post, at least moisturize. 

During the winter, lotion is your best friend! The winter air dries out your skin and leaves it dry and prone to cracking, which is not fun. Simply lathering some lotion on your skin after you shower, or really whenever you need it, will change your skins life during the winter. 

Moisturizing in or at least 5 minutes after you shower is the best time because it allows your skin to keep in some of the moisture from your shower. Personally, I love putting my body lotion on in the shower and then I apply my face lotion later. 

I mix a traditional body lotion with aloe for a little extra protect from the harsh winter air, it also gives my skin a slight glow.

Those are my top three tips for keeping your skin happy during the winter, but I thought I would leave you with a few more quick tips for the winter.

1. Skip the hot showers – instead take a warm shower or a nice long warm bath. 
2. Don’t forget about your hands and feet! 
3. Bundle up – when you go out make sure you cover up your mouth, nose and ears. You might look a little silly, but your skin will thank you!
4. Drink more water! 
5. Use Sunscreen – if you don’t want to listen to me, listen to the experts.
6. Avoid licking your lips – licking your lips makes them worse, instead just apply some chap stick to them. 
7. Once a week, treat yourself to a gentle face mask, you deserve it!